Boscastle Rescues
Nixor ut Ledo
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Got a very short news item tonight on ABC in Western Australia. Looks horrific - a place I have very fond memories of on leave. The only footage that we had was of the RAF SAR Sea Kings. Filled me chest with pride it did. Well done guys.
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Heard on the news last night that one SAR crew had rescued 55 people with a few hours - fantastic work under very difficult conditions - the tail of the Sea Kings looked very close to the side of the valley. Worthy of AFCs for all the crews perhaps ?
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A truly amazing operation which just goes to prove once again that the men and women of our Armed Forces (I include the Coastguard in this too) are the best in the world.
To paraphrase, you held the lives and hopes of the people of Boscastle in your two sweaty palms, and didnt let them fall.
Thank you.
To paraphrase, you held the lives and hopes of the people of Boscastle in your two sweaty palms, and didnt let them fall.
Thank you.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Coincidence??????
That's what happens when 2 Jags jumps in a river to save a canoeist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tremendous respect to all the pilots involved in this operation. The news pictures were exciting, so goodness knows what it was like to be involved! What really came over was the cramped conditions the valley gave you all to work in.
Great effort, enjoy your beers
Great effort, enjoy your beers
PPatRoN
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That's what happens when 2 Jags jumps in a river to save a canoeist!
Yes, if a butterfly can start a tornado (no, not that sort) by fluttering its wings, then it stands to reason his lardship could have quite an effect by jumping in the water.
adr
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The BBC 10 o'clock news just gave these figures:
First emergency call at 16:03
First helicopter arrives at 16:21
120 people airlifted to safety in 4 hours - presumably most of them needed to be winched out of danger.
The reports have said that 7 helicopters were involved.
So, after a bit of calculator button-pressing, I reckon that works out as as an average of 1 person rescued every 14 minutes over that 4 hour period - in conditions of complete chaos, with the ground-based services acting as spotters for the aircrews, and with the weather causing radio communications problems, and in terrain that looked very cramped for that number of helicopters.
I wouldn't describe myself as someone easily impressed, but those figures look like an impressive work rate to me.
First emergency call at 16:03
First helicopter arrives at 16:21
120 people airlifted to safety in 4 hours - presumably most of them needed to be winched out of danger.
The reports have said that 7 helicopters were involved.
So, after a bit of calculator button-pressing, I reckon that works out as as an average of 1 person rescued every 14 minutes over that 4 hour period - in conditions of complete chaos, with the ground-based services acting as spotters for the aircrews, and with the weather causing radio communications problems, and in terrain that looked very cramped for that number of helicopters.
I wouldn't describe myself as someone easily impressed, but those figures look like an impressive work rate to me.
On the ITN News some MP congratulated the ARMY and aby other services that were there.
I did not know the Army was there, I have seen RAF, RN,Fire Police and Coastguards, also a couple of Amb Men but NO ARMY?? Am I wrong if so could somebody Please tell me
I did not know the Army was there, I have seen RAF, RN,Fire Police and Coastguards, also a couple of Amb Men but NO ARMY?? Am I wrong if so could somebody Please tell me
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Thank God I am a Brit and living in this awful place called Great Briton.
Always very reassuring to know that when the s**t hits the fan there is always someone there to bail you out.
As the saying goes "When the going gets tough the tough get going"
Although not involved in Boscatle, thanks for being there guys!!
Always very reassuring to know that when the s**t hits the fan there is always someone there to bail you out.
As the saying goes "When the going gets tough the tough get going"
Although not involved in Boscatle, thanks for being there guys!!
Thread Starter
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SPIT
No, there were no Army there. It was just a (perhaps forgivable) slip by the Environment Minister, Ben Bradshaw, being interviewed live. I think he was concentrating on the topography/freak weather part of his brief, in anticipation of the rather predictable, "Could this have been prevented?" journo question.
No, there were no Army there. It was just a (perhaps forgivable) slip by the Environment Minister, Ben Bradshaw, being interviewed live. I think he was concentrating on the topography/freak weather part of his brief, in anticipation of the rather predictable, "Could this have been prevented?" journo question.
Gentleman Aviator
crab@
thanks for the info, I guessed it was probably something like that. Still must experess total respect for all involved.
