Sqn Ldr Pete McNamara

[OC 100 Sqn]

Following the sad death of Sqn Ldr Peter McNamara at St Michaels’ Hospice, Harrogate, after a protracted battle with cancer, a Funeral will be held at Ripon Cathedral on Tuesday 24 March 2009 at 1200 followed by a Reception in the Officers’ Mess, RAF Leeming at 1400. For further information please contact Rich Crook on 01677 457959. Our thoughts are with Pete's family at this time.

OC 100 Sqn

[Lima Juliet]

God Bless you M². An exceptionally talented pilot, instructor, officer and joker!

I know that he hadn't been well for a while now but it still doesn't soften the blow. My deepest condolences to the family.

Per ardua...

LJ

[Rigger1]

When they made M2 they really broke the mould, a true gent and totally barking mad with it. Often heard shouting across the pan, at aircrew, groundcrew or anyone he felt like ... “you sir, have the buttocks of a young antelope”, or bursting into the line office with a booming “morning spanner god’s” he was one in a million and will be sadly missed.
I count myself lucky that I had the opportunity not only to work with him, but to socialise with him and above all to call him a friend, wherever he is now, I bet he’s got them in stitches already.

I will raise a glass tonight, god bless you Pete.

[Craven Moorhed]

RIP Uncle Pete,

From one of your 'muppets' of Finningley,
You'll be missed greatly dear chap.:sad:
God Speed....

Craven

[goatmanni]

Another one of the good guys - a true character. RIP

[30mRad]

M2 was a true and honest pilot who made holding at the Boneyard all the more enjoyable. Rigger 1's quotes bring back happy memories of sharing time with Pete on the Sqn. His tourettes (spellign?!) was legendary and always made me smile!

God will have his work cut out with you up there now Pete - can see you making an amusing comment to St Peter as you arrived at the Pearly Gates!

Per Ardua.....

My thoughts and prayers with his family.

30 mRad

[BEagle]

Pete-Mac was a great character - he will undoubtedly be sorely missed.

Of that generation whose colourful, fun loving characters weren't stifled by timid, selfish 'leaders' full of self-importance.

Have a good few ales up in that celestial Pigs' Bar, Pete.....:ok:

[passiveobserver]

M2 was one of a kind, I shared many many happy, funny and down right ludicrous times with Pete....more than I truly want to think about at the moment.

I too am honoured to have called M2 a friend.

The Mrs and I will be thinking of Sue and raising a glass or two in Pete's memory tonight

God speed old fella.

[Wee Jock McPlop]

So sorry to hear this very sad news. What a fantastic character and a real breath of fresh air in a world sometimes so full of 'stuffed shirts'. I smile just thinking about him - good folks are scarce.

Condolences to Sue and his family. I'll raise a glass and toast his memory.

Per Ardua.

WJMcP

[SkidMX]

My own favourite M2 moment was him briefing the rest of the instructors on the F4 OCU on the newly arrived course, of which he was Course Commander.

'...& Bloggs. TWU say he's a bit of a training risk, lacks fuel awareness, & a bit of a bull****ter.'

Boss, ' Well you met them in the Mess last night M2, what's your first impression?'

M2 ' Well he's got one of those faces that you just want to hit!'

No sense for next 5 mins as everyone rolled around the floor!

M2 - what a class act he was!

Skid

[PARALLEL TRACK]

M2 - students' friend on the F4 OCU and there were not many! True gent, one of the best 'banterers' I have met and his message to all of us was -
" flying FJs, get ahead and stay ahead".

Condolences to his family during this very sad time.

[Wyler]

Tragic.

Pete and I went through IOT together. He kept us all sane and was a great source of amusement. As has been said, he was a true Gentleman. Not only a friend but someone I thoroughly enjoyed working with through the years.

Rest in Peace mate.

Gibbo

[doodledog]

So sorry to hear the news. I was taking my Master for his lunchtime stroll the other day and he told me he was thinking back to all the good times.

He told me that M2 was so much more than just your average AD mate, especially for an ex-winch weight! M2 was an incredibly capable operator, and, as an instructor, always had the best interests of 'the muppets' at heart ;). He cared passionately for his charges, and always went the extra mile to give the students the best possible training (he even managed to explain the use of the vertical to a died-in-the-wool mud-mover like my Master when teaching him how to teach BFMs!) M2 was a consummate professional and a tireless worker, and even found time to be the non-PC joker that we all aspire to be :ok:. Above all else, M2 was a character, and the RAF is a poorer place without his ilk, long may his legacy (and sense of fun) endure. Pete has gone way too soon and will be sadly missed.

