As a native of Edingale, very near the National Memorial Arboretum, I often take the chance to pay a visit on my trips "home". So far my wife and myself have visited five or more times, and find the whole place somewhere that helps to put the losses of our friends in some perspective. It's good to have somewhere to go, where memories can be jogged and respects duly paid. I would always look to remember my mates Gary Nichokson and Mark Gibson who were lost on the shooting down of XV179 in Iraq 7 Feb 2005;
Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall, Headquarters Strike Command, aged 39
Flight Lieutenant David Stead, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 35, from Yorkshire
Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 25
Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 35
Master Air Engineer Gary Nicholson, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 42
Chief Technician Richard Brown, RAF Lyneham, aged 40
Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 34
Sergeant Robert O’Connor, RAF Lyneham, aged 38
Corporal David Williams, RAF Lyneham, aged 37
Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones, Royal Signals, aged 25, from Fareham
RIP all, you live in our memories.
Smudge