Fat Albert XV 193 27th May 1993
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.
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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.
Fifteen years. How sobering is the passing of time.
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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.
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.
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Iranian fuss ready to bring out any refugees, only flew once and that as far as the border when permission to go in was withdrawn as they had shot the official who gave it.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.
Last edited by gopher01; 22nd Aug 2012 at 11:55.
sangiovese
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.
RIP Old mate, and the rest of the crew.
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
sangiovese
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!
The thing I remember is that he always had that happy smile on his face -come rain or shine!
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'.
Rgds
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'.
Rgds
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Thank you!
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
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
Last edited by AlexYoung; 6th Nov 2012 at 08:00.
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20 Years
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
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
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Thank you
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!!