DAVID DOBSONCaptain David Ian Dobson, who died on 6 May, 2006, aged 27, was a pilot in the Army Air Corps serving with 847 Naval Air Squadron.
He was described by his colleagues as an impressive young officer.
He was also a talented sportsman, representing the Army at basketball and playing cricket for the Army Air Corps.
Captain David Ian Dobson, affectionately known as Dobbo by his Squadron, joined the Army in January, 2001. He completed his officer training course at Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Army Air Corps.
In December, 2003, Captain Dobson gained his Lynx helicopter pilot qualification and was posted to Northern Ireland to serve with 5 Regiment Army Air Corps. He received a General Service Medal (NI) for his contribution to the operation.
His tour of Northern Ireland lasted two years. In March, 2006, Captain Dobson joined 847 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, as a Flight Commander of the Air Door Gunner Flight.
He immediately deployed to Iraq.
On 6 May, 2006, Captain Dobson was in travelling in a Lynx Mark helicopter flying low over central Basra to demonstrate the dangers that pilots might face, when it was hit and brought down.
CaptainDobson was killed in the incident that also claimed the lives of four of his colleagues, including the most senior officer to have been killed in the three-year conflict, Wing Commander John Coxen; the first woman to die in the conflict, Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill; Lieutenant Commander Darren Chapman and Marine Paul Collins.
An inquiry into the event concluded the aircraft was shot down by hostile forces. It was the first British military helicopter to be shot down in southern Iraq.
Colonel John McCardle Royal Marines, Commanding Officer Commando Helicopter Force paid tribute to CaptainDobson, saying: "Although only with the Commando Helicopter Force for a short period of time, David had made a most impressive start in 847 NAS.
"Extremely well respected, he approached all his duties with tremendous levels of enthusiasm, displaying a positive attitude and ready cheerfulness."
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