An RAF serviceman killed in a tragic accident at a Moray air base was last night described as “one of the true characters”.
Sergeant Peter Wildman, 49, died when his motorbike collided with a lamppost at RAF Lossiemouth.
The father of three from Elgin was a tireless fund-raiser for charities, who was honoured by the Queen in 1997.
Colleagues said the “extremely popular” IT communications specialist would be sorely missed and his loss was “immeasurable”.
The base’s acting head, Wing Commander Sean Orr, said: “We have all been shocked and saddened by his loss.
“He will be greatly missed on the station, where he was an extremely popular leader.
“We are acutely aware that he leaves behind close family and friends, and the thoughts and prayers of all our personnel go out to them at this most difficult time.”
Sgt Williams joined the Armed Forces almost three decades ago.
A stalwart supporter of a number of charities, it is understood that he had only recently completed his latest fundraising effort for a variety of causes.
While still a junior technician he was singled out in the 1997 New Year’s Honour List and made an MBE.
He qualified as an electrical engineer at the air force’s school at RAF Locking.
Later he served at RAF Akroiri in Cyprus for four years, as well as completing a stint at the Joint Armed Forces’ headquarters in Northwood.
He moved to Moray in October 2011 when he joined the Operations Wing at RAF Lossiemouth.
During his time in the region he played a key role in the ongoing replacement of the Tornado aircraft with the more modern Typhoon jets.
His commanding officer, Flying Officer Bradley Duguid, said: “He was an exceptionally gifted technician and one of the true characters within C4I Squadron.
“His loss to the squadron and the RAF as a whole is immeasurable.
“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends and all those who knew and loved him.”
Squadron Leader Benjamin Dempster said: “Sergeant Wildman quickly gained a reputation for his determination and natural flair for leadership.
“Through his unswerving drive he ably led his projects team, in whom he displayed an abiding pride, during a particularly busy period of transition for the station.
“His untimely death has deeply struck all of us.”
Sgt Wildman was off duty when his red Honda VFR 1200 collided with a lamppost late on Tuesday evening.
Police Scotland, supported by the RAF’s own police force, are currently investigating the accident.