A SOLDIER who risked his life to save a policeman from a burning helicopter has been killed in a motorbike crash.

Warrant Officer Class Two Wayne Cuckson, 44, died after a collision with a car in Fox Lane, Wootton, near Abingdon, at 4.50pm last Wednesday.

WO2 Cuckson, from Willow Tree Close, Shippon, near Abingdon, was serving with 12 Logistic Support Regiment, part of the Royal Logistics Corps, and was based at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon.

The father-of-one was commended after freeing a wounded police officer from a helicopter shot down by the IRA in Northern Ireland in 1994.

Fuel tanks and ammunition exploded seconds after the rescue.

WO2 Cuckson was presented with the Queen’s Gallantry Medal at Buckingham Palace.

He leaves his wife Wendy and daughter Aimee.

In a statement, his family said: “He was an extremely courageous young man who served his country all over the world with everything he had. The Army was his life.”

WO2 Cuckson, nicknamed Cookie by comrades, came from Retford, in Nottinghamshire.

Jim Lewendon, vice-president of the Royal British Legion in Oxfordshire, said being awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal was a rare honour.

He said: “It is one of the higher awards and never given lightly. He is a hero.

“To receive an award like that, he had to have been exceptionally brave. To lose his life like this is an absolute tragedy – for his family and for the service.”

A military funeral will take place at Retford’s St Swithun’s Church next Thursday.

Ministry of Defence spokes-man Chris Fletcher said: “He had served his country for 22 years. The thoughts of his colleagues at Abingdon Garrison are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

WO2 Cuckson was riding a blue and white Suzuki motorcycle when he was involved in a collision with a black Fiat Punto car.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, where he died of his injuries.

The road was closed for more than three hours while police investigated the accident.

Anyone with information about the crash should call police on 08458 505505 or anonymously on 0800 555111.

  • Wayne Cuckson’s rescue of a policeman from a crashed helicopter was hailed as an act of the utmost bravery.

The Westland Lynx was hit by an IRA mortar bomb while landing at an Army base in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, in 1994.

The helicopter had been hovering 100ft above the helipad before crash-landing.

Three of the crew escaped with minor injuries but a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary was trapped.

The then Corporal Cuckson dragged the police officer out of the damaged and burning helicopter moments before the fuel tank and ammunition exploded.