Fat Albert XV 193 27th May 1993

[ExALM]

Where did 15 years go!!!!

Hercules XV 193 crashed on Ex in Northern Scotland 15 long years ago today. All on board were lost to the free bar in the sky.

Raise a glass for the boys.....

RIP Fellas.

[Green Flash]

15 years:eek: Good grief, it seems like only yesterday. I wasn't a million miles from the crash site on the day it happened. RIP.



Link here (http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19930527-0&lang=en)

[Occasional Aviator]

Here's to you Johnny Owen, the first good drinking buddy I lost to aviation.

[matkat]

Here"s one to Al King the Sgt grnd eng on board and a good mate from Leuchars.

[The Gorilla]

To Craig, the biggest man I ever met. Nothings forgotten! :(
TG

[AR1]

Again another to Al King (and indeed all on board) with whom I flew with shortly before.
I remember it well, as I did the tape replay for ATC that evening, there was some initial confusion as to which AC it was.

[matkat]

Also for the Gentleman who confirmed to me that it was the same Al King I knew could not have been easy to write as was not to read I thank you for that so difficult to accept information.
Some bonds can never be broken.

[flipster]

To the whole crew and their families

Lest we forget

Flip

[Grimweasel]

I rasie a glass for 'Beef' Manning the Air Despatcher too. Poor sod took 5 attempts at P Coy to get his Para Wings the tenacious lad that he was!
RIP all. A sad loss; can't believe it was 15 yrs ago :-(

[fergineer]

Terry Gilmore. Hope your behaving yourself up there seems not that long ago we were flying in the same bit of airspace, you in 193 me in Snoopy took me 2 days to find out you were the Eng. I still remember the day we joined up together in 71 and the times we had at Lyneham as groundies. RIP mate keep the glass cool for when I get there.

[WhoAreYa]

Had the pleasure of being on the same OCU crew as Johnny and Graham, top guys. Gone but never forgotten, RIP fellas.

[Follow Me Through]

The date is easy for me to remember as it is my wedding anniversary. Please do not tell her which I remember first! However, knowing that a fine group of individuals had perished makes me choke to remember the thought even now after 15 years. Knowing that they did not get the chance for another beer call, spend time with family and friends or even get the opportunity to start a family makes me work harder to appreciate what little chance we have to really enjoy things. I cannot pretend to believe we can meet again but rest assured you made an impression and your families deserve to hold your memory in the highest esteem. To those still operating -fly safe.

[Alison Conway]

Terry, you are remembered. It seems like yesterday that Sally and I babysat for Christian! Keep the beer on ice, sooner or later we'll swing the light again. Until then, those who still do it - go careful out there.

[kilwhang]

Yes, Fergie, and I remember the times that you, Terry, and I had pleasant times in the 'Trotting Horse'............before both of you became Air Engineers.

RIP Terry and the comrades who perished with you.

[OmegaV6]

Never forgotten ...

http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/warmemscot-post-12834.html

Keep one cold for me Terry

[pma 32dd]

Graham was my Flt Cdr on BFT.........wouldn't have had a career as a pilot if it wasn't for him.......not forgotten.

[C Class]

I had the great pleasure on knowing Al as both SNCO Prinary Team B Line and then teaching him on his GE Course.

C Class

[steveking1993]

Hi All

Thankyou Matkat, AR1 and C Class for your kind comments.

My name is Steven King, son of Al King... When searching the accident I stumbled across this forum, it was very weird, 19 years on to see people speaking of him but it really is so very appreciated. Your comments only confirm those I have heard and been told about my dad over the years.

Thankyou v much

Beers def on ice

[dgaskin154]

Hi Steven,

I too knew your dad from a long time ago on Buccaneers at RAF Honington. Great bloke.

I have a few photos of him then if you would like them.

Dave

[c130jtechie]

Hi Steven

I also knew your Dad very well, a great bloke and a tragic loss.We lived across the road from you and your family at Lyneham and I was on B Line Primary with him before he became a Ground Engineer.

I was on detachment at the time in Canada with the Hercs when the accident happened and it was days before we knew who was on board.

A sense of humour to the end though, if I remember rightly when I attended the funeral the music was White Snake.

All the very best to you and the family.

[blimey]

I'll raise a glass next May to Stan Muir. He was my Flt Cdr on IOT and the perfect man for our flight.

