Gaz Bennett was today sent off on his final posting.
His Father, Fred, has asked me to post this to say thanks to everyone who came to see him off, and to those who were unable to for whatever reason yet sent their thoughts and wishes over this means.
I printed off all the replies received up to 0530 this morning, and took them to the funeral service to give to Sara, his wife. Maxchat had the same idea - so at least she now has two sets!
May I use this medium to say that I thought the medics, pilots and crewmen (and women!) of the County Air Ambulance were absolutely magnificent. I have been unfortunate enough to have attended more than my share of military funerals, with full pomp and circumstance. Today, the crews who lined the church path on the way in, in their red flight suits were every bit as dignified as any honour guard. I was also deeply moved by how many of them were visibly emotional as Garry was carried out of the church. It is not very often one sees a roughty-tufty ex-rock ape showing his feelings as we were privileged to see today.
It was clear to the many serving and retired AAC members attending today that Gaz was held in at least as high regard by his colleagues in the Air Ambulance as he had always been in the Army.
May I also say, on a deeply personal note, that Gaz would have been so proud of his son , Adam, today. Adam proudly carried his Father's flying helmet in to the church and laid it upon the coffin. If that were not hard enough, he then stood and read a poem in memory of his Father - he spoke clearly, and so obviously proudly, that I was moved to tears - not for the first or last time today.
My 'handle' has been so obviously compromised by this, so I welcome any old pals getting in touch via my real e-mail which is
[email protected]. TqNr etc will ride no more - well, at least not on any contentious posts.