Military AircrewA forum for the professionals who fly the non-civilian hardware, and the backroom boys and girls without whom nothing would leave the ground. Army, Navy and Airforces of the World, all equally welcome here.
One of the best friends anyone could ask for. Larger than life itself and yet down to earth. This world is worse off with out him. My thoughts are with both friends and family....Miss you mate.
Last edited by Scooby303 : 12th August 2007 at 09:59.
My sincere thoughts and wishes to Taff's family. I had the pleasure of Taff's friendship and wit through Halton and Cosford, just glad we had the chance to catch up recently. A devastating loss of a top bloke and contageous personality, you'll be missed welshman!
Sleep well.
Wisey
To the young mans family, Private Sean Tait of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
I promise you that even in two months of service, your son had encountered more camaraderie than ever in his life. He was serving his country and he loved what he was doing, I write to you as an ex serviceman with a son of a similar age. I used to be a pilot on the aircraft type that your son so sadley lost his life on. Rest assured the crew were the best trained in the business, I and hundreds of others join you in mourning the loss of your son, as we mourn the Death of the Captain and the Crewman so much. We cannot console you, so I will not, but I assure you that I still try to find a way to bring you and your family some peace through my prayers. My thoughts are with you
I can only offer you my support as a young man from Glasgow (South) who tried to choose a simiilar path
I had the pleasure of being Taff's instructor at Shawbs, and a mate to boot. A better guy you couldnt wish to know.
The last time I saw him was over several beers in Wallingford and he was in fine form. Thats how I will remember him.
His leaving us is a huge loss for everyone whose life he touched. My sincere condolences to his family.
A very respectful post Tigs2, I salute you all - mil' personnel past & present, top people one & all, to the end.
Deepest respects to family, colleagues & friends.
This is an absolute disaster. The brave souls of the SH force and the Army, who sacrifice so much already, did not deserve this.
30 May 2003, I flew Dave Sale in my Jaguar.
13-15 July 2007 we were partying together at RIAT.
My last memory of him was him living life to the max (and beyond!) at the Herc party, life and soul that he was.
Rest in Peace, me old, although I'm willing to bet that you're taking the place by storm up there. Hope to relive some of our moments when I join you on the flipside.
I'd appreciate a PM with funeral details, as and when.
For all those that do not already know Dave's funeral is to be held on Wednesday 22nd of August @ 12pm at Norton Parish Church, on the green in Norton, near to his parents, followed by a cremation at Teeside Crematorium and a wake at Norton Hockey Club on Station Road, Norton....family flowers only please, all donations in Lieu if desired to the RAF Benevolent fund C/o Crake & Mallon, Funeral Service, 45 Norton Road, Stockton, TS18 2BU.
Shocked is the only way to put it. Shows just how fragile life is. Went through Shawbs with Dave and a person more ready to go out of his way to help his mates you will never find. The tribute to him on the RAf homepage is very fitting. RIP mate and have a beer waiting for me!
Dave and Taff,
I still can't believe that I'm never going to see either of you again, the whole thing just doesn't seem real. 33, Benson and the world at large are sadder places with your passing. We had a few drinks for you on Thurs out in theatre, and we will have a lot more in the coming weeks.
Words just can't do my feelings at the moment justice - love to you both and I'll see you on the flip side. Save a space at the table.
JJJ
PS - For all those who knew Dave, his Facebook wall is still open and I know that the family are reading the messages. Further confirmation of what a tragic loss this is.
"Lifted" this from a press cuttings service. From the Daily Mail:
Police launch criminal probe into fatal RAF crash
POLICE were last night callled In
to take over the investigation of
last week's RAF helicopter crash
which killed three servicemen.
The Air Force had launched its
own inquiry, but the probe has
now been halted by senior military
officers.
They have asked local police to
take the lead and investigate
potential criminal offences. The
Puma transport helicopter
came down outside Catterick
garrison in North Yorkshire last
Wednesday during a low-level
training flight.
Sources close to the inquiry
say detectives would be looking
at whether the helicopter was
being flown dangerously fast as
it came in to land.
The helicopter's pilot, 28-yearold
Flight Lieutenant David Sale,
and crewman Sergeant Phillip
Burfoot, 27, died In the crash.
Army recruit Sean Talt, 17, from
Glasgow, died later from his
injures. He had joined up just
four weeks earlier.
Eight other personnel were
injured, three seriously. The soldiers
are thought to have been
from the Royal Regiment of
Scotland.
Following an initial investigation by the Board of Inquiry, the Convening Authority has decided that the Board of Inquiry should be suspended at this stage pending further investigation by the North Yorkshire civilian police authorities, which we will fully support.
No mention of criminal activities, but cant imagine why they would be investigating unless there was a suspicion of something untoward, but as for "a source close to the enquiry" I think it means "I don't know anything so I'll just make it up"
From MOD website: Police investigation into Puma helicopter crash15/08/2007A Royal Air Force Board of Inquiry was convened at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to investigate the circumstances of a Puma helicopter crash that occurred at Catterick Garrison on 8 August 2007.
Following an initial investigation by the Board of Inquiry, the Convening Authority has decided that the Board of Inquiry should be suspended at this stage pending further investigation by the North Yorkshire civilian police authorities, which we will fully support.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Puma Helicopter from 33 Squadron, RAF Benson. 12 personnel were on board, three from the RAF and nine from the Army. Three personnel were killed; Flight Lieutenant David Oxer Hanson Sale and Sergeant Phillip Anthony Burfoot, both from the Royal Air Force, and Private Sean Tait of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
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