Sergeant Duane "Baz" Barwood, 41, who was attached to 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, Royal Air Force, 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 in Oxfordshire, 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 by all those who knew him. 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, who was based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, 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 on the base.

Group Captain Malcolm Brecht, officer commanding RAF Brize Norton, said: "An enthusiastic, loyal and dedicated member of the RAF, he was a willing volunteer for his tour of duty on operations in Iraq. A caring and diligent man, with a larger-than-life personality, Sgt Barwood was admired and respected by all those he led."

Group Captain Mike Wigston, commander of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, recalled the airman's "mischievous delight" at solving the unusual technical problems that regularly cropped up in Basra. "His infectious pleasure at resolving these problems was recognised by us all and had a huge impact on morale," he said.