Always a smile and willing to help: RAF Coningsby pays tribute to NCO killed in road accident

Royal Air Force Coningsby has paid tribute to Corporal Liam Proudley, who was killed in a road traffic accident.

"Liam was a compassionate aviator with unwavering dedication, a truly professional and committed Logistician," said Squadron Leader A-J Littlefield, Officer Commanding Logistics Squadron, RAF Coningsby.

Corporal Proudley arrived at his first unit, RAF Wittering, as a Leading Aircraftman in 2015 where he was part of the Mechanical Transport (MT) section and whilst there, he also met his future wife, Hannah.

Sqn Ldr Littlefield continued his tribute saying: "Recently promoted to corporal, his calm presence and remarkable interpersonal skills made him the focal point of MT Control on the Logistics Squadron, 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."

From Wittering to Coningsby

Cpl Proudley continued his service at RAF Wittering as a Senior Aircraftman, joining No 2 MT Squadron in January 2018. There, he fully embraced his duties, realising his ambition of convoying trucks across Europe.

In 2023, he came to RAF Coningsby, leveraging his experience to mentor newly trained personnel both on and off the road.

During the Typhoon Display Season, Cpl Proudley led a team of four young drivers across Europe to Poland, demonstrating exceptional leadership. His outstanding performance led to his promotion to corporal, recognising his skills and dedication.

Remaining at RAF Coningsby, Cpl Proudley took on the challenging role of MT Control, where he effectively coordinated and assigned personnel to tasks.

Always willing to help his colleagues 

Group Captain Paul O'Grady, RAF Coningsby's 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."