Many on this site may think that they did not even know Pete, but I can assure you that he was a frequent visitor here (as Stillin1), where either his sense of humour, pithy wit or voice of reason could often be heard. He was also a friend of the 'puddle-jumping' community, flying his Europa around the bazaars and generally abusing the ATC fraternity :D when not doing the day job.

Deepest condolences to Sue, it must have been an arduous and distressing time over the past couple of years, you were a pillar of strengthy to Pete when his health (but never his wit) was failing him.

M2 - you are truly an AD God, now if you could just take the angels aside and sort out their BFMs too :eek: !

RIP mate, like many others here, I'm proud to say that I have known you.

[Take That]

In the air a total professional, on the ground one of the finest Gentlemen Officers that has ever served in the Royal Air Force.

The navs were the lucky ones though - we got to fly with him!

A long cruel illness bourne with the most incredible courage and dignity.

Rest in Peace M2. It was a privilege to fly with you.

[Doctor Cruces]

Knew M2 all too briefly when on 23 Sqn at MPA. A true gent, one of the funniest guys I ever met and he remembered me even years later when I had reason to contact him from 39 sqn when he was running the desk at 100. His jovial, " Hey, Bruv" is never to be forgotten.

Been out for ages, and it was 1986 when I knew him but I am certain the world will be a worse place without him.

Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Doc C

[Roger Sofarover]

One of the last old school 'Officer and Gentleman'. You were a first class chap M2, and you always always put your men first. The RAF is poorer for your absence. Sincere condolences to all family, for your loss of a much loved and respected man.

RIP Mac

[ControllerTacko]

May i offer my condolences to all M2's family and friends on behalf of the FC community. As a student controlling him at 100, FC working with him at MPA and then as a Instructor on the school, working with him was always a pleasure. His airbourne alpha control debriefs were legendary and made the job of instructing a breeze (god knows i needed the help!) The airways have been a little less fun without him.

"ID one hawk passing 1000 feet over me, 100 knots slower,.......perhaps a little less speed next time Buchan" Legend.

[moggi]

What a star this man was. He was one of the few friendly faces when I first arrived on the Squadron. Very grateful to have served and flown with him. He will certainly be missed for his dry wit, his expertise and doubtless the many other facets that made him a top class aviator and gentleman.

[Grabbers]

I had the pleasure of speaking to M2 whilst Air Trafficking at Leeming. Note how I didn't say 'controlling' M2 as you couldn't. He was always curteous, forgiving of ab initio errors, and never failed to raise a smile when he transmitted the entire air picture and informed you where he was going to fit into it. Usually right, always well mannered forced the odd belly laugh when the odd word just floated over the ether in an unmistakeable voice.

A pleasure to have known you, Sir.

My utter heartfelt condolences to his family. He touched many people he was probably never aware of.

[OC 100 Sqn]

All,

Please accept my thanks for your comments. Of course, one thing stands out here and it is Pete’s remarkable sense of humour..! I know, Sue is also reflecting on these anecdotes so please keep posting if you have a good one. All the best,

OC Ton

[BEagle]

A looooooooooooong time since I knew Sue at Wattisham; my thoughts are with her in particular at this sad time.

[Dead Loss]

Pete and I did our first solo together on the F4; that was one sortie I won't forget. What a man, what a sad loss.

[Puff Adder]

First met M2 as a student on the F4 OCU back in the late 80s. He was a true student's friend. I remember on one OCU trip flying in fighting wing with M2 leading, well above the Mach, and for the first time in all my flying training actually enjoying myself. It was a pleasure to know him and he will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies to his nearest and nearest.

[patrouille2001]

Hi Everyone
Could anyone please tell me if this is the same gentlemen who commentated at a few of the Biggin Hill Air Fairs.

Many Thanks
Paul

[Background Noise]

Re Biggin commentator - no, that is a different person.

[CaptainX]

I flew with M2 for many years, both at Finningley and Leeming. I was ex GA, he AD and for many years we tried to prove to each other the superiority of our respective trades. Flying with or against him wasn’t fair, since it’s difficult to teach or fight someone when you’ve got tears in your eyes.

Winning a 1V1 against a pilot with a brain the size of a planet was impossible; the best result I ever achieved was a draw by mirroring everything he did.

