Herc Down (Merged)
Nice
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: All Over
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Civvy speaking here, I hope you don't mind.
I have been reading this thread since the terrible day of the accident and although I do not know the gentleman involved, I would like to add my sympathies to the families and friends left behind.
I am immensely proud of all armed forces, particuarly the RAF, I'm sure a lot of Joe Public are too.
You will be remembered on civvy street Guys, RIP.
I have been reading this thread since the terrible day of the accident and although I do not know the gentleman involved, I would like to add my sympathies to the families and friends left behind.
I am immensely proud of all armed forces, particuarly the RAF, I'm sure a lot of Joe Public are too.
You will be remembered on civvy street Guys, RIP.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hants
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To the families:
Words never seem to be enough, but sympathies to all - such a terrible loss.
To Steady:
Will miss you, chaffhead, you were perhaps the rudest kid I knew but undoubtedly with a heart of pure gold and a manor that never really offended. The finest pilot bar none.
Stay safe at your new cruising Alt and perhaps we'll all meet up someday. Don't worry for M and the girls, it's a matter of honour now.
We'll never forget those dets - when it was always fun, so I'll be having that glass of chardonnay and thinking about you as the sun sets over Vegas.....
......Not sure we'll crack 11 bottles this time tho'
To the boys of 179:
Proud to have known and operated with some of you, feel sure the rest were equally as sound. God speed.
To the politicians (and I know this is not a time to feel bitterness, but):
Maybe the time has come to rethink your attitudes towards those personnel within our Armed Forces whose proffesionalism, committment and clarity of action provides you with your overseas victories.
The job we will always do without question, the lack of adequate kit - we cope with, the limiting ROE - we adapt to, even the constant downsizing - we attempt to rationalise.
But I find sickening, the sanctimonius and tastelessly phoney way in which you choose to mention those who have answered your call to freedom by paying the ultimate sacrifice, and particularly the burden that their families suffer ever after.
Perhaps some detailed research into the type of people they were may provide you with a clear definition of true 'moral backbone'.
Take a lesson from the likes of HRH Princess Anne, who at least met the situation with a dignified and heartfelt responce.
To 47 Sqn, Particularly the Flt:
The job you continue to carry out does make a difference, it's just that sometimes the price is far too high. So very sorry for your loss, but remember that the Flt will prevail. Walk tall fellas and long live the Fox
Words never seem to be enough, but sympathies to all - such a terrible loss.
To Steady:
Will miss you, chaffhead, you were perhaps the rudest kid I knew but undoubtedly with a heart of pure gold and a manor that never really offended. The finest pilot bar none.
Stay safe at your new cruising Alt and perhaps we'll all meet up someday. Don't worry for M and the girls, it's a matter of honour now.
We'll never forget those dets - when it was always fun, so I'll be having that glass of chardonnay and thinking about you as the sun sets over Vegas.....
......Not sure we'll crack 11 bottles this time tho'
To the boys of 179:
Proud to have known and operated with some of you, feel sure the rest were equally as sound. God speed.
To the politicians (and I know this is not a time to feel bitterness, but):
Maybe the time has come to rethink your attitudes towards those personnel within our Armed Forces whose proffesionalism, committment and clarity of action provides you with your overseas victories.
The job we will always do without question, the lack of adequate kit - we cope with, the limiting ROE - we adapt to, even the constant downsizing - we attempt to rationalise.
But I find sickening, the sanctimonius and tastelessly phoney way in which you choose to mention those who have answered your call to freedom by paying the ultimate sacrifice, and particularly the burden that their families suffer ever after.
Perhaps some detailed research into the type of people they were may provide you with a clear definition of true 'moral backbone'.
Take a lesson from the likes of HRH Princess Anne, who at least met the situation with a dignified and heartfelt responce.
To 47 Sqn, Particularly the Flt:
The job you continue to carry out does make a difference, it's just that sometimes the price is far too high. So very sorry for your loss, but remember that the Flt will prevail. Walk tall fellas and long live the Fox
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Andy P - legend.
I'll never forget you mate, I don't think anyone made me laugh so much as you! You leave the world with so many happy memories of you (although I still have nightmares about being in the car with you when you were learning to drive!!).
I'll see you for a beer again in the future.
