Herc Down (Merged)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: n/a
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: western europe
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sky News .....
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...169497,00.html
The 10 service personnel killed have been named as Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall, Flight Lieutenant David Stead, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel, Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, Chief Technician Richard Brown, Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, Sergeant Robert O'Connor, Corporal David Williams and Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones.
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...169497,00.html
The 10 service personnel killed have been named as Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall, Flight Lieutenant David Stead, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel, Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, Chief Technician Richard Brown, Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, Sergeant Robert O'Connor, Corporal David Williams and Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Green and pleasant land
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A tragic waste of true professionals.
I have flown on Albert many times, including with 47, but did not have the priviledge of knowing those involved in this tragedy.
My heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues
CS
I have flown on Albert many times, including with 47, but did not have the priviledge of knowing those involved in this tragedy.
My heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues
CS
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Swidnod
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"For the guys on XV179"
They came in the evening, then, and found Jonathan gliding peaceful and alone through his beloved sky. The two gulls that appeared at his wings were pure as starlight, and the glow from them was gentle and friendly in the high night air. But most lovely of all was the skill with which they flew, their wingtips moving a precise and constant inch from his own.
Without a word, Jonathan put them to his test, a test that no gull had ever passed. He twisted his wings, slowed to a single mile per hour above stall. The two radiant birds slowed with him, smoothly, locked in position. They knew about slow flying.
He folded his wings, rolled and dropped in a dive to a hundred ninety miles per hour. They dropped with him, streaking down in flawless formation. At last he turned that speed straight up into a long vertical slow-roll. They rolled with him, smiling.
He recovered to level flight and was quiet for a time before he spoke. "Very well," he said, "who are you?"
"We're from your Flock, Jonathan. We are your brothers." The words were strong and calm. "We've come to take you higher, to take you home."
"Home I have none. Flock I have none. I am Outcast. And we fly now at the peak of the Great Mountain Wind. Beyond a few hundred feet, I can lift this old body no higher."
"But you can Jonathan. For you have learned. One school is finished, and the time has come for another to begin." As it had shined across him all his life, so understanding lighted that moment for Jonathan Seagull.
They were right. He could fly higher, and it was time to go home.
"See you in the future guys"
They came in the evening, then, and found Jonathan gliding peaceful and alone through his beloved sky. The two gulls that appeared at his wings were pure as starlight, and the glow from them was gentle and friendly in the high night air. But most lovely of all was the skill with which they flew, their wingtips moving a precise and constant inch from his own.
Without a word, Jonathan put them to his test, a test that no gull had ever passed. He twisted his wings, slowed to a single mile per hour above stall. The two radiant birds slowed with him, smoothly, locked in position. They knew about slow flying.
He folded his wings, rolled and dropped in a dive to a hundred ninety miles per hour. They dropped with him, streaking down in flawless formation. At last he turned that speed straight up into a long vertical slow-roll. They rolled with him, smiling.
He recovered to level flight and was quiet for a time before he spoke. "Very well," he said, "who are you?"
"We're from your Flock, Jonathan. We are your brothers." The words were strong and calm. "We've come to take you higher, to take you home."
"Home I have none. Flock I have none. I am Outcast. And we fly now at the peak of the Great Mountain Wind. Beyond a few hundred feet, I can lift this old body no higher."
"But you can Jonathan. For you have learned. One school is finished, and the time has come for another to begin." As it had shined across him all his life, so understanding lighted that moment for Jonathan Seagull.
They were right. He could fly higher, and it was time to go home.
"See you in the future guys"
Last edited by Pete Begley; 5th Feb 2005 at 09:52.
Chieftan o'the Pudden Race
Join Date: Nov 1997
Location: Scotland usually, and often other parts of Europe
Age: 55
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aircrew named
Sqn Ldr Patrick Marshall
Flt Lt David Stead,
Flt Lt Andrew Smith,
Flt Lt Paul Pardoel,
Master Engineer Gary Nicholson,
Ch Tech Richard Brown,
Flt Sgt Mark Gibson,
Sgt Robert O'Connor,
Cpl David Williams
Acting L/Cpl Steven Jones.
God Bless.
Flt Lt David Stead,
Flt Lt Andrew Smith,
Flt Lt Paul Pardoel,
Master Engineer Gary Nicholson,
Ch Tech Richard Brown,
Flt Sgt Mark Gibson,
Sgt Robert O'Connor,
Cpl David Williams
Acting L/Cpl Steven Jones.
God Bless.
I am deeply saddened by this happening. I was a Training Co-Ord at LYE 89-93 and have an abiding respect for the crews who fly the Herc fleet, they are among the finest I ever worked with.
Sincerest condolences to the families and RAF Lyneham in General.
