15771GAZETTE & HERALD: THE best friend of Hercules hero Cpl David Williams paid tribute to a multi-faceted diamond in a poignant tribute at his funeral on Friday.

Cpl Williams, 37, was honoured in a full military service at St Andrew's Church in Chippenham before a committal at Semington Crematorium.

Draped in the Union flag, the coffin was adorned with red roses from his widow, Kathryn, a purple wreath from the RAF and his cap, medals and bayonet.

Paying tribute to his mate, Cpl Simon Lloyd, a fellow survival equipment fitter from RAF Lyneham, said: "All the faces here today have been touched by the warm generosity and kindness that was Dave. He was a diamond.

"A multi-faceted diamond kind, thoughtful, loving and a sense of humour that can never ever be matched. Finally no diamond would be complete without the most shining facets of all. Dave the loving husband, Dave the caring father and Dave my best mate."

The 300-strong congregation heard how Cpl Williams, who lived in Parliament Street, Chippenham, with his wife Kathryn and sons Jack, five, Harry, three, and six-month-old Oliver, was born and grew up in Scotland.

His uncle, Alasdair Williams talked of Cpl Williams as a youngster, spending holidays with his grandparents in Chester, as a Cub Scout, Army cadet and then joining the RAF at 17.

Cpl Williams served in the Falklands, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq before he died in January's Hercules tragedy. Mr Williams said: "Dave was an inspiration to all of us. We'd like to personally thank everyone for the tributes, from the bottom of our hearts."

Cpl Williams, pictured right, an experienced diver and supporter of the RNLI, was described as an outstanding professional, committed to all aspects of his job.

Rev Simon Tatton-Brown said in an address: "Today Dave's body lies beneath the flag of his country; and we who are privileged to be here are proud of him.

"Dave died doing not just what he had to do, but what he wanted to do."

He said when Mrs Williams heard a Hercules had been lost, she telephoned the RAF helpline but there was no news. "But the worst had already happened, and somewhere deep in her heart she feared it might be so," he said.

"One of the truths I hope we shall take away with us from this service is that the world is a much better place for people like Dave for people who commit themselves to others, even when there is a great risk for themselves. Dave didn't talk about the risks and dangers of his calling, though he knew what they were, as every member of the services, and their families, knows at the back of their minds.

"Dave lived for his family. He was a natural dad and loved nothing more than spending time with his sons and wife, taking them out, playing with them, showing them things and sharing his life with them.

"He would mend their toys and take them up to Lyneham to show them the planes."

His coffin was carried from the church by six RAF pall bearers, including Cpl Lloyd.

Mrs Williams followed the coffin carrying the Union flag and her husband's medals, while a cluster of teddy bears from his sons sat on top.

The funeral procession came to a halt outside the church and a crowd of more than 100 people fell silent across Market Place as a Hercules C130K performed a low-level fly past.

After the cremation, a wake was held at the Angel Hotel in Chippenham.