I’ll really miss him. Love to Sue

[grundog]

Pete was an instructor of mine at Finningley.
Quite simply the best guy I ever flew with, either in the RAF or the civvy world.
Flying AD trips with him in the JP was the best time I ever had in the Service.

A sad, sad loss.

God Speed Pete, you were an inspiration.

[janner]

Great memories of M2 dragging the rest of the course and I through the F3 OCU when he was a 'student'.
Feels like yesterday that I was pouring sweat in the sim trying to use the radar whilst M2 (still full dressed in leather jacket and SD hat) would offer such great advice as 'stick 'im on the nose and see which he drifts mon brav'.
Pete you were an absolute legend of your time and will be sorely missed. As everyone has said, a true gentleman.
Looking forward to a proper send off on tuesday.

[eastern wiseguy]

Deepest condolences to Sue.

[Vivien McNamara]

Hello http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/tongue.gif,

Not sure who I am talking to but here goes.

I stumbled upon this website last night and was stunned to find a load of messages about Peter McNamara (M2) - he was my big brother!

Just as all his friends and colleagues are very sad to learn of his premature death, I am obviously gutted to lose a wonderful, talented and totally amazing big bruv.

What has been really touching is to read the messages from everyone who had worked, trained or probably got a bit merry with him over the years. I am so proud to have been able to have him as my brother. He didn't brag about his career in the Royal Air Force but I realise that he achieved a great deal - with his own sense of style and language!

I am not sure how best to convey my deepest thanks to all those who worked with him - instructors, navigators, his wing men, engineers, air traffic controllers, medics etc. Training him, working with him, keeping him safe and so much more that I just don't know about.

Even more important is the friendship offered to him over 35 years service. I know his loved his flying career and all that went with it.

Thank you all for making such a invaluable contribution to his life. Peter joined the Air Force to achieve his goal of flying fast jets. However he was rewarded not only with a wonderful and successful professional career but a splendid circle of friends who made his life so enjoyable. Thank you all.

I hope to chat to many of you next week at both Ripon Cathedral and back at RAF Leeming. I am not sure what to expect for his "proper send off" (Janner, posted yesterday) but I know it will be a moment of pride and delight at this difficult time.

I would love to see the Hawk and Tornado that he flew - any chance?

Sorry if the Air Force terminology I have used is incorrect. I am not "in the business" so may have offended. I work as a Paediatric Surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London so my life is rather different!

Now the time to be a bit cheeky. If anyone who worked with him has any photographs of him, especially in uniform and with his aircraft, especially flying - could I please ask for any copies. I don't have any such momentos and I would love to collect as much as possible. The last few photographs I do have are taken after he was taken ill, so not very cheerful really.

Thank you.

I shall see some of you next week I guess - and it will be good to meet face to face and thank you in person.

Vivien

[Vimes]

It was a pleasure to work with M2.......... what am I saying ‘work’ he always made it fun. The memories of Stavanger will always be with me. I feel lucky to have known him and privellaged to relax in the back and let him do all the work.

Condolences to Sue and family.

Vivien, I hear they are doing their best to ensure there will be a F3 at Leeming on Tues. M2 deserves the best of send offs.

[Beermonkey]

Weather permitting, the F3 will be joining the Hawks next Tue at Leeming.

He was an inspiration the lucky first-tourists on XXV(F) who he took under his wing and, I'm sure, the myriad of other outfits that were touched by his larger than life presence.

RIP

[Mike McNamara]

What can I say. On the odd occasions when Pete did talk about his life in the RAF - always joking, always underplaying any risk that may have been involved and never, NEVER bragging - we would get a glimps of a life that was quite clearly central to everything that made Pete what and who he was.

Sitting reading the postings on this site I can now see far more clearly why. I don't think I could be more proud to be M2's brother.

I would like to thank all of you for your comments and look forward to getting the opportunity to shake a few of your hands on Tuesday.

Michael

[passiveobserver]

Mike, Vivien,

I was one of the many he took under his wing over the years. As a directional consultant with a mere 15 years experience I'd struggle to think of a pilot I trusted or who I enjoyed flying with as much as M2.

Regrettably, I won't be able to join the many who will be at Pete's send off next week (I'm serving at her Majesty's behest in the colonies..) Even with the countless stories you hear and the many faces you will see the true impact that Pete had upon the RAF will not be fully represented. As has been said already Pete touched so many more people than even he realised. From his days as a trolly dolly (where he clearly mastered the timing of delivering "Squash"), through the blah jet, the mighty fin, the ton (and all of the adventures in between) Pete was an unfailing Gent, an exceptional aviator and a great mentor.