Now if only my computer-out drums had been a bit better at Valley in 19-canteen .......
And I think crab@ , that we may figure briefly in each other's logbooks many moons ago.......
thanks for the info, I guessed it was probably something like that. Still must experess total respect for all involved.
Now if only my computer-out drums had been a bit better at Valley in 19-canteen .......
And I think crab@ , that we may figure briefly in each other's logbooks many moons ago.......
Alba Gu Brath
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I would like to add my name to the list of appreciative commenters on this thread. Just watching it on the news was bad enough, to have been there must have been fairly hair raising. It was a blooming impressive sight, seeing 7 helo's working in such close proximity to each other, the ground, overhead wires and buildings. Good job the local Health & Safety bod wasn't looking!
Perhaps it's just me but there was something typically British about the whole thing. No major sense of panic, no overtly macho displays of heroism, just people helping others in their moment of need. The restaurant owner approaching guests tucking into their cream teas and politely asking them if they would mind moving upstairs. The comment that really clinched it though was one of the Sea King crews recalling rescueing an elderly lady who had a "bit of an injured hand." Masters of the understatement!
Perhaps it's just me but there was something typically British about the whole thing. No major sense of panic, no overtly macho displays of heroism, just people helping others in their moment of need. The restaurant owner approaching guests tucking into their cream teas and politely asking them if they would mind moving upstairs. The comment that really clinched it though was one of the Sea King crews recalling rescueing an elderly lady who had a "bit of an injured hand." Masters of the understatement!
Hi Scud U Like
Dont get me wrong I have nothing but a great respect for the Army and all that they do but dont you think that a Govt Minister should be more aquainted with all the facts first, after all if you or I made a similar incorrect statement we would never hear the end of it from our collegues ??? still
Dont get me wrong I have nothing but a great respect for the Army and all that they do but dont you think that a Govt Minister should be more aquainted with all the facts first, after all if you or I made a similar incorrect statement we would never hear the end of it from our collegues ???
still
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I watched the same footage on the East coast as allan907 in the West and, as an ex-202 man (from Whirlwind days) I'd like to add my admiration and congratulations to ALL concerned. A difficult job, well done with the expected professionalism.
Kind regards,
TheNightOwl.
Kind regards,
TheNightOwl.
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Congrats to all at both locations.
I used to watch 202 Sqn (E flt?) from the Northern Grass at Manston, when we used to share the air with them & No. 1 AEF.
Was a sad day when they pulled 202 from Manston (closest SAR to the busiest piece of sea anywhere I seem to recall).
You guys really mad the effort. Top Marks.
C5itH
I used to watch 202 Sqn (E flt?) from the Northern Grass at Manston, when we used to share the air with them & No. 1 AEF.
Was a sad day when they pulled 202 from Manston (closest SAR to the busiest piece of sea anywhere I seem to recall).
You guys really mad the effort. Top Marks.
C5itH
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Congrats to everyone, but especially the old crowd at Chiv. Imagine my surprise to see the footage on French TV and to hear the tones of Dark over the airways. Shame about the hover....
Footage from the new turret looks good, glad to see it has some uses.
Gald I didn't have to do all the paaperwork afterwards...
Regards to all.
Footage from the new turret looks good, glad to see it has some uses.
Gald I didn't have to do all the paaperwork afterwards...
Regards to all.
Cool Mod
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I was at the GAPAN Trophies and Awards Banquet last night and had the great pleasure of seeing the crew of 'Rescue 193' receive a standing ovation as they each received due recognition for their bravery and skills at Boscastle on that dreadful day. The GAPAN award they received was the Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award.
I spoke to three of them and they were truly grateful for the comments you wrote at the time. All VERY unassuming "just doing a job." I won't put their names up here. I don't think that would be right.
However, I gave them each a PPRuNe badge which they said they would wear. I also said I would send an invoice later
Its amazing how ordinary great heroes are!
PPP and all at the Towers.
I spoke to three of them and they were truly grateful for the comments you wrote at the time. All VERY unassuming "just doing a job." I won't put their names up here. I don't think that would be right.
However, I gave them each a PPRuNe badge which they said they would wear. I also said I would send an invoice later
Its amazing how ordinary great heroes are!
PPP and all at the Towers.