Herc Down (Merged)
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Thank you OC 47
OC 47,
To see a Sqn Boss post a message on Pprune at such a time has been truly moving. Such heartfelt words that capture what we are all feeling for our lost comrades.
Hats off to you Sir, it is leadership like this that keeps us all committed despite the ever present limfacs that are thrown at us.
We will remember them......
To see a Sqn Boss post a message on Pprune at such a time has been truly moving. Such heartfelt words that capture what we are all feeling for our lost comrades.
Hats off to you Sir, it is leadership like this that keeps us all committed despite the ever present limfacs that are thrown at us.
We will remember them......
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I am a ground trade WRAF currently serving at Lyneham and on my last week before a new posting.
I was so gratefull to be invited to the Mess last Monday night to have a drink for the boys. Thankyou.
I only knew a few of the guys on board through either work, beercalls or sport. Though, having read each and every one of these pages I feel I know the other boys a little more. From the guys that I did know I have a some fond and funny memories of them, such a shooting some hoops with Richie in the station gym hall or taking the "mic" out of Gary for coming into our office at work stinking after a gym workout, or the god-awfull t-shirt that Bob bought for me from some far-flung detachment.
Memories of all will stay with each and every one of us for a hell of a time.
These next few words were sent to me from a friend which I thought I'd put on here for others to share.
"Our friendship chain may have broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the links will join again"
My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected. xx
I was so gratefull to be invited to the Mess last Monday night to have a drink for the boys. Thankyou.
I only knew a few of the guys on board through either work, beercalls or sport. Though, having read each and every one of these pages I feel I know the other boys a little more. From the guys that I did know I have a some fond and funny memories of them, such a shooting some hoops with Richie in the station gym hall or taking the "mic" out of Gary for coming into our office at work stinking after a gym workout, or the god-awfull t-shirt that Bob bought for me from some far-flung detachment.
Memories of all will stay with each and every one of us for a hell of a time.
These next few words were sent to me from a friend which I thought I'd put on here for others to share.
"Our friendship chain may have broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the links will join again"
My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected. xx
Last edited by Sarahs; 6th Feb 2005 at 15:24.
Join Date: Sep 2000
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Over the years, I have known quite a few people who have been part of Albert's team. Every one of them has tales and memories to regale. I can only begin to imagine what a gap the loss of a crew, so far from home, must mean to those serving, and those who have served.
God rest you, and for those left behind, I know the wider family will give you all the support and help they can.
STANDTO
God rest you, and for those left behind, I know the wider family will give you all the support and help they can.
STANDTO
Join Date: Aug 2003
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Words are failing me right now but i want to pay my respects.
Flew with Gary a few times whilst at Lyneham and carried Gibbo out of Kabul on the big grey jet. I'm sure to have met the rest of the crew at some point in the past.
Rest in peace guys and thank you for everything you have done.
Ex 24 Sqn ALM
Flew with Gary a few times whilst at Lyneham and carried Gibbo out of Kabul on the big grey jet. I'm sure to have met the rest of the crew at some point in the past.
Rest in peace guys and thank you for everything you have done.
Ex 24 Sqn ALM
Short Blunt Shock
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A week on and I am still choking back tears. Especially when I see the growing floral tributes at the gates, or the kind words expressed by many here.
Smudge, you were an example to us all of how it should be done. I will miss you. The RAF, and the world, are both much the poorer for your passing.
RIP, and godspeed.
16B
Smudge, you were an example to us all of how it should be done. I will miss you. The RAF, and the world, are both much the poorer for your passing.
RIP, and godspeed.
16B
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I have worked with a few of the guys on board and this is a terrible loss. It is really hard to know what to write (one of the reasons I have put it off for so long) but what I do know is that I keep getting images of the ones I did know in my head and ever time I do I smile, so that has got to be a good thing.
I find it hard to believe that I not going to get off a frame and see Bob or Richie standing there, with a smile, waiting for me. Likewise walk into the sqn and see Gary saying something funny nor see Smudge and banter him. Or see any of them just walking around or down route somewhere.
I went to church today in the village and it was really sad, and I know this is only the start of it. It was a low key but approprite service and it has started to bring home to me that they have really gone.
My prays are with the families at this time, my sadness can only be a fraction of what they are feeling. I just hope that the sentiments expressed on this forum and good wishes from the people here at lyneham and the wider community help in some way with the grieving process.
RIP
I find it hard to believe that I not going to get off a frame and see Bob or Richie standing there, with a smile, waiting for me. Likewise walk into the sqn and see Gary saying something funny nor see Smudge and banter him. Or see any of them just walking around or down route somewhere.