LS
Sincerest condolences to the families and RAF Lyneham in General.
LS
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To Gibbo and the guys,
Once met, never forgotten. You will be sadly missed by all who knew you.
To those at Lye,
Words can't even come close..
To those still in theatre,
Thinking of you who have been left behind. Join you all for a toast soon.
To adr,
Thank you!
Moose
Ex 47, 24 & 30.
Once met, never forgotten. You will be sadly missed by all who knew you.
To those at Lye,
Words can't even come close..
To those still in theatre,
Thinking of you who have been left behind. Join you all for a toast soon.
To adr,
Thank you!
Moose
Ex 47, 24 & 30.
Last edited by moosemaster; 1st Feb 2005 at 13:12.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sadly missed
For Gary and Gibbo....the memories I have of serving with you both I will cherish....gone but NEVER forgotten.God speed to two true Ascoteers...RIP
Roger Ex 47 & 24 Sqn ALM
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Suffolk UK
Posts: 4,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didn't know the others, but Gary and Gibbo were mates from way back. I left the fold some years ago now, but it hurts just as much as if I were still serving. Peri and I both cherish our memories of Lyneham and the many happy times we shared there - in my case, over 18 years. Rest in peace, guys - I promise to suffer an immense hangover in your honour!
Scroggs
Scroggs
I'm not Air Force, I'm not military, I'm not a Brit, and I'm not a journalist.
Nonetheless, I am sorry to hear about the crash, and I wish the best to the families.
Nonetheless, I am sorry to hear about the crash, and I wish the best to the families.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Knew Smudger well, a finer officer and pilot you could not meet.
He was liked by all that knew him, a really nice guy.
Words cannot express the loss felt by this tragedy.
My thoughts to all those families and friends at this time.
He was liked by all that knew him, a really nice guy.
Words cannot express the loss felt by this tragedy.
My thoughts to all those families and friends at this time.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Cardiff ex GLA
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Gone From My Sight" by Henry Scott Holland
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads
her white sails to the ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of
white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" "Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment
when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are
other other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready
to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!".....
And that is dying.
RIP and godspeed fellas. Heartfelt thoughts to all friends and family
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads
her white sails to the ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of
white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" "Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment
when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are
other other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready
to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!".....
And that is dying.
RIP and godspeed fellas. Heartfelt thoughts to all friends and family
The following was posted by Scroggs on the Remembrance thread a couple of months ago. I've asked if I can repeat it here.
As he says : "I'll own up, it was written by me and my (then) 7 year old daughter after a long talk about the meaning of Remembrance Sunday, my own days in the RAF, and how she'd have felt if I'd gone away and not returned."
I was moved then, but now it really hits home.
Why did you die, Daddy, why did you die?
You said you'd be here tonight.
It's my birthday, Daddy, don't you remember?
The candles you were going to light?
You went away so long ago,
I can hardly remember your touch.
But I'll always feel, I'll always know,
The love we shared so much.
I remember your plane, Daddy, so big - so green
You were so proud, showing it to me.
It's in front of me now, Daddy, on the TV screen.
But you I can't see.
Mummy says we'll always remember you,
On this special day, though it's dark.
But where are you, Daddy, and why did you die?
And when will we next play in the park?
God bless boys. We'll do all we can for those left behind.
As he says : "I'll own up, it was written by me and my (then) 7 year old daughter after a long talk about the meaning of Remembrance Sunday, my own days in the RAF, and how she'd have felt if I'd gone away and not returned."
I was moved then, but now it really hits home.
Why did you die, Daddy, why did you die?
You said you'd be here tonight.
It's my birthday, Daddy, don't you remember?
The candles you were going to light?
You went away so long ago,
I can hardly remember your touch.
But I'll always feel, I'll always know,
The love we shared so much.
I remember your plane, Daddy, so big - so green
You were so proud, showing it to me.
It's in front of me now, Daddy, on the TV screen.
But you I can't see.
Mummy says we'll always remember you,
On this special day, though it's dark.
But where are you, Daddy, and why did you die?
And when will we next play in the park?
God bless boys. We'll do all we can for those left behind.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Scroggs, that is brilliant. Sums it up so well and has brought a tear to my eyes as I sit here in Trenchard thinking about what if it was my daughter telling that story....thankfully it isn't.
Condolences to all, again.
They will all be missed, RIP and I will be thinking of you.
GL
Ex Nav 47
Condolences to all, again.
They will all be missed, RIP and I will be thinking of you.
GL
Ex Nav 47
Suspicion breeds confidence
Approaching 100k views, its good to see that at least some of the Great British Public (and beyond) still think of and respect our military. I hope the families canm take some crumb of comfort from this.