Having flicked through my logbook this week I realise that nearly every adventure, scrape, jolly jape and happy memory on 25 involved M2 in some way or another.... My favourite was when, shortly after declaring a Mayday, M2 began to call me his "little sweetie pie" and referenced everything to my "tight little buttocks". Sure glad it wasn't catastrophic because the BoI would have had a nightmare with the ADR....

We were all lucky to know him, we're all gutted to lose him.

[Giant Swede]

I can only echo Janners comment. Pete was a star on the F3 OCU and a source of great advice to the rest of the course. Fond memories of a long weekend in Paris for all of us post the course. Wish I could be there for the send off.
Best Wishes from family Swede.

[ExAdvert]

I still remember M2's legendary BFM briefs... nobody else has ever managed to make a room full of steely-eyed fighter pilots laugh so hard that they cried.

RIP mate.

[Tricky Tree]

I had the pleasure on serving with Pete on 2 occasions; first as a holding officer on 100 Sqn and second as a fellow student pilot on the F3 OCU. In both cases I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to fly and learn from him. Sadly, our paths rarely crossed after the OCU. Like all the pilots who have contributed here, I will miss his utter professionalism and fantastic sense of humour.

From wife of tricky tree,

Echoing Giant Swede, very fond memories of long weekend in Paris. M2 was my rock when i arrived in the Falklands, we drank the bar dry of red wine, whilst putting the world to right. We're raising a glass of wine or two to him tonight. Best wishes to Sue.

[AdLib]

I also had the honour of serving with Pete on the NTU staff and the privilege of calling him a friend.

His talent and humanity have been well spoken of already and he will be sorely missed. For my pen'orth - of the 2 instructors and 2 students on a typical pairs AD sortie I reckon it was me that got taught the most about how to be a proper aviator. Not hard, many would say, but that's the way it was and what a pleasure it was.

Ad Astra Pete.

[winkle]

Great guy, great sense of humour and a bl00dy good pilot. Enjoyed my time on the ton with M2 and only just read about his passing I raise my glass and will think of the laughs we had.
All the best my friend and rest in peace.
T

[Vivien McNamara]

Beermonkey,

I have something to send you and would therefore like your address please

I guess you may not want this for all to see, so feel free to use my email below

Little sister
Vivien McNamara:p

[email protected] or [email protected]

PS I anyone who knew Pete has any pictures or items signed by him could you please contact me. I am more than willing to buy items, pay for postage etc.

Also - Which RAF Squadrons did he fly with?

Thanks xxxx:ok:

[Inside Out]

I realise that this is very late, but I have only just found out about M².

Around the time, one of my relatives was going through the same battle, and I was preparing to move to new pastures (surely there must be some new grass somewhere after all this rain!) and so completely missed the news.

I had the honour to have been one of M²'s muppets -logging many hours in the back of his Hawk.

I have to say that he is one of the finest aviators I have ever known. He mixed absolute professionalism with a superb sense of humour, and a dedication to share all his phenominal knowledge that was second to none.

I remember one pre-mission briefing when he switched on the OHP (remember them?!!) before he had stepped completely out of the way and got a face full of intense light. He immediately started to rattle through 'The Big 4' (as it was then) with his eyes wide open! - Absolutely priceless!!!

It was staggering, the way he could recall exactly what everyone had done in air combat sorties and of course then tell them what they should have done - a true Sky god!

M² - The sky's not the same now.
Thanks for all you did.

Until next time Bruv....

[geordie458]

Having been out of the loop for a while I too was unaware of M2s sad demise. I consider myself honoured to have known him and worked alongside him. A comsumate professional, a true gent.

[Auntie Maureen]

...still remember walking out to a JP at Finningley with M2 for yet another tdcr when he confessed to being an ex-crewman, just as I was; put me right at ease and the trip was a blast. A truly talented and thougthful gentleman.

[Wyler]

I was unable to make the funeral. I would really appreciate a PM from anyone who knows Pete's final resting place as I would dearly love to pay my respects.

[Vivien McNamara]

Hello,

It's never too late to post a reply and I am really happy that you took the time and effort to post your message. It has been lovely and heart warming to read these thoughts and some funny memories from those individuals who came across M2 over the years.

