Sqn Ldr Brian Jopling QGM RAF Retd

[Oldsarbouy]

Sad to report the passing of Brian Jopling last night after a year long battle with cancer. He had a long and distinguished career both on fixed wing but mainly on rotary. His death will come as a surprise to many who hadn't realised that he was ill. Condolences to Rosie and the family who are, understandably, devastated. Rosie requests that all contact is made through Stu Bailey on 01993 843028 and not the family. Funeral details later.

[Motleycallsign]

Sad news indeed. Condolences to the family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

[Onceapilot]

So sad to hear. Brian, you were a gent, and so great to work with.
Condolences to the family.

OAP

[WASALOADIE]

Sad to hear this news. RIP Brian

Condolences to the family.

[NutLoose]

Sad news indeed, I first met Brian when he came through 240 OCU and he always had time for a chat when ever I saw him at Odiham. When I was posted to a Jag Sqn in Germany I was for my sins sent on the Maximash exercise at Wegberg, and a Chinook from 18 was tasked to ferry "casualties" from Rheindalen to the exercise and we both had a double take moment and a quick hello onboard, later on in my career I met him again when he went through the VC10 OCU and on to 10 squadron. We had a laugh to the fact that coming from Chinooks where the Loadmaster did an extensive range of tasks, on the VC10 he was not even allowed to put battery power on.
Ever such a charming and affable man and I will raise a glass to his memory this evening, RIP Brian.

[pamac51]

Sad to hear of Brian's passing. Met him in Muharraq when he was a 'shiny'. A canny lad. Condolences to family.

[Exascot]

Very, very sorry to hear this news. I worked closely with Brian on 10 Sqn particually on the Royal and ministerial flights. Highly professional and a true gentleman, also didn't take any sh1t. We had a few bust ups! Only those who knew him in a previous role will also know of his bravery. Rest in peace Brian.

[expatfrance]

Very sorry to hear this news. My condolences to his family.I served with Brian at Odiham and enjoyed flying with him. RIP

[D-IFF_ident]

Sad to hear the news. Brian was a gentleman.

[ROTORTREE]

My deepest sympathy to Rosie and family. I knew BJ from the very beginning of my time. Pumas chinooks thru to the shiny fleet. Always a scholar and gent. I will raise a large G and T and think of many a happy times we had.
Here's to the sheepshed in the sky :D

[rolandpull]

What a shame, what a nice bloke. Worked under him (literally) when he was on Chinooks, and I was on JHSU and later at BZZ. His QGM, or rather how he came by it back in '82 (time, gone, where?) summed up the chap. Condolences to the family.

[Axel-Flo]

Definitely raising a glass and a having a few quiet thoughts and memories of the man. Very kindly towards me when I arrived at Brize, always a friendly face and a kindly word as I struggled with a new world.......definitely want to see his deeds in 82 repeated on here for I'm sure there are many who knew the man but not well enough to know to be sufficiently familiar.

Thoughts with all his family and friends .... RIP Brian.....

[sharpend]

I flew many missions on Ten Sqn with Brian. He was an incredibly able chap, shown clearly by his meteoric rise from NCO to Sqn Ldr. In my mind, his forte was VVIP and I was particularly honoured and blessed to have him as my Cabin Supervisor on many occasions flying VVIPs

[TMK1]

Tragic news. Brian was one of the most professional operators I had the pleasure to work with, both on 10 Sqn and STANEVAL. There is little more I can really say that isn't summed up in his QGM citation for the Atlantic Conveyor. My deepest condolences to his family.

London Gazette Supplement - October 1982

Flight Sergeant Jopling is an air loadmaster employed since October 1981 as a crewman on No. 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force Odiham. On 25th May 1982 he was on board the Steam Ship Atlantic Conveyor in the South Atlantic as part of the 18 Squadron deployment in support of Operation CORPORATE. During the late afternoon, the ship was attacked and hit by an Exocet missile. Flight Sergeant Jopling was manning an air defence machine gun position on the bridge during the attack. The missile started a fire on the ship which rapidly spread out of control and the decision was taken to abandon the stricken vessel. Flight Sergeant Jopling was among the last to leave the bridge and, as he descended towards the main deck, he was enveloped by thick black smoke. He rapidly donned his respirator and led several people onwards in a human chain but, realising that it would be impossible for the others to survive without respirators, he had to retreat. He eventually found an alternative path within the ship and led his party of survivors to the main deck where they climbed over the side and entered the water prior to boarding a liferaft. The liferaft Flight Sergeant Jopling selected was one of the few remaining and was overcrowded; he, together with several others, was unable to board it. The sea was very cold and night had fallen, adding to the difficulties. The liferaft was still attached to the ship and was being buffeted against the ship's side as the ship rolled. Realising the danger this represented to the liferaft and its occupants, Flight Sergeant Jopling made his way around the liferaft and, despite being struck several times by the ship, eventually managed to sever the lines holding the liferaft to the blazing hulk. As the occupants of the liferaft became more organised, other survivors were gradually brought on board. Flight Sergeant Jopling appreciated that as he was wearing aircrew survival equipment, he was better placed than other survivors in the water. He therefore elected to remain in the sea, encouraging and helping men to hold onto the liferaft; only when he had ensured that there were no more survivors in the water, did he allow himself to be dragged, exhausted, aboard. He was in the water for between one and two hours in extremely hazardous conditions. Flight Sergeant Jopling acted in the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force and his selfless conduct undoubtedly saved many lives.