I'll never forget you mate, I don't think anyone made me laugh so much as you! You leave the world with so many happy memories of you (although I still have nightmares about being in the car with you when you were learning to drive!!).
I'll see you for a beer again in the future.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: greener pastures
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To the families that are left with us - Words are not enough, I cannot begin to imagine what you must be going through, thank you for sharing them with us, our thoughts are with you.
Sincere condolences to the GE section, 47 and the Flight, and RAF Lyneham. Dark times right now but the light will seem brighter soon and the smiles will return when you remember the guys.
I did not have the privilege of knowing all the crew but shared many happy routes with Gary Nic and Gibbo, true professionals that made every nightstop with them an occasion to remember, first met Ritchie (and his guitar!) in MPA years ago when we shared a room, truly one of life's good guys.
Rest easy guys
Steve O (Ex G/E)
Sincere condolences to the GE section, 47 and the Flight, and RAF Lyneham. Dark times right now but the light will seem brighter soon and the smiles will return when you remember the guys.
I did not have the privilege of knowing all the crew but shared many happy routes with Gary Nic and Gibbo, true professionals that made every nightstop with them an occasion to remember, first met Ritchie (and his guitar!) in MPA years ago when we shared a room, truly one of life's good guys.
Rest easy guys
Steve O (Ex G/E)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Our thoughts are with the families of our friends we have lost, in this very difficult time. To the boys, you were gents of the highest order, and I only try to remember the good times we shared.
KYT ex 47, 30, 57, LXX
KYT ex 47, 30, 57, LXX
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
XV179
All on XV179 - You will ALL be sorely missed.
All characters.
All professionally brilliant.
All inspiring.
I will never forget the night when Steady, Gibbo and Gary filled my 12x12 with hanging rubber tyres and dozens of bananas just to make me feel 'at home'. Thanks gents.
RIP.
All characters.
All professionally brilliant.
All inspiring.
I will never forget the night when Steady, Gibbo and Gary filled my 12x12 with hanging rubber tyres and dozens of bananas just to make me feel 'at home'. Thanks gents.
RIP.
So so sad.
Having only spoke to the crew and shook hands the day before the incident I feel a great loss as do many others. You will be glad to know that they were all in high spirits and Gibbo was his usual self offering out the brews and ciggies (NOT!!!)
I can only offer massive condolances to all others that worked and knew the crew so well as many of us have done so over the years. Red Flags will never be the same.
Forever in our memories.......47AD SQN
Having only spoke to the crew and shook hands the day before the incident I feel a great loss as do many others. You will be glad to know that they were all in high spirits and Gibbo was his usual self offering out the brews and ciggies (NOT!!!)
I can only offer massive condolances to all others that worked and knew the crew so well as many of us have done so over the years. Red Flags will never be the same.
Forever in our memories.......47AD SQN
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: the gutter
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
God Bless Them All.
I left my career at Lye.
My tribute to all at Lyneham is sincerely heartfelt.
My wife and I wish that all our condolences could be passed on to the families. We are both ex Lyneham.
I have cried, she has cried.
No one died in vain. They are loved and respected by us all.
"Never shall so much be owed by so few to so many"
Per adua ad astra my friends, even though I never knew you.
We will never forget.
My tribute to all at Lyneham is sincerely heartfelt.
My wife and I wish that all our condolences could be passed on to the families. We are both ex Lyneham.
I have cried, she has cried.
No one died in vain. They are loved and respected by us all.
"Never shall so much be owed by so few to so many"
Per adua ad astra my friends, even though I never knew you.
We will never forget.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The Wonderful Midlands
Age: 53
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
God bless them all indeed.
Terrible, terrible waste of life. God bless you boys, We'll remember you always.
There but for the grace of god go all of us.
The Rocket
Terrible, terrible waste of life. God bless you boys, We'll remember you always.
There but for the grace of god go all of us.
The Rocket
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
XV179
Where do I start? Was away on leave when I heard. Had numerous texts from people hoping it wasnt me.
I am absolutely gutted. Words cannot express my sadness.
I did not know the whole crew. A great loss. My thoughts go out to their families.
Many thanks for the many pages of condolences.
Lets hope they allow the Squadron to fly their lost men home to Lyneham.
Rest in peace XV179.