It has been an important and inspiring source of comfort to realise that Peter, my big brother was remembered and appreciated so much, both as a pilot and a person.

I was not a part of his professional life, so to hear some of the stories and phrases uttered by him is a real joy. I think we all believe that our own family are important and loved but to find out that his friends and colleagues considered him as a 'good chap' and a true friend is special.

If anyone out there has any pictures of him - would there be any chance that I could have copies? I would love to have a record of him at work doing what I know he loved the most.

I would also like to know more about the various squadrons he was serving with and which RAF bases he flew from. I do have some information, but it is a little sketchy and probably not too accurate.

Kind regards and my thoughts also go to everyone who were his friends and colleagues, and who have also lost someone special in their life. He was a very special person missed by some many.

I can provide an address if you have anything to send me (fingers crossed!)

Vivien McNamara
[email protected]
[email protected]

[Mick H]

This evening I was trying my luck at looking up some old friends from the past that I have been meaning to make contact with over the busy decades that shoot past so fast, and was truly sorry to read about the death of an old friend Peter McNamara. I last saw Pete when he was doing his fast jet training at Valley, and will never forget his passing my group as we climbed up to Devil's Kitchen on the "A5 pass" - as aircrew call the Nant Ffrancon Valley in north Wales. Pete flew past in his hawk at the agreed time and waggled his wings to us - being pretty much level with our line of sight. It was a truly impressive and inspirational moment I waved like mad and watched longingly as the hawk sped away northwards.

I knew Pete from the age of 11 when I joined the Air Cadets in '71 and he was one of the Senior Cadet NCOs. In those days there was an immense amount of training that was passed down from senior to junior cadets without any adult intervention. I have been reading about his life that I was looking forward to catching up on and can see he has been a phenomenal flight instructor. Well even during his days in the ATC, he was a brilliant teacher and his style of leadership has been a life long influence on me. I have over the years qualified as more then one kind of teacher, and have always tried to motivate people just like Pete motivated me, and everyone around him.

I can also verify that his sense of humour and the one liners was in place even in those days, when he was in the sixth form at school. I can remember the day he left 57sqdn(ATC) to join up. I bought his parade boots from him - which were famous both in the squadron and the wing for being so immaculately shined! Indeed I kept them -spotless - for many years afterwards into adulthood as a memento of those happy times! My brother died of cancer back in 2005 and my father way back when I was a child and so I have a knowledge of how quick the illness can strike. I had heard from other ex-cadets in the service, that Pete had gone to fast jets and was working as an instructor, and of his nick name. I will so miss not being able to catch up on his adventures up there in the sky where I tried but failed to follow. If anyone can put me more in touch with his career since RAF Valley I would still love to be brought up to date. Oh and finally, I have to add a M2 one liner, which comes from when Pete was doing his initial hawk training - obviously a steep learning curve to say the least. Thoughtfully over a beer in the mess at RAF Valley (the day before he flew past our climbing group), recounting some of his training exploits to two wide eyed would-be pilots: "At 400knts and 100ft, for every minute I can't make up my mind thats another seven miles in the wrong direction!" (excuse me if I have got the exact figures wrong). Oh to have had such daily dilemmas think those of us who are not able to be flyers, and what a vivid picture to paint in one sentence, but how typical also of his modesty...he obviously did get through the course - "and how" to quote him. A truly generous person and inspirational leader. Bless you Pete. My best regards to your family and colleagues.

[email protected]

[Four Types]

Strange as it may seem I have just found this thread. I knew of M2's passing at the time but never saw this.

I first met M2 on 74(F) Sqn at RAF Wattisham. I flew with him many times. One of the funniest guys I ever met and as one of the greatest compliments I can ever give....he made ME laugh.

Time spent over Blakney Point as a singleton shooting anything that moved under T.O.O. rules (Targets of Opportunity) are some of my fondest F4 memories.

My favourite M2 one-liner was when the squadron was receiving the brief prior to going to Cyprus. We were told to bring passports, driving licences and 'KD' uniform. At this point the German exchange officer piped up 'Vas is das 'KD' uniform??'...to which M2 replied in an instant 'Just bring your Afrika Korps Kit and you will be allright Bruv'......much hillarity ensued. I wished I thought of that one!

Today is my first day out of 'blue' and as I look back on my career then M2 was one of those special characters. Sadly missed.

Tiger Tiger.:)