[huge72]

I have known Brian for so many years, such a sad loss. He made my time on the VC10 a real pleasure. After so many years on Rotary and Hercs the VC10 was a culture shock, without Brian I am sure I would have thrown the towel in. Without doubt he was one of nature's true Gentlemen. RIP

Huge

[Lowkey]

Tragic and completely unexpected! RIP a real gent. Please publish funeral details when known.

[Brain Potter]

Terribly sad news. Brian was always wise counsel and I had the utmost respect for his skills. Godspeed.

[gilderoy lockhart]

I served with Brian on 10 Sqn, a true gentleman and incredibly professional. Always lead his section by example! A real loss!

[Exascot]

TMK1 Thank you for that I had never seen it before. I had only heard rumours and of course Brian would not have told the story in full.

[charliegolf]

I heard that Brian, whilst in the water, had cause to 'counsell' an individual in the raft who was refusing to let any more in in case it became overloaded. His view prevailed!

Saw Brian for the first time in years at the 2012 Puma bash. He gave no indication at all, and we had a great catchup. RIP

CG

[lsh]

Such sad news.
A very highly respected Crewman.

lsh

[sharpend]

I too was unaware of the circumstances as to why Brian got his QGM. Given the Gazette write-up it is a wonder that he did not get a VC. I got an AFC for basically saving my own pinkly flesh and an aeroplane. Brian was far braver.

[pedroalpha]

I am greatly saddened by this news. I flew many hours with BJ and will never forget him giving a short account of the sinking of the Antlantic Conveyor and his selfless actions later in the water given at the only all-ranks Op Coporate dining in night at Odiham some years later. He was immaculate as ever, reserved and a tribute to the service. Good bye old friend.
Pedro

[Axel-Flo]

Believe this was on Radio 4 wrt Brian, has anyone got a copy or please let me know if I have the wrong article...Thanks

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 21/06/2012, Reflecting on the Falklands war (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00vlbh5)

[mole man]

I went through Loadmaster Training with Brian and then to Odiham. Great Bloke. My condolences to Rosie and family

Mole Man

[Not a Crew Chief]

Very sad news.
A privilege to have known and worked alongside you Brian
RIP

[Spit the Dog]

The funeral of our dear friend, Sqn Ldr Brian Jopling QGM (Rtd), will take place at The Church of St Johns, 6 Burford Rd, Carterton, OX18 3AA at 12:00 on Wednesday 2nd April 2014. The family have requested serving members to wear No1 HD with medals and black arm band, (LHS) for WO's and above. A private cremation for family only will take place immediately after while the rest of the visiting guests will meet at The Chequers Pub after the Church service on Station Rd, Brize Norton Village, OX18 3PR. Donations only please to Cancer Research or Sobell House ,Home | Sobell House Hospice Charity (http://www.sobellhospicecharity.org.uk)

[Oldsarbouy]

Met with Josie today and can confirm the funeral arrangements for Brian Jopling.
The service will take place at St John's Church, Burford Road, Carterton on the 2nd April at 1200 hrs.
The service will be followed by a private family cremation at the Swindon Crematorium at 1330-1345 hrs.
Dress for St John's is Service Dress with black armbands and optional medals for serving members and appropriate dress for others.
Family flowers only please but donations to Cancer Research UK and/or Sobell House, Oxford ,would be welcomed.
Rosie and family would appreciate your company at The Chequers in Brize Norton village from 1300 hrs where they will join you after returning from the Crematorium.
Any queries please call Stu Bailey on 01993 843028.

[Roger Committed]

Brian set the standards that others tried to emulate, including myself and if I even got half way there I would have been very pleased. Brian was a consummate professional, respected by all who knew him and he will be sorely missed.
RIP Brian

[methanemolly]

How terribly sad, I worked very briefly with him. I thought he'd moved away from Carterton a few years ago.
I suspect his funeral will be thoroughly packed. Bless him, he was a lovely man.

[OKOC]

Post deleted

[Farfrompuken]

RIP Brian,

It was a privilege to have served with you. A true gent.

[RetiredSHRigger]

OKOK
I was stuck at ASI working the wokka there with Santini and was told the tale soon after.
I Believe that Brian's anger was directed at a Dark blue officer :ouch: but time has taken its toll, I used to remember the name. RIP Brian another good man taken way to early.

