Herc Down (Merged)
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Between the woods and the water
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Many thanks (not) to whoever published the article from the Australian newspaper. The press are now on the doorstep of his wife's house, knocking on the door, cameras through the window etc.
I've stood in the door waiting for Red on, Green on. So sorry you didn't beat the clock, lads.
AA
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Somtimes, service personel and their families must wonder if anyone in Civvy Street knows or cares about what they are doing for their country given all the protests and negative comments that abound.
I just wanted to let any families, crews, or friends of those involved know that there are people "out here" who care about you and think about you. Never more so than at times like this.
I just wanted to let any families, crews, or friends of those involved know that there are people "out here" who care about you and think about you. Never more so than at times like this.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
The Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, said on 31 January:
"It is with great regret that I can confirm that nine Royal Air Force personnel and one soldier are missing believed killed in yesterday's crash of an RAF C-130 Hercules in Iraq. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and all the Armed Forces, I should like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of these servicemen.
"The aircraft was on a flight between Baghdad International Airport and Balad airbase when it crashed. UK and US forces have secured the crash site, and are now recovering the bodies, and attempting to ascertain the cause of the crash. We are aware of reports that the aircraft may have been shot down, but we are not in a position to come to any conclusions until the investigation is complete.
"The deaths of these Servicemen are especially poignant on a day when Iraqis were able to enjoy the freedom of democratic elections for the first time in many years.
"I can only echo the sentiment of the Prime Minister in recognising the sacrifice of these Servicemen."
"It is with great regret that I can confirm that nine Royal Air Force personnel and one soldier are missing believed killed in yesterday's crash of an RAF C-130 Hercules in Iraq. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and all the Armed Forces, I should like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of these servicemen.
"The aircraft was on a flight between Baghdad International Airport and Balad airbase when it crashed. UK and US forces have secured the crash site, and are now recovering the bodies, and attempting to ascertain the cause of the crash. We are aware of reports that the aircraft may have been shot down, but we are not in a position to come to any conclusions until the investigation is complete.
"The deaths of these Servicemen are especially poignant on a day when Iraqis were able to enjoy the freedom of democratic elections for the first time in many years.
"I can only echo the sentiment of the Prime Minister in recognising the sacrifice of these Servicemen."
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Swidnod
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Condolences
I was at Lyneham when we lost our last one in Scotland, seems like yesterday. The Ground Eng in Scotland was a split brain like me and I'd taught him in the Ground School at Lyneham.
You never forget these things and it brings it all back, my deepest sympathy to everyone involved.
Let's hope this does not detract from the acheivments gained by our armed forces in Iraq towards peace and some form of democracy.
If the aircraft was brought down by terrorists, my message to them is, "You can win a battle, but the war is already over. The people who died yesterday both in action and voting will be remembered long after you are dust and forgotten"
You never forget these things and it brings it all back, my deepest sympathy to everyone involved.
Let's hope this does not detract from the acheivments gained by our armed forces in Iraq towards peace and some form of democracy.
If the aircraft was brought down by terrorists, my message to them is, "You can win a battle, but the war is already over. The people who died yesterday both in action and voting will be remembered long after you are dust and forgotten"
Join Date: Jan 2003
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There is an epitaph, composed by the Norwegian poet, Nordal Greig, inscribed on the air force memorial in Oslo. The words are apt for this forum:
To name even one of them
Would break faith with those unknown:
Above the ranks of the fallen
Stand Heaven, serene, alone.
Think before you post guys!
To name even one of them
Would break faith with those unknown:
Above the ranks of the fallen
Stand Heaven, serene, alone.
Think before you post guys!
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Nellis of course...
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A sad day for all at EGDL.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families of those lost.
Safe journey to the stars friends, you will be missed, and never forgotten.
'May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.'
RedFlag
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families of those lost.
Safe journey to the stars friends, you will be missed, and never forgotten.
'May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.'
RedFlag
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Herc down
I just wanted to let the families and friends know that as a pilots wife at Lyneham - I have had loads of emails from friends and family sending their thoughts to the loved ones left behind.....
My HEART goes out to all families and friends..........
I hope you can take strength in that they were doing what they lived & loved to do.....for that they will never be forgotton ....God bless you all......
XXXXXXXXXXX
My HEART goes out to all families and friends..........
I hope you can take strength in that they were doing what they lived & loved to do.....for that they will never be forgotton ....God bless you all......
XXXXXXXXXXX
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: UK
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Left Lyneham several years ago but still live in the local area and know that many beyond the RAF care about the station and its personnel in particular. Their thoughts, and mine, will be with those affected.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Truckiebloke, I was simply passing on what the MOD are reported to have told the BBC. It came on about 8.20 this morning. They gave model and year of introduction to service. Surely this brings the information into the public domain and is therefore reportable?
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Tracey Island
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My friends, my life is richer for knowing you and I am proud to have served by your side. We will continue your good work and keep your love in our hearts. Farewell and God bless, you are in good company.
'Aircrew' 31 December 1942 by Harold Balfour
Fighter trail etched white on blue,
Bomber captain, seaplane crew;
Like Gods; these men, though wrought as we
Are brushed with immortality.
Their youth not lost to age as years go by
But grandly, in a moment, soaring high through conquered sky.
'Aircrew' 31 December 1942 by Harold Balfour
Fighter trail etched white on blue,
Bomber captain, seaplane crew;
Like Gods; these men, though wrought as we
Are brushed with immortality.
Their youth not lost to age as years go by
But grandly, in a moment, soaring high through conquered sky.
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Having spent time at several stns located somewhere in Oxon/Wilts, this news always brings sadness. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the missing crew, Support crew & Pax. Losses like this are never nice, the sooner we're out of there, the better.Per Ardua
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Reading through some of the comments, I'm moved to tears. Found out this morning that my brother was nowhere near, but my family's relief is muted by the loss of ten fine men. To them, may you rest in peace lads. To those of you who have lost someone, I am so, so sorry.