Wycombe Marine dies in Afghanistan plane crash

9:58am Tuesday 5th September 2006

ROYAL Marine Joseph Windall from Hazlemere has been named as one of the servicemen to die in the Nimrod MR2 aircraft crash in Afghanistan on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, from Lowfield Way, was one of 14 Britons killed when the surveillance plane went down near Kandahar.

Joseph, or Joe as he was known, had been serving for three years, and had been based in Poole.

He grew up in New Road, Tylers Green and went to Tylers Green First and Middle schools and later Holmer Green Upper School. His mum Phillippa moved to Hazlemere two years ago and his dad Joseph moved to Marlow.

He also leaves behind his sister, Marie.

The cause of the crash is still a mystery.

The Ministry of Defence has launched a full investigation into what brought down the spy plane, although claims by Taliban fighters that they shot it down have been rubbished.

The servicemen were carrying out reconnaissance work to support Operation Medusa, a push by NATO and Afghan army forces to clear the area of Taliban fighters.

Nimrod spy planes can take pictures from 30,000 feet in the air.

Former teachers pay tribute TRIBUTES have been paid to Royal Marine Joseph Windall from Hazlemere, who was killed in a plane crash in Afghanistan.

The 22-year-old died along with 12 RAF men and a Paratrooper when their Nimrod MR2 spy plane crashed near Kandahar air base on Saturday.

It appears the plane suffered a major malfunction before it crashed.

The Taliban claimed its militia shot down the aircraft but RAF crash investigators have already ruled that out.

It was the British forces' worst single death toll in action since the Falklands War.

Joseph, known as Joe, was born and brought up in Tylers Green and lived in New Road until two years ago.

His mother Pip lives in Lowfield Way, Hazlemere.

His father Joe and older sister Marie are also devastated by his loss.

He went to Holmer Green Senior School until 2000.

David Gilbert, headteacher of the school paid tribute to a "lovely-natured boy".

He said: "Joe left Holmer Green Senior School in 2000, which was before my time here, but longer serving members of staff remember him as real character, a lovely-natured boy and a role model for younger pupils.

"He had a real love of art and drama and often took a leading role in school productions.

"Joe was a prefect and a member of the school basketball team.

"It was always his ambition to join the Royal Marines and he was very proud to have been able to do so.

"His death is a tragedy and the thoughts of everyone at the school will be with his family, to whom we offer our sincerest condolences."

Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, said: "I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades." He added: "This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing.

"We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.

"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.

"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.

"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf across the world every day."