[Whopity]

I lost three colleagues in that accident, Graham, Terry and Stan all very experienced operators. After the initial accident report was issued, the RAF furtively withdrew it until virtually no copies could be found anywhere.

[STANDTO]

I remember posting a call to Lyneham to see if a mate was on board. Great sense of relief when confirmed not, but firmly etched the event, and the loss, on my mind.

Fifteen years. How sobering is the passing of time.

[Wander00]

Was an IOT Flt Cdr on B Sqn with Stan Muir - top bloke. RIP

[Dengue_Dude]

Sadly I knew most of these guys from when I was on 47 Sqn and before. I too can't believe it's so long ago.

I was back on the flights at Finningley when it happened 'practising' for retirement - but it's always such a jolt when you lose colleagues in crashes.

RIP gentlemen and renewed condolences to family and friends.

[gopher01]

I was with Al not long before at St Edmunds school fete and partook of a beer or two with him and was also in Goose on Det when the news broke to us that a Herc had gone down in Scotland. A good bloke and one the G.Es missed! I had also been on Det with Graham when we sat in Bahrein during the Iranian fuss ready to bring out any refugees, only flew once and that as far as the border when permission to go in was withdrawn as they had shot the official who gave it. Graham was a gentleman.

[sangiovese.]

I saw an IOT graduation in the DT recently with a pilot having the same surname as Graham - anyone know if it's his son?

[Brian 48nav]

Probably not - Graham & Ann had 2 sons, Niall & Alex (IIRC), both would be about 40ish now and Graham would be about 73.

RIP Old mate, and the rest of the crew.

[sangiovese.]

Thanks Brian - I owe my entire career to Graham as he kept me on the straight and narrow during BFT. If he hadn't backed me up, my career would've turned out very different. Always remembered

[Brian 48nav]

Your first post got me to thinking about Graham. He was Co-pilot Leader on 48 and as a captain was on 24 round the corner of the building when I was on 30. Although I left at my 8 year option late '73, I often saw Graham over the years.

The thing I remember is that he always had that happy smile on his face -come rain or shine!

[Cornish Jack]

Hi
Slightly odd request perhaps? ... Can anyone who knew Graham well recognise the chap in the photo? I knew two Grahams, both 'retreaded' to pilot and I think I have mentally mixed them up!! The photo was taken in Singapore in '62-ish when we were in 'parallel employment'.
Rgdshttp://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu193/CornishJack/GrahamScan1.jpg

[Brian 48nav]

Yes that is the Graham Young I knew 5 or 6 years later on 48 at Changi - sadly lost his life May '93 in the Herc' accident.

[sangiovese.]

Ahh and I meant Southard. I didn't think GS was that old (although he always seemed it to a 21 yr old trainee!)

[Cornish Jack]

Thank you Brian48Nav. That has cleared up a mental mix-up.

[AlexYoung]

Its Alex Young here, son of Graham.... Just want to say thank you for the picture above!! Fantastic to see, along with all the kind words for all the crew....

Its been along time, we will never forget but the help of the the RAF Family and friends we have managed and life goes on and all positive.

My mum Ann is well and my brother Niall. Still very close to dads fellow Herc Pilots all form 48 sq originally in Changi (I was born there)... Steve Wrigley, Angus Morris, Steve Baines (48 sq then the VC 10's),Ron Jefferies (48 sqn then Cathy)

Family home near south cerney so when Im home I still see the herc's dropping there... :)

Blue sky one and all and thanks again

[MrAndyW]

Hi Steve, I used to work with your dad on 208sqn at Lossiemouth.
Genuinely great guy. He used to sleep with his eyes open, well spooky.

I remember on detachment in Gibraltar, at about 5 in the morning trying to find LOX pot for the Buccaneers, stumbling round the LOX bay trying to find the light switch he stood on the pressure mat that set of all the alarms,(it was a safety device in case anyone got lox burn)
Next minute ambulance and fire engine turn up, oops !!!!!

Thinking about you on this day,
Also put a cross out at the National Memorial Arboretum whenever I go down there.
Ride to the Wall is an event that takes place every year.
The motto is " Remembering those who can no longer ride by our side".
Kind of fitting for Al.
Give your mum a big hug from me.
Having a couple for him tonight,
Andy Wilmot

[Niall young]

Thank you all for your memories of all on xv193. It's been a long time since but they are never forgotten. I hope that the memorial went well and that all the families are in safer times. Thank you for the picture above of dad ( graham) and I know he will be looking over you, or your shoulders if your not getting it right!!

