An airman from RAF Brize Norton, who was recently commended for his bravery, has died in a rocket attack in Iraq.

He was named today as Sergeant Duane "Baz" Barwood, 41, who was attached to 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, Royal Air Force. He was killed when Basra air base came under fire on Friday evening.

He was the 175th British military casualty in Iraq since hostilities began in March 2003.

Sgt Barwood, from Carterton, leaves behind his wife Sharon and two daughters, Leanna and Rebecca.

His family paid tribute to a "much-loved husband, father and friend".

They said in a statement: "Baz will be greatly missed.

"He was a very proud and dedicated member of the RAF who gave his life for the job he loved.

"Baz cared about helping others around him - shown by his voluntary work as a first responder for the ambulance service.

"His caring nature was shown in his family, social and service life. Baz lived life to the full and will never ever be forgotten."

Sgt Barwood joined the RAF in 1985 as a regiment gunner and later became a motor transport driver.

His senior officers spoke of his "strong judgment and exceptional courage" in fulfilling his duties as the airfield motor transport officer at Basra air base.

He was recently commended for his bravery in dealing with the aftermath of a serious rocket attack.

Group Captain Malcolm Brecht, officer commanding RAF Brize Norton, said: "A caring and diligent man, with a larger-than-life personality, Sgt Barwood was admired and respected."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I am deeply saddened by the death of such a brave and exceptional leader.

"The tributes from his colleagues are testament to his courage and popularity. My thoughts are with Sergeant Barwood's family, friends and colleagues."

Sgt Barwood was the first British serviceman to die in Iraq this year.

There have been relatively few fatalities since troops withdrew from a base at Basra Palace to the city's airport in September.