Most of the men were based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland Enlarge Image

RAF Kinloss and the families of those who died chose to mark the occasion privately.

Prayers were said at the normal services in St Columba's and St Mary's churches on the base.

The station commander, Group Capt Jerry Kessell, said: "One year on, we feel the loss just as greatly."

He added: "Our thoughts and prayers are very much with the families of those suffering from the loss of such a great bunch of guys."

Our lives will never be the same, a void will always remain Families' statement

In a statement, the families said: "It is very hard to believe that one year has passed.

"The pain is still as deep, we all miss such a wonderful group of men whose lives were tragically robbed on the ill-fated Nimrod XV230.

"Our lives will never be the same, a void will always remain. They will never be forgotten and we cherish our very precious memories."

The victims included Sgt Ben Knight, from Bridgwater in Somerset.

'Very proud'

His father Graham, who travelled to Kinloss to mark the anniversary, said: "We have cried every day since the accident and I don't think we will ever come to terms with losing Ben.

"He was so full of life, he always made us laugh and he had an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

"Ben was 25 years old when he was killed - we are thankful and very proud to have spent those years with him."

The 11 other RAF personnel killed were Flt Lt Steven Johnson, Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore, Flt Lt Gareth Rodney Nicholas, Flt Lt Allan James Squires, Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick, Flt Sgt Gary Wayne Andrews, Flt Sgt Stephen Beattie, Flt Sgt Gerard Martin Bell and Flt Sgt Adrian Davies, Sgt John Joseph Langton and Sgt Gary Paul Quilliam.

L/Cpl Oliver Simon Dicketts from the Parachute Regiment and Royal Marine Joseph David Windall also perished.

A fuel leak is thought to have been responsible for the Nimrod crash.