Herc Down (Merged)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: here in middle england
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Andy,
Haven't seen you for years...but will always remember you as a top bloke, always quick with the one liners! Out of all the sadness, remembering that chicken suit (and "Jimmy Hat" antics) will make us all smile.
RIP Guys.
Haven't seen you for years...but will always remember you as a top bloke, always quick with the one liners! Out of all the sadness, remembering that chicken suit (and "Jimmy Hat" antics) will make us all smile.
RIP Guys.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Benson, Oxfordshire
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I am a Mover who doesn't know the people who lost their lives. I have been deeply touched to read all the condolences. It also reaffirms my faith in the British public who do know and respect the Armed Forces.
As an 'outsider' it is clear that these guys were and are something special to all who knew them. They obviously touched the lives of everone they met and in the traditions of the Forces were 'proper characters' and true professionals.
I feel so sorry for their families and especially their children. Your Daddies did not die in vain, please try and be strong for your Mummys.
I lost a good ex-mover friend of mine back in 1993 and this brings back memories of his sad windswept funeral in Scotland.
Never will I complain about aircrew again!
My best wishes to all at Lyneham and God Speed to all the guys who lost their lives.
Love and best wishes Benmover
As an 'outsider' it is clear that these guys were and are something special to all who knew them. They obviously touched the lives of everone they met and in the traditions of the Forces were 'proper characters' and true professionals.
I feel so sorry for their families and especially their children. Your Daddies did not die in vain, please try and be strong for your Mummys.
I lost a good ex-mover friend of mine back in 1993 and this brings back memories of his sad windswept funeral in Scotland.
Never will I complain about aircrew again!
My best wishes to all at Lyneham and God Speed to all the guys who lost their lives.
Love and best wishes Benmover
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: UK
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Goodbye Smudge
I have read every single post on here so far, and to say I have been extremely saddened by events is an understatement. As a current LXX member knowing Smudge (but sadly not the other guys) was a privilege.
Goodbye fella, you were taken well before your time. Your nutter biker stories and car vs bike banter will live with me always. I was honoured to have a drink on your tab for the last time and hope you're looking down on us all right now.
Goodbye fella, you were taken well before your time. Your nutter biker stories and car vs bike banter will live with me always. I was honoured to have a drink on your tab for the last time and hope you're looking down on us all right now.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Oxford
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Held a memorial service at sundown this evening at the crew's last point of departure courtesy of our American colleagues. There were just the few resident RAF but the chapel/tent was packed with USAF as well . Very moving.
RIP fellas.
RIP fellas.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lincs
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Heartfelt condolences to all the families, friends,and everyone at Lyneham. As a wife of Herc Nav (presently on ground tour) can not dare to imagine the pain of the wives/girlfiends and children.
God bless you all.
God bless you all.
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: lancs
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I had the privilege to teach "Steady", work with Gary both on 47 and the OCU for many years and of course the inimitable Gibbo. Unfortunately I never really new Smudge or the Nav but reading these posts I've certainly missed knowing really good guys.
On a lighter note, in honour of one of Gary's finest moments when relaxing, I tried about 4 drops of Tabasco but could not emulate his yam sing of the whole bottle. Good mates who will be missed.
My sincerest feelings of sorrow and condolences to all the families of all the deceased.
On a lighter note, in honour of one of Gary's finest moments when relaxing, I tried about 4 drops of Tabasco but could not emulate his yam sing of the whole bottle. Good mates who will be missed.
My sincerest feelings of sorrow and condolences to all the families of all the deceased.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NW FL
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You will be missed!
Got the devastating news after a 26hr travel day, then lay in my hotel room unable to sleep. Now stuck on detachment in the states & unable to share my loss with anyone in person - Of the crew, I only knew Steady & Gibbo, but my heart goes out for all the rest & their friends, families, & the Lyneham community.
I've read through all of this in one sitting & not ashamed to say I'm choking back the tears.
Just going through some of the few pics I have on my laptop here with me - pics of Chaff-Head & some of us playing uckers at camp Red during BLEED & Gibbo, me, & Gaulty wearing our horrible orange & zebra "Silk Fist" shirts at Red Flag...
All the best, gents - we'll see you soon!
I've read through all of this in one sitting & not ashamed to say I'm choking back the tears.
Just going through some of the few pics I have on my laptop here with me - pics of Chaff-Head & some of us playing uckers at camp Red during BLEED & Gibbo, me, & Gaulty wearing our horrible orange & zebra "Silk Fist" shirts at Red Flag...
