Lt Col Peter Cameron, Royal Marine pilot who led his commando air squadron during the Falklands war

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Cameron, who has died aged 83, commanded 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron during the Falklands War, when he was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service. Flying in appalling conditions, by day and night, for the first few days they dodged enemy fighters and flew through heavy friendly aircraft fire to support the troops ashore. Two Gazelles were shot down and three aircrew lost their lives while trying to clear the way for larger Sea King helicopters to land Rapier anti-air missiles which were desperately needed ashore to defend the beachhead. But under Cameron’s leadership the BAS pressed on to take desperately needed ammunition to the frontline and to evacuate their casualties, often under enemy ground fire and with the ever-present threat of air attack.