Bill Auckland

[Pope Mobile]

Tonight Bill Auckland passed away.

For those who did not know him, Bill was the 2nd son of Fred and Gisela to pass on to fairer skies. Mike passed on in Feb 1996.

Bill leaves behind a wife, Caroline, and daughter.

Bill (like his older brother) flew Harriers but went on to excel as a QFI with the RAF OCU. He was an exceptionally talented pilot, the quintessential officer, and a wonderful human being.

He will be sorely missed, but as my daughter so eloquently stated, tonight he will be with his brother again.

[Snakecharmer]

Sad news indeed. Fantastic Hawk display and what a down to earth bloke with it.

Last saw him at Vicenza in 99.

Best wishes to those left behind.

[Flap62]

What a Top Bloke.

The sheer courage that Bill displayed over the last few years was truly humbling. My abiding memory of Bill is of him cartwheeling across Picadilly Circus, at rush hour, in a suit, after falling off the back of a double-decker following a particularly taxing visit to MOD.

Cheers mate.

[SixOfTheBest]

My thoughts are with you Bill, wherever you are.

SOTB

[Min Decent Ht]

A talented pilot and all round top chap.
Our thoughts are with the family.

[Captain Kirk]

‘The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long’.

You burned so very brightly Bill and lit up all around with your infectious enthusiasm and enduring courage. God speed.

[salami upyerbum]

Tragic news to hear that Billy has eventually died. He was an outstanding man: enthusiastic and completely dedicated to his job and latterly to his family.

For those of us that remember his overflowing personality on detachments to Incirlik and on Vandel field deployments, he will be hugely missed. However, one cannot imagine how his parents and Caroline must be feeling; our thoughts are with you.

Cheers Billy

[M T Room]

Very sad news. Bill was one of lifes gentlemen and will be missed by many people. I had the pleasure of knowing both Bill and Mike and my deepest sympathies to all of those left behind.

Farewell.

[Pontius]

I'm truly saddened to hear this news. Mike was my Best Man and his loss was felt deeply through the SHAR community. To hear the same of Bill must be absolutely heart breaking for all the family. My thoughts and kind wishes go out to all of them.

[SirPercyWareArmitage]

A fine aviator and a gentleman
Thoughts with the family
God Bless

[Mystic Greg]

This is terribly sad news about Bill whom I remember first from IOT. A splendid chap and great display pilot. RIP.

[H-D]

Sorry news,

I remember flying with Bill on my refresher at Valley, an outstanding intructor, and gentleman. Thoughts with family and friends.

[Braveheart]

Very sad to hear news about Bill. He taught me to fly aeros when I was on the course at Valley. What a fine gentleman he was, and a very talented pilot and instructor. Why do we always lose the best? RIP Bill

[JagMate]

Bill was an instructor of mine on 74(F) Sqn. Fantastic bloke and an inspiration. He will be sadly missed by a generation of pilots who were inspired by his teaching - in and out of the cockpit.