Tributes to Fife-born wing commander

KIRKCALDY-BORN James To m s , a n R A F w i n g c o m m a n d e r, h a s d i e d suddenly in Oman.

He had been seconded to the Royal Oman Air Force to assist in drawing up procedures for the operation of ROAF maritime patrol aircraft.

James spent three years with the ROAF and returned to the UK in January 2021.

A keen Raith Rovers and Liverpool fan, he had settled down after work in Oman to watch the Nottingham Forest against Liverpool evening game on March 20.

His father Peter, originally from Liverpool, said that when his son did not turn up for a meeting the next day, colleagues visited his accommodation and found him deceased.

James, who was 55, had spent 38 years in the RAF and was due to retire in three years.

James was brought up i n Kirkcaldy by his parents Peter and Christine Toms.

Peter said: “James deployed on three tours of duty in Northern Ireland as well as service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Hong Kong,

Naples and Brussels but did not speak much of what his duties entailed or activities he experienced.

“James was a very modest man who enjoyed travelling during his time off to places such as Hawaii, the United States and the Far East.

“James will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends in the service and worldwide.”

James Toms