[Trumpet_trousers]

I can't believe how time has passed so quickly.

Not forgotten

[Vasco Sodcat]

Raised a glass to all, and Stan in particular

[smujsmith]

A dram duly raised, in memory of some very special people. Thankfully, PPRUNE exists to allow us to share our thoughts on such sad anniversaries.

Smudge

[More lookout]

Jonny "freddie" Owen, you are not forgotten mate and the rest of the crew who lost their lives.

Always grateful for the delivery of xmas stock to us in Akrotiri in 92.:ok::O

Raising a glass.

[Le chat de factoire]

I was one of the Svc,s on that trip and I will never forget those events.I am back on classics in a hot sandy place passing my knowledge and training onto others.I was on XV176 and I used to kiss and tap it on the nose every time I saw it on the pan,day or night.It was a 3 ship up there and the memories will live on and never be forgotten.I had a quiet moment in work today and raised a glass this evening to absent friends.

[mr ripley]

Indeed not forgotten,
Graham S - my first introduction to the Hercules fleet, a top instructor on BFT.
Freddie - IOT, METS, a marvellous weekend in Berlin, Friday nights at Lyneham, your love of WW2 American Aviation.

[ancientaviator62]

Steven,
if you have managed to read as far as my Op Vigour story then I can add that your father was the G/E on the Hargesa trip. He was the chap I was swopping war stories with on the ramp when we had the incident with the AK 47 wielding guard. I had done several trips with him so we were well aquainted.
Sadly missed as all the crew are.

[OmegaV6]

Another year passes, but the memories still remain; 23 years ago yet it still seems like yesterday. RIP all of you, and Terry .. I hope you are behaving up there ... I'll be raising a glass in a dusty room tonight

[Wander00]

A glass will be raised tonight to Stan and the crew who were with him

[sixfootfive]

I was on 106 BFTS and LXX with Johnny Smallpiece. Thinking of you all.

[smujsmith]

I will certainly raise a glass, or two, of Scotland's finest export this evening in fond memory of several of those lost on 193 on that day. I was arriving at a detachment base in Canada when we were informed on arrival that an "Albert" had crashed in the UK. On learning the names of those who died, all on the detachment found they knew someone on board. Let's hope that they enjoy a party room together, wherever they are doing the job now. They live on in my mind as friends and professionals.

Smudge

[isaneng]

Absent friends.

[Dougie M]

Always remembered

[blimey]

Glass duly raised.

[fergineer]

And another glass raised

[Wander00]

and yet another...

[beamer]

RIP lads....all remembered

[OmegaV6]

Never forgotten

The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project :: View topic - KIRKMICHAEL, R.A.F. HERCULES CRASH (Glen Tilt) (http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/warmemscot-post-12834.html)

RIP lads

[matkat]

Another to Al King. Never forgotten.

[MrAndyW]

Been to The National Memorial Arboritum today. 25 years tommorow since the XV193 crash.
Their name are on the wall. Put down a cross for Al King ,also for the rest of the crew, gentlemen we will remember 523852395240

[MrAndyW]

"The Wall" at the NMA Staffordshire

[Le chat de factoire]

25 years to the day,forever etched in my mind and never,ever forgotten.Now in the Sandpit on the newer model with another Air Force passing on my knowledge and wisdom. Forever in the skiesx

[isaneng]

And once again, to 'absent friends'. 🥃

[Alison Conway]

Another milestone, how can it be 25 years? I remember it as if it were yesterday. The pain dulls, but not the memory of excellent friends. Per Ardua, Boys. Getting dusty again.

[MPN11]

Two glasses raised here. Graham S. was one of the OH’s cadets at IOT, and I can still remember him well too ... lovely cheerful and cheeky chap! We attended the memorial service at LYE ... a difficult day for all concerned.

RIP, gents.

[Dougie M]

A small remembrance service held here today at Lye at the same time as one at the cairn in Glen Loch. A bit dusty in the 5 Bells in Wooty B.
A drop of the expensive stuff at home this eve.
RIP Boys.

[mr ripley]

Remembered again. Blue skies!

[blimey]

Bugger, away and occupied so missed it. I’ll raise 2 glasses to make up the difference.