I am absolutely gutted. Words cannot express my sadness.
I did not know the whole crew. A great loss. My thoughts go out to their families.
Many thanks for the many pages of condolences.
Lets hope they allow the Squadron to fly their lost men home to Lyneham.
Rest in peace XV179.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wilts
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gary, my best man in 2001, how could I have chosen any better.
Gibbo, a source of laughter without bounds.
They and thier comrades shall be with us, the families, and 47
forever.
Mac.
Gibbo, a source of laughter without bounds.
They and thier comrades shall be with us, the families, and 47
forever.
Mac.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: There's no place like home
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mac/Gary
Nice to see a friend in here. I will miss my fella so much.
The do at 47 was worthwhile and much appreciated yesterday.
Sending love to the other partners, friends and family.
They are definitely flying them to Lyneham next week.
little bee
The do at 47 was worthwhile and much appreciated yesterday.
Sending love to the other partners, friends and family.
They are definitely flying them to Lyneham next week.
little bee
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was out of the country on leave when I got the devastating news on SKY. It gave me a strange surreal detached feeling as if all was not real, but alass it was. So strange to see your Station and Station commander on TV for such a sad sad occurence. I have read the threads and cannot think of anything to say that has not already been said. I did the Tac course with Gibbo and had flown with Gary Nic. Two great characters and aviators, whom I looked up to. I find it so hard to realise that I will not see or hear them again. My thoughts go to all who had the pleasure of knowing these guys, and to the others on the aircraft. Gone but certainly not forgotten.
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Middle East
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just realised that the 80/20 rule does indeed apply. 
Paddy
Mate. One of the Goldstars who welcome us as Honoraries to the Sqn at Brüggen; ready wit, awesome timing and all round great fun to drink with. Will miss you mate but enjoy the new flying. Wish that we'd cuaght up whilst you were local to us.
Always. Peace.
Es G
Paddy
Mate. One of the Goldstars who welcome us as Honoraries to the Sqn at Brüggen; ready wit, awesome timing and all round great fun to drink with. Will miss you mate but enjoy the new flying. Wish that we'd cuaght up whilst you were local to us.
Always. Peace.
Es G
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Swindon
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Words aren't enough Guys and as the chaps on 47 Sqn know, I am rarely short of them! Thanks to the five of you on the crew for the memories. You opened my eyes to a lot when I joined you and taught me much about the ways of the Air Force and the ways of the world. I also perfected my multiple "brew" making ability (a true Yorkshire lass - Steady should be proud!) and discovered a multiude of uses for the word "Monkey" (cheers Gary - I don't know where my vocabulary would have been without you!). Some of my very best memories and happiest days stem from working alongside you all. It is a true privilege to have known you. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
"Love and friendship's last act - remembrance."
We will remember you.
"Love and friendship's last act - remembrance."
We will remember you.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are any arrangements being made for those who wish to pay their respects in person i.e. a memorial service. if so where can details be found.
Have fond memories of being given a hard time by Gary in the sim when converting to Albert. Stood me in good stead.
Ex FE 206/30/LXX
Have fond memories of being given a hard time by Gary in the sim when converting to Albert. Stood me in good stead.
Ex FE 206/30/LXX
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: UK Sometimes
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is so humbling to hear everyone on this Forum begin to appreciate what we have lost and the sadness is almost tangible. Certainly, the grieving will go on and, for the families, the pain will never truly fade.
But for the sake of those that have died serving their country, their countrymen, if not the free world, let us go 'onward and upward' and carry the empathy that we feel today on to tomorrow and each and everyday from now.
Often, we are all guilty of focusing on the unimportant - for example getting the hump with your 'other half' for something trivial or getting angry at someone at work for making a genuine small mistake, blasting off at the kids for making a racket, going 'purple-headed' at the less able drivers on the road, or even getting p!ssed at poor management decisions.
Sometimes it makes the loss of someone close to make us see that these little things are really unimportant. What does matter is people and our relationship with them. The people we love, live with and work with and to whom trust our lives - everyone. Therefore, it may be good to view things from a different angle.
See things from the other person's point of view, give them a chance to explain, forgive genuine mistakes, encourage those less able than ourselves rather than put them down - but most of all, remember that they have loved ones too and we all walk a tightrope off which can we fall ......at any time.
