The bodies of nine RAF servicemen and one soldier killed when their Hercules transport aeroplane crashed near Baghdad on Iraq’s election day will be returned to Britain today.

The Princess Royal and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon will be among those attending a repatriation ceremony at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, an air force spokesman said.

A C17 plane carrying the servicemen’s bodies is due to land at the base at 12.45pm, ahead of the 90-minute ceremony at 1.30pm, Wing Commander Jules Eaton said.

Bearers will unload the 10 coffins from the aircraft and transfer them to waiting hearses, he added.

The Hercules crashed on January 30. Those killed from 47 Squadron, based at RAF Lyneham, were Flight Lieutenant David Stead, 35, the captain of the flight; Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, 25, the co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel, 35, the navigator; Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, 42; and Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, 34.

From the Engineering Wing, RAF Lyneham, were Chief Technician Richard Brown, 40, Sergeant Robert O’Connor, 38, and Corporal David Williams, 37.

Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall, 39, was a staff officer serving with Headquarters Strike Command in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

The tenth man, a soldier, was Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones, 25, who served with the Royal Corps of Signals.

Wing Commander Eaton said: "It is extremely poignant that today’s ceremony is being held at RAF Lyneham as the majority of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident served or had served here.

"We are deeply saddened by their loss but are extremely proud and feel very privileged to be able to bring our friends and colleagues to their home base.

"Their families are being offered every support on this difficult day and our highest priority is their well-being. Support will continue for as long as they require it.

"Every effort has been made to ensure that today’s events are a dignified and solemn homecoming. This is not a memorial service, it is a homecoming."

Princess Anne will meet the families of the dead after the ceremony, he added. "We are very grateful to our Honorary Air Commodore, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for being here today. Her support to the station is always appreciated."

The officer said RAF Lyneham was also grateful for all the support it had received, particularly the "many messages from the general public".

The families of those killed will have the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones before David Masters, the Wiltshire Coroner, oversees the transfer of the coffins to Great Western Hospital in Swindon for formal identification to take place.

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