Bravery of Ace in Iraq crash
3rd February 2005 08:00hrs GMT
The captain of Hercules plane which crashed in the Iraqi desert on Sunday was acclaimed with a record of flying daring and courageous missions.

Flight Lieutenant David Stead, whose parents live in Burley-in-Wharfedale, was confirmed by Ministry of Defence officials as one of the ten missing presumed dead -- the biggest single loss of life to hit UK forces since military action in Iraq began.

"Steady by name and steady by nature".

He was a typically straight-talking Yorkshireman with a devilish sense of humour and a fine wit, who always insisted on his cup of Yorkshire tea to start the day....

A spokesman said: "Crews always showed a depth of trust and confidence in his captaincy that motivated them to give their all. This ability was never better demonstrated than during the evacuation of a number of seriously injured combat casualties, including children, in Afghanistan. This mission was conducted in appalling flying conditions where no other fixed wing aircraft would fly. On this occasion, his exceptional skill, judgement and physical bravery was directly responsible for saving lives.

"He was a typically straight-talking Yorkshireman with a devilish sense of humour and a fine wit, who always insisted on his cup of Yorkshire tea to start the day. Stead was a wonderful father, husband and aviator and he will be missed by all."