[isaneng]

Ah sheet.

Every year it comes around. Funny that.

It's just personal, but there is a build up to it.
I know it's going to happen.
I can't help it. For me, it's so important.
I know it means nothing for most of you.
I'm on countdown. I will wake up at 00 :01 that day.
I will watch PPrune all day.
I will drink a LOT of whisky.
And I know that many of you will do the same for your friends, when their day comes round.

Lest we forget.

[Dougie M]

A Memorial Tree will be planted by LXX Sqn at their HQ at Brize Norton on 23 May 2019 at 1615. There will be some words spoken followed by a refreshment break. Those wishing to attend should contact the XO LXX Sqn at OX18 3LX

[isaneng]

Absent friends.

[Alison Conway]

Another year slips by. Once more it becomes dusty in here. Blue skies, boys. Per Ardua.

[blimey]

Glass has been raised.

[isaneng]

Just waiting.

For a friend, you understand...........

[matkat]

Another year Al King. ASF Leuchars.

[Alison Conway]

Yet another year slips by. You are not forgotten, boys, and yet again it becomes dusty as a glass is raised in your memory. Blue Skies, Per Ardua.

[ExAscoteer2]

Blue skies.

[MrAndyW]

Al King and the crew of XV 193
Gentlemen will remember.
Glass will be raised tonight.

[ksimboy]

The refurbished Memorial Bench from Lyneham Churchyard is currently at Brize, just awaiting lifting of restrictions to be replaced in front of the graves.

[isaneng]

Absent friends.

[OmegaV6]

Absent friends.


Indeed ... a raised glass tonight to the whole crew, but especially our friend Terry G. RIP

[blimey]

A glass of the finest has been duly raised.

[MrAndyW]

Al King and the crew of XV193 . Another year goes by.
Gentlemen you will not be forgotten,
Glass will be raised tonight.

[fergineer]

And still remembering

[katlast24]

The bench has been returned to the churchyard, shall be visiting this pm to pay my respects to the guys.

[Alison Conway]

Another year, and a ****ty one at that, slides by. Terry Gilmore, Terry Gilmore, Terry Gilmore. If I say your name you are not forgotten. The same goes for the rest of the crew. How we laughed as young men who would live for ever.

[ExAscoteer2]

Raising a glass to absent friends.

[matkat]

Al King and the crew of XV193 . Another year goes by.
Gentlemen you will not be forgotten,
Glass will be raised tonight.
Absolutely, Al was a great guy sorely missed.

[blimey]

Glass raised.

[bunta130]

I knew some of that crew very well indeed, and would undoubtedly have got on well with those who were relatively new to the Fleet then. Band of Brothers was a good description of Ascoteers.....a great shame that this element of that fine cabal had their lives cut short. Glass duly raised, and BZ to all those who keep 193's last crew memory alive.

[MrAndyW]

Remembering Al King, and the rest of the crew of XV193 today. We will remember them. Will raise a glass tonight

[katlast24]

The tree outside LXX at Brize is flourishing. Never forgotten guys.

[isaneng]

Raising a glass tonight, take care guys.

[OmegaV6]

Another year passes but the memories still remain. Absent friends.

[Scamp]

Not forgotten.

[MrAndyW]

30 years ago today. Will be taking a trip to NMA and placing a cross at the wall for Al King and the crew of XV 193.
Wil raise a glass tonight.
Gone but not forgotten.

[Scamp]

Not forgotten.

[isaneng]

Absent friends.🥃

[blimey]

Glass raised.

[AR1]

Not forgotten. I contemplated those frozen in time on the 30th Anniversary.
blue skies.

[fergineer]

Still remembering the crew RIP guys

[Alison Conway]

I was at 30 Squadron Reunion last weekend. OC 30 laid a wreath by the memorial plaque for the boys, as 70 squadron were all in Scotland. A prayer was said and the last post played (and a tear was shed for a very good friend). Keep one cold for me, Terry. Not forgotten, boys.

[MrAndyW]

Last flight of the Hercules on Wednesday 14th. Will take atrip to the National Memorial Arboritum, where the crews names are the wall. Herc fly past 1025.
Crosses will be placed.
Al King and the boys.
We will rember them.

[MrAndyW]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_0660_81dbdc95085c531ae4cf4f9df7277a73b27e2f2d.jpeg