Let us try to do this a token of our gratitude to all have fallen in our name.
But for the sake of those that have died serving their country, their countrymen, if not the free world, let us go 'onward and upward' and carry the empathy that we feel today on to tomorrow and each and everyday from now.
Often, we are all guilty of focusing on the unimportant - for example getting the hump with your 'other half' for something trivial or getting angry at someone at work for making a genuine small mistake, blasting off at the kids for making a racket, going 'purple-headed' at the less able drivers on the road, or even getting p!ssed at poor management decisions.
Sometimes it makes the loss of someone close to make us see that these little things are really unimportant. What does matter is people and our relationship with them. The people we love, live with and work with and to whom trust our lives - everyone. Therefore, it may be good to view things from a different angle.
See things from the other person's point of view, give them a chance to explain, forgive genuine mistakes, encourage those less able than ourselves rather than put them down - but most of all, remember that they have loved ones too and we all walk a tightrope off which can we fall ......at any time.
Let us try to do this a token of our gratitude to all have fallen in our name.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Canberra Australia
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who went down in the Herc. They made the ultimate sacrifice for us who survive. They all knew the risks they were taking and willingly put their lives on the line.
Why?
Having too often been in similar situations myself and having been fortunate enough to have come out the other side I have had to question myself as to why I did it?
Why did I carry on after losing so many close friends around me in mortal combat?
The bottom line answer to that question for me is - "To preserve OUR way of life for those we leave behind."
So thank those guys from the bottom of your hearts. They did it for you.
The odds were small for the downing of a Herc. They were in essential support of those at the sharp end all doing their best to eliminate the continuing threats to us from Al Qaeda and other nasties. If that Herc was not fitted with state of the art protection then protest any which way you can so that others doing their duties can have shorter odds.
Now give some thanks also to all of those others making the ultimate sacrifices for you.
My ANZAC days are very emotional when especially "We Shall Remember Them".
Why?
Having too often been in similar situations myself and having been fortunate enough to have come out the other side I have had to question myself as to why I did it?
Why did I carry on after losing so many close friends around me in mortal combat?
The bottom line answer to that question for me is - "To preserve OUR way of life for those we leave behind."
So thank those guys from the bottom of your hearts. They did it for you.
The odds were small for the downing of a Herc. They were in essential support of those at the sharp end all doing their best to eliminate the continuing threats to us from Al Qaeda and other nasties. If that Herc was not fitted with state of the art protection then protest any which way you can so that others doing their duties can have shorter odds.
Now give some thanks also to all of those others making the ultimate sacrifices for you.
My ANZAC days are very emotional when especially "We Shall Remember Them".
Last edited by Milt; 6th Feb 2005 at 02:26.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Deepest Oxfordshire
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Memorial Service?
As Push & Start says above, I am sure that a Memorial Service should, and will, be held in due course. Like that for the crew of XV193, it will need to be held in the open air, for the hangar has not been built that is large enough to hold the throng that will want to turn out to pay their respects - witness 140K+ views on this thread for starters.
I had never read Jonathan Livingston Seagull before I heard the 'They came in the evening, then...' passage at the Memorial Service for the crew of XV193. It was so apt, though; and I do not think it would be an exaggeration to say that there was not a dry eye in the place. Years later, I read that very same passage at my own father's funeral: a tribute from an aviator to the man that had done more than any other to build and encourage him in his endeavours, even though Dad was an Army man himself. And it had the same effect on the congregation there.
I trust that something along those lines will happen again now; and, as before, I would consider it a privilege to be part of it. OB?
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Gadget
I had never read Jonathan Livingston Seagull before I heard the 'They came in the evening, then...' passage at the Memorial Service for the crew of XV193. It was so apt, though; and I do not think it would be an exaggeration to say that there was not a dry eye in the place. Years later, I read that very same passage at my own father's funeral: a tribute from an aviator to the man that had done more than any other to build and encourage him in his endeavours, even though Dad was an Army man himself. And it had the same effect on the congregation there.
I trust that something along those lines will happen again now; and, as before, I would consider it a privilege to be part of it. OB?
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Gadget
Last edited by Captain Gadget; 6th Feb 2005 at 17:30.