Volans et videns
39 years on - lest we forget
c. 060357Z Jun 82 Gazelle AH1 XX377 was destroyed with the loss of all onboard by a Sea Dart which had been fired from HMS Cardiff under the assumption friendlies would be using IFF. ROE permitted engagement 'without the constraint of visual identification if this was precluded by cloud or light conditions'
Crew
Staff Sergeant Christopher Griffin
Lance Corporal Simon Cockton
Passengers
Major Michael Forge R Sigs (OC 205 Signal Squadron)
Staff Sergeant John Baker R Sigs
Causes - Poor Communication between Services
- IFF turned off because Rapier was not being able to cope with IFF emissions
- Assumption
I have no personal connection with the incident but have always thought Blue on Blue fatalities are the hardest for families to cope with.
BOI Report