Tributes to young RAF corporal who died in tragic crash
COLLEAGUES SAY HE WAS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL AND TALENTED
TRIBUTES have poured in following the tragic death of a young Lincolnshire RAF corporal. RAF Coningsby announced that Corporal Liam Proudley, who was described as “an outstanding professional”, died in a crash on Monday, April 29.
Liam’s first unit was at RAF Wittering in 2015 where he was part of the Mechanical Transport section and while there, he also met his future wife, Hannah. In 2018, he fulfilled his ambition of driving trucks in convoys across Europe.
Liam arrived at RAF Coningsby in 2023 and, due to his experience, was given an important role of mentoring personnel who were fresh out of training. During the Typhoon Display Season, he was responsible for leading a team of young drivers across Europe to Poland and was soon promoted to corporal given his standout qualities as an aviator.
Remaining at RAF Coningsby, Liam was moved into the demanding role of MT Control, responsible for coordinating and assigning personnel to task.
Squadron Leader A-J Littlefield, Officer Commanding Logistics Squadron, RAF Coningsby, said: “Liam was a compassionate aviator with unwavering dedication, a truly professional and committed Logistician.
“Recently promoted to corporal, his calm presence and remarkable interpersonal skills made him the focal point of MT Control on the Logistics Sqn, where he tirelessly extended himself to aid and support others across the whole of RAF Coningsby. He will be sadly missed by his colleagues, friends and the rest of the RAF wide Logistics community as an outstanding professional with a great sense of humour.
“As his squadron boss, I know that Liam will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and wife Hannah, at this incredibly difficult time.”
Group Captain Paul O’Grady, RAF Coningsby, Station Commander, said: “Corporal Liam Proudley, friendly, hugely talented, always with a smile on his face and willing to help his colleagues. The thoughts of all of us here at RAF Coningsby are with Liam’s family at this very sad time.
“Liam had completed several tours overseas in the Falklands, Cyprus and the Middle East giving him vast experience and depth of knowledge. His experience, combined with his dedication and commitment, meant that he excelled in his role at MT Control in Logistics Squadron.
“Liam was an outstanding professional with an infectious sense of humour and he was looked up to and respected by all, a great character who will be deeply missed by us all”.
Hundreds of people have responded to the news of Liam’s passing on social media, offering condolences and sharing memories of their time with him.