[charliegolf]

I Believe that Brian's anger was directed at a Dark blue officer

It was. The bloke had declared himself, 'raft commander'. Brian suggested that everyone could either get in, or everyone would be getting out. The ship driver was not to know that a dinghy knife probably couldn't cut hot butter!

CG

[NutLoose]

Erm guys, some respect please, not the time nor place for this..

[OKOC]

Fair Point Gentlemen--I apologise. Not the right time or place. Brian was a great bloke-I will miss him. RIP.

[Oldsarbouy]

Advised by Stu Bailey that car parking at the church is extremely limited and that attendees should use any of the supermarket car parks or the municipal car park itself.
Efforts are being made to try and arrange a Chinook flypast but, due to financial constraints, this appears to be unlikely. What have we come to when a simple flypast to honour a holder of the Queen's Gallantry Medal is beyond the budget. Suppose it's too late to have a whip round for the fuel!
Knowing that PPRUNE is read by some serving and retired Senior Officers it's surprising, and shameful, that none have come forward to say a few words at the service.

[sharpend]

I totally agree with Oldsarbouy. But I expected nothing less.

Whatever, Brian would have be thrilled to know the extent of the turnout on Wednesday. I'm told the church is expecting 200 to turn up. I suspect it will be more. At least his mates will be giving him an excellent send off. That's all Brian would have wanted.

[777aviator]

RIP Brian. A true gentleman.

[Axel-Flo]

Just so you know, and to prevent over criticism when its not valid.......
The Station was approached at Odiham about the potential for a Fly Past to mark the passing of one of the Original Chinook Fleets finest and right up to Stn Cdr Level it was supported. However, due to a lack of frames both UK deployed and Operationally deployed it was just not possible. The thoughts of those at Odiham will of course be with Brian's family and I have no doubt many representatives from the SH Force will attend anyway. We are constantly over tasked and this in no way should be identified as a reflection upon the desires of the RAF Commanders to show an appreciation for an individual such as Brian. Of course his last type, the VC 10 bowed out only last year and the noise of 4 Conways at something greater than 96% would have been a welcome sound too..........:sad:

[WK622]

For those local to Brize, the current Oxford Times has a fine and quite detailed obituary to Brian on Page 45. Our paths crossed at Linton, Luqa and Shawbury - a very sad loss.

[OKOC]

I am very sorry to learn that Brian died from Renal cancer. Why, oh why was Brian yet another victim of this type of cancer--why, oh why are so many aircrew dying from this disease?

I tried to get some answers on how many aircrew were killed by Renal cancer from MOD back in 2001 when 4 truckie friends (all of whom I knew well) were diagnosed within 3 months of each other--and as you would expect I hit a brick wall with a bland MOD response of "no more than the national average".

Renal cancer accounts for only 3.1% of Cancer deaths in UK each year so my question still stands MOD--"How many aircrew are diagnosed with Renal cancer each year, and should our military doctors investigate if there is a link".

Incidentally, there is a very good renal Cancer support group that meets every month at The Churchill Hospital, Headington. Please PM me if anyone needs any more info on this group--they do excellent work.

Again, my deepest sympathy to Brian's family.

[aljop]

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone on Pprune for their kind condolences and attendances at Brian's funeral in Carterton last week. I am Alan, Brian's older brother and along with our Mam and all of my own extended family and Rosie's whole family, would like to say how proud we were of "our Brian". He was an amazing man, so courageous not only in RAF life but also during the last few days of his life when he still kept himself chirpy and cracking jokes with all and sundry. He has left a massive void in all of our lives. Unfortunately, Brian did have renal cancer but the "doc's" were unable to find the "primary source" of the cancer and were unable to target where the cancer started. However, myself and families scoured the world for solutions or ongoing trials and were in contact with specialists in Australian and USA, alas without a chance of getting Brian to any of them before he took to being too ill. The topic you have raised about aircrew and renal cancer has come alongside my own wondering of whether there have been any aircrew who have passed away with cancer who were on the stricken Atlantic Conveyor. I do know that it was carrying phosphorous of some type, some of the make up of the ship was made using aluminium - which when burnt gives off toxic gases - the diesel fuel on board and probably some other noxious substances we don't know about. I have often wondered if Brian had earlier succumbed to some of these toxic gases before he had the chance to use his respirator and something has lain dormant in his body until last year when he was diagnosed with "Unknown Primary Source Cancer". Thank you once again to you all for your kindness and most of all, your friendships you had with "Our Brian". Best wishes to you all and your families.

[airborne_artist]

Squadron Leader Brian Jopling - obituary - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10783072/Squadron-Leader-Brian-Jopling-obituary.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[WASALOADIE]

Very sad, but nice words about a real gentleman. :(

[Onceapilot]

Thank you, Airborne Artist, for posting that obituary.

OAP