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Acting Sergeant Nathan Tiller - Tribute

Nathan holds his son.

It is with great sadness that the Royal Air Force must confirm that Acting Sergeant Nathan Tiller, an Air Engineering Technician (Avionics) serving with 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, died of natural causes in Limassol, Cyprus, on Saturday 4th December 2021.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Acting Sergeant Tiller. He was a highly valued member of the EAW whose sudden passing has shocked us all. Throughout his deployment with the A400M, he displayed excellent leadership, professionalism and technical expertise. A highly talented and experienced Engineer, he will be missed by all who had the privilege to serve alongside him. I offer my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

Wing Commander Dutch Holland
Commanding Officer, 903 Expeditionary Air Wing

Nathan was a valued and respected engineer of A-Shift, 70 Squadron.  He joined the RAF as a 25-year-old in August 2010.  After completing basic and initial training at DCAE Cosford he was posted to RAF Odiham as a first line avionics engineer on 18/27 Squadron where he developed his hand skills and built his engineering ability on the CH-47 Chinook.  During his time with the Squadron, he deployed all over the world, most notably to Afghanistan as part of the Chinook Immediate Response Team.  Here he was responsible for keeping the aircraft at 24/7 readiness to support Operation HERRICK.

His maturity and natural leadership saw him shine amongst a competitive peer group, leading to him being offered a return to DCAE Cosford in July 2012 after just one year as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic; significantly faster than many of his colleagues.  At DCAE Cosford he successfully completed all phases of the training, achieving distinctions across almost all the engineering modules.

Following his graduation, he was posted to 230 Squadron at RAF Benson where he completed his modern apprenticeship and became responsible for much of the fault diagnosis and rectification of the electrical or avionic systems on the Puma helicopter.  At RAF Benson he was known for being cheery and for trying to laugh his way through the most tedious situations. This work ethic quickly got him noticed as one of the lead avionics engineers, resulting in his subsequent selection to hold the acting rank of Corporal.  He took this extra responsibility in his stride and deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Puma’s Operation TORAL commitment; the British commitment to support NATO’s goal of training and mentoring Afghan Forces.  His team in Kabul enthusiastically reported how Nathan was an enthusiastic fan of all sports that he would enjoy watching with his team.

In July 2017 Nathan joined 70 Squadron to work on the A400M Atlas where, after an intense period of courses, he joined A-Shift in April 2018.  Nathan was a very likeable individual who was popular among his peers and superiors alike.  He proved time and again that he was extremely reliable, able to accomplish any task set with absolute professionalism.  An excellent example of this came during the first lockdown when the national standby aircraft had been scrambled in the early hours to support the NHS evacuating casualties from Shetland.  His command and control allowed the aircraft to depart after just 45 minutes from receiving the call.  These actions were singled out by senior management as being fundamental to the Squadron being able to get the casualties to Aberdeen in record time, thus potentially saving lives.

"Acting Sergeant Nathan Tiller was a talented engineer and stalwart member of 70 Squadron. His passing will be felt widely by all those at RAF Brize Norton who knew him, and the tributes paid by his family and colleagues speak volumes of his contribution to his Squadron and the Royal Air Force.  I extend my condolences to Nathan’s family on behalf of all those serving at RAF Brize Norton."

Group Captain Emily Flynn
Station Commander, RAF Brize Norton

At RAF Brize Norton his natural leadership was regularly shown on the Line Control desk where his calm and intelligent management was well received by his subordinates.  His peers would remark on how Nathan would act as a father figure to them and would naturally assume the role of the 'Avionic Shift Dad,' reflecting his willingness to help his team.  Away from work, Nathan loved to boost his team’s morale by promoting the positive aspects of being in the military, encouraging others to undertake Adventurous Training or try new sports.

"Acting Sergeant Tiller was a proud and professional engineer who played a significant role in the lives of those on 70 Squadron, and across the Air Mobility Wing. He was true gentleman, and a great friend to many and his passing leaves a void in the lives of those left behind. Our condolences go to his partner Katy, their son Elijah and his wider family and friends."

Group Captain Simon Blackwell
Commander Air Wing, RAF Brize Norton

Nathan deployed on operations several times during his career: to Afghanistan on three occasions in 2012, 2015 and in 2016, returning in 2017.  He also deployed to the Falkland Islands in 2018.  His final deployment was with 70 Squadron to RAF Akrotiri in support of Operation SHADER in November this year until his untimely death.

Nathan was a highly competent individual who displayed honesty and integrity throughout his career and his passing is a tragic loss for the Service.  His contribution to the RAF these past 10 years has been a shining example to his juniors, peers and seniors alike and he will be greatly missed.

"Nathan was a dedicated and valued member of 70 Squadron whose witty and human approach earned him the utmost respect from all of us on the Squadron. Nathan was a paternal figure to many leading by example as both a proud father and a highly professional and respected engineer. A huge Arsenal fan, and capable sportsperson, Nathan’s ebullient enthusiasm for sporting participation of any kind was keenly felt, especially if it was for playing golf. Nathan’s loss leaves a large hole in our lives and we send our love and heartfelt condolences to Katy and their son Elijah; they will always be in our thoughts. Fairwinds and clear skies our dear friend and esteemed colleague."

Wing Commander Calvin Bailey
Officer Commanding 70 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton

Rest in Peace Nathan