All the best, gents - we'll see you soon!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glowcesestershiiiire
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I never had the pleasure of meeting Smudge. I have been off work for a while through ill health. From reading these posts I am sorry I didn't get the opportunity.
Gibbo, Steady and Pards. Bob and Rich. Some good times had to be remembered always.
Gary was a legend. An excellent boss who led by example. A lesson to us all. Lots of people knew the social side of Gary. Some of you will not have known the compassionate side of him. He called my wife (who's pregnant) when I was in hospital and offered to mow the lawn, do the shopping, wash the car, put the hoover round. That is a measure of the man. That will stay with me forever. Gary Nicholson.
RIP lads
Gibbo, Steady and Pards. Bob and Rich. Some good times had to be remembered always.
Gary was a legend. An excellent boss who led by example. A lesson to us all. Lots of people knew the social side of Gary. Some of you will not have known the compassionate side of him. He called my wife (who's pregnant) when I was in hospital and offered to mow the lawn, do the shopping, wash the car, put the hoover round. That is a measure of the man. That will stay with me forever. Gary Nicholson.
RIP lads
Whatever the cause it wasn't unprofessionism that got you I'm sure.
I had the PLEASURE of doing a flat-bed rotation to Monte Pleesante with Smudge (my swan song last year) and I will never forget him and our antics in Recife on the way back. What a laugh we had.
Smudge you were so good for a newcomer to the fleet and you will be missed hugely, especially your crazy Skeggy humour and almost unbelievable biking stories!
So long mate.
I had the PLEASURE of doing a flat-bed rotation to Monte Pleesante with Smudge (my swan song last year) and I will never forget him and our antics in Recife on the way back. What a laugh we had.
Smudge you were so good for a newcomer to the fleet and you will be missed hugely, especially your crazy Skeggy humour and almost unbelievable biking stories!
So long mate.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LYNEHAM
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Thank you all
To all,
I and all of the Sqn personnel have been strengthened by your offers of condolence and have taken much heart through the reading of your light-hearted stories. Words can never replace the extraordinary talented men we have lost but your support means a great deal to us; knowing that others share our feelings is comforting. On behalf of all the men and women of 47 Sqn I would like to offer you my thanks for your support.
Nili nomen roboris omen
OC 47 Sqn
I and all of the Sqn personnel have been strengthened by your offers of condolence and have taken much heart through the reading of your light-hearted stories. Words can never replace the extraordinary talented men we have lost but your support means a great deal to us; knowing that others share our feelings is comforting. On behalf of all the men and women of 47 Sqn I would like to offer you my thanks for your support.
Nili nomen roboris omen
OC 47 Sqn
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wiltshire
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Knew, flew with, laughed with and at, drank with and cried for the guys we lost.
A sad time but there are bad times still to come for those left behind. When we bring the guys home and get into the time of the funerals it will hit their friends and families just as hard. (It will also be a time of lots of media coverage, some good, some bad).
Feel sad, don't be embarrassed to laugh or to cry but look after those around you in the times to come.
Good friends lost, wing forever folded
A sad time but there are bad times still to come for those left behind. When we bring the guys home and get into the time of the funerals it will hit their friends and families just as hard. (It will also be a time of lots of media coverage, some good, some bad).
Feel sad, don't be embarrassed to laugh or to cry but look after those around you in the times to come.
Good friends lost, wing forever folded
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I never had the pleasure of meeting the 47 Sqn guys, but my sincere condolences go to all at Lyneham. However, Paddy Marshall was a friend and colleague, and he will be sorely missed by all at HQ STC.
A really irritating PPRuNer
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Just popping my head back up above the parapet
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OC 47 Sqn
Sir,
very kind words indeed, thank you.
Your words not only clearly display the sense of loss you are all feeling, but also the immense pride you have in your Squadron.
You will have some difficult times ahead as your colleagues return home. Stand tall and be very proud of them. As you saulte their homecoming please do not feel as though you are alone. There will be many with you in spirit, saluting them too.
The country shares your pride in your people, and also your loss.
Respectfully,
Brian
very kind words indeed, thank you.
Your words not only clearly display the sense of loss you are all feeling, but also the immense pride you have in your Squadron.
You will have some difficult times ahead as your colleagues return home. Stand tall and be very proud of them. As you saulte their homecoming please do not feel as though you are alone. There will be many with you in spirit, saluting them too.
The country shares your pride in your people, and also your loss.
Respectfully,
Brian
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Back from the sandpit
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It has taken this long for the tears to stop and allow me to post. I had the privilege to work with Gary in the Sim for several years and also knew Gibbo well. I only knew the rest of the crew in passing from Guinness & Mince Pies and a few nights in the Gordon Biersch. I remember well the demise of XV193 and the loss that we all felt then, taxied out behind them on that fateful day. Somehow this all seems so much worse.
