F-111E crash, 68-0018, Perthshire, January 1972
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Longforgan, Scotland
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Leuchars1950
The F111 crash in the Sidlaws happened 50 years ago this Tuesday. Over the years I have climbed Gask Hill to the crash site to place a floral tribute and say a few words.
However, i am not as fit as the years have advanced and on Tuesday I plan to place a few flowers at a little crossroads at the foot of Gask Hill, along with a printed message, asking anyone who reads it to raise their eyes to the top of the nearby hill and say a few words for Lt Col Floyd Sweet and Lt Col Kenneth Blank.
My particular connection to the tragedy is that on January 18,1972, I was walking up my garden path in nearby Dundee when i heard a low-flying jet fly over, going in a westerly direction. Despite not being able to see the plane I knew it wasn't a familiar jet as we were used to hearing the Phantoms and Lightnings based at RAF Leuchars in the 1970s, but I recognised the distinctive sound as being that of an F111, having heard one perform at the 1971 Leuchars air display. Little did I know the two in the jet that fateful day had only minutes to live.
However, i am not as fit as the years have advanced and on Tuesday I plan to place a few flowers at a little crossroads at the foot of Gask Hill, along with a printed message, asking anyone who reads it to raise their eyes to the top of the nearby hill and say a few words for Lt Col Floyd Sweet and Lt Col Kenneth Blank.
My particular connection to the tragedy is that on January 18,1972, I was walking up my garden path in nearby Dundee when i heard a low-flying jet fly over, going in a westerly direction. Despite not being able to see the plane I knew it wasn't a familiar jet as we were used to hearing the Phantoms and Lightnings based at RAF Leuchars in the 1970s, but I recognised the distinctive sound as being that of an F111, having heard one perform at the 1971 Leuchars air display. Little did I know the two in the jet that fateful day had only minutes to live.
Join Date: Jan 2022
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50th Anniv. of F111 Crash/Scotland
Leuchars1950 - thank you so much for going and paying your respects and remembering my father and Col Sweet. Thankfully, England/Scotland hold a huge part of my heart. I loved living there and even though that's where we were when tragedy struck - I hold no ill feelings for the UK. I have returned twice since 1972 on my own. I never knew exactly where Dad died - but found out after 1994-95 when my last visit occurred. In fact, I was up in Scotland very near the area. Had I known....... Again, thank you for any remembrance you do. I cannot imagine having been there and heard the crash. I'm sure you have remembered it as much for that fact as any other reason.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Longforgan, Scotland
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I will take photos tomorrow. If you care to send me your email address I will send them to you. My email address is [email protected]
