Puma Rescue Flight S.Armagh Feb 78: Help Sought
Good afternoon
I now live in N Ireland and have a good friend with an eventful history of operations here in The Troubles. Knowing my background on the Puma he asked if I could help find the crew of a specific rescue flight. The event was some 4 years before my arrival on the fleet and both of my tours were in RAFG, so where better to ask than here!
On 24 Feb 78 a RUC Sgt based at Crossmaglen was blown up in his Datsun car by the PIRA near Ford’s Cross. He was in distress, alone and badly wounded. He was initially saved by the local doctor who with the assistance of some other RUC officers arranged for him to be airlifted to Craigavon Hospital. This was done by a Puma which if I recall correctly, were not the most common type there at that time.
After all these years he still feels so grateful to the crew who helped save his life. None of us are getting any younger and he would really like to get in touch with any of the crew to say thank you.
I understand the sensitivities some still feel for their time here and a PM may be the best way forward. I can then let you know who I am and it is a genuine request for help. For those that were here, it may have stuck in your mind or a quick look in a logbook may help.
In today’s world it is nice that someone now feels free to talk about the past and to seek his saviours.
And lastly for all that served here, it’s a grand place to live.
Cheers
Me