I am proud to count Gary & Gibbo amongst my friends, they were the epitome of an Eng and a Loadie. If anyone needed a role model, professionally or socially then they needed to look no further than this fine pair of SNCOs. Obie summed it up so well in his address I feel I can add no more. The obituaries on the Lyneham website are also written magnificently, with dignity and from the heart.
To the families of all on board, to all of EGDL, I share your grief. Be proud of them as they were proud of you.
Although this is probably being addressed as I type I would like to make a plea to the powers that be at HQSTC. I know there are certain legal requirements to be fulfilled when repatriating casualties to the UK and the precedence has been set, but please do not let this crew suffer the ignominy of being returned to UK in a C17 into BZN (No disrespect to 99 Sqn, you do a fine job) PLEASE allow 47 Sqn the honour of carrying their fallen comrades home on their final sortie into Lyneham, by the means that would have been chosen by the crew themselves ….. an Albert. I am sure that this would be appreciated and needed by all those related to the crew and by all their extended family at Lyneham.
AH Ex FE 30 & 57
I am proud to count Gary & Gibbo amongst my friends, they were the epitome of an Eng and a Loadie. If anyone needed a role model, professionally or socially then they needed to look no further than this fine pair of SNCOs. Obie summed it up so well in his address I feel I can add no more. The obituaries on the Lyneham website are also written magnificently, with dignity and from the heart.
To the families of all on board, to all of EGDL, I share your grief. Be proud of them as they were proud of you.
Although this is probably being addressed as I type I would like to make a plea to the powers that be at HQSTC. I know there are certain legal requirements to be fulfilled when repatriating casualties to the UK and the precedence has been set, but please do not let this crew suffer the ignominy of being returned to UK in a C17 into BZN (No disrespect to 99 Sqn, you do a fine job) PLEASE allow 47 Sqn the honour of carrying their fallen comrades home on their final sortie into Lyneham, by the means that would have been chosen by the crew themselves ….. an Albert. I am sure that this would be appreciated and needed by all those related to the crew and by all their extended family at Lyneham.
AH Ex FE 30 & 57
Join Date: Feb 2005
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I knew Gary and Gibbo well and counted Gibbo amongst my closest friends. There is little I can add to the expressions of sadness and grief that have been posted here already, and I can hardly bring myself to type these words...
I will always treasure the memories of the times we shared and I am eternally grateful to have been part of their lives. I will miss them both with pain and tears, and remember them with a smile.
I offer my condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of every one lost in this tragedy.
Brian Webster
Ex 24/30
I will always treasure the memories of the times we shared and I am eternally grateful to have been part of their lives. I will miss them both with pain and tears, and remember them with a smile.
I offer my condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of every one lost in this tragedy.
Brian Webster
Ex 24/30
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OC 47 Sqn - We have "spoken" and I know that you're intentions will be for those left behind. Your words to us all are both dignified and in keeping with the honour of commanding 47 Sqn.
I support TBT and, if not already being done, I would like to add my support to an EGDL homecoming.
The Lyneham family can do it for the boys. They deserve nothing less.
I support TBT and, if not already being done, I would like to add my support to an EGDL homecoming.
The Lyneham family can do it for the boys. They deserve nothing less.
Join Date: Feb 2005
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No words to adequately express my own loss or add to the words that have so thoughtfully been said above. My life is better for knowing some of the men on this crew and having the honor of flying with them for just a few years. Mrs. Ice-a-Cream joins me in offering any support we can to our family and friends at Lyneham, and look forward to seeing you even in these difficult circumstances.
Godspeed friends - "It'll be alright."
Godspeed friends - "It'll be alright."
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
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I'm not a pilot, I've never been in the forces and I didn't know any of the crew lost in this tragedy, but the recollections in this thread has turned these guys into real people that I really wish I had been privileged to know. Usually , such losses are just vague names in the paper.
My respect to them and also to all of you who have been so positive.
Treadders
My respect to them and also to all of you who have been so positive.
Treadders
Join Date: Nov 2002
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Dave, Gary and Mark - thinking of you. You will be sadly missed.
Sincerest condolences to all the families and to serving members of 47 Sqn at this very difficult time.
GJC
NILI NOMEN ROBORIS OMEN
Sincerest condolences to all the families and to serving members of 47 Sqn at this very difficult time.
GJC
NILI NOMEN ROBORIS OMEN