I went to church today in the village and it was really sad, and I know this is only the start of it. It was a low key but approprite service and it has started to bring home to me that they have really gone.
My prays are with the families at this time, my sadness can only be a fraction of what they are feeling. I just hope that the sentiments expressed on this forum and good wishes from the people here at lyneham and the wider community help in some way with the grieving process.
RIP
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I don't think I can add much to what has already been said. Worked and laughed with Gary and Gibbo on 24. They were two of the nicest funniest and talented guys I've had the pleasure to meet in 23 years service. I'm sure I speak for all on 216 in passing on deepest condolences to all the familes involved.
Mick Boulton ex 24 Air Eng.
Mick Boulton ex 24 Air Eng.
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It's my last chance to have a beer for the next few days, as such I am raising a glass to all who were on 179.
Only knew a couple of you by name, probably knew the rest of the crew by sight or in passing. For those I didn't know my glass is still raised to you. The albert family is a big one, be it currently serving, past service or those in the local community, and I am sure we all share in this tragic loss.
Rest in peace, you shall not be forgotten.
Only knew a couple of you by name, probably knew the rest of the crew by sight or in passing. For those I didn't know my glass is still raised to you. The albert family is a big one, be it currently serving, past service or those in the local community, and I am sure we all share in this tragic loss.
Rest in peace, you shall not be forgotten.
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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A sad week of much reflection and prayers. I knew Gary and Gibbo very well, indeed twas Gibbo who introduced me to Screech in Gander. They were two larger than life individuals in all respects, who will be so sadly missed by all who knew and loved them. Just as I still remember Terry and Craig and the rest of 193, I shall not forget Gary, Gibbo and the others of 179.
To all those left behind know that we share your loss and stand with you at your side.
Nothings forgotten, nothing is ever forgotten....
Ged Higgins ex LXX Air Eng
Sep 89 to Sep 93
To all those left behind know that we share your loss and stand with you at your side.
Nothings forgotten, nothing is ever forgotten....
Ged Higgins ex LXX Air Eng
Sep 89 to Sep 93
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A week on and the hurt is still so very open and raw.Many sad days to come but we on 47 Sqn will come together for the guys like we would any other.I never flew with Gary but he entertained 'me' in the sim many times.Flew with Gibbo a few times and one memorable long dural which will always stay with me.Did the OCU in '95 with 'Steady' and 'got' in his way manytimes at the coffee machine on the Sqn.It still doesn't feel right talking this way about them...missing friends....never forgotten.
Days to do....
Days to do....
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Welcome back - Fare Well.
First Post for me - difficult one.
Writing it was cathartic - hope it is appropriate.
We will miss you.
Farewell Fair Foxes
Colleagues, Mates, Kith and Kin,
Professional Oppos through thick and thin,
Sent to do a job they loved,
Booted, spurred and leather gloved.
Wit and banter, no-doubt a part,
Of their aviating finesse - a subtle art.
The cream of all our Albert crews,
A modest bunch - our Lyneham Muse’.
We wish them well wherever now,
A cheeky grin - a smile creased brow.
In our hearts and minds we feel,
The fact they’ve gone cannot be real.
Are they at the bar perhaps?
Such characters - such cocky chaps!
Ness-a-Guin... a festive pie,
A watchful gaze, a mindful eye.
It’s up to us who now remain,
To nurture, support and share the pain,
Of those so close, so intertwined,
And offer now – some peace of mind.
So, lets bow our heads and raise a glass,
And toast a crew of premier class.
They’ve slipped their surly bonds and flown,
Touched by you, our lives have grown.
Writing it was cathartic - hope it is appropriate.
We will miss you.
Farewell Fair Foxes
Colleagues, Mates, Kith and Kin,
Professional Oppos through thick and thin,
Sent to do a job they loved,
Booted, spurred and leather gloved.
Wit and banter, no-doubt a part,
Of their aviating finesse - a subtle art.
The cream of all our Albert crews,
A modest bunch - our Lyneham Muse’.
We wish them well wherever now,
A cheeky grin - a smile creased brow.
In our hearts and minds we feel,
The fact they’ve gone cannot be real.
Are they at the bar perhaps?
Such characters - such cocky chaps!
Ness-a-Guin... a festive pie,
A watchful gaze, a mindful eye.
It’s up to us who now remain,
To nurture, support and share the pain,
Of those so close, so intertwined,
And offer now – some peace of mind.
So, lets bow our heads and raise a glass,
And toast a crew of premier class.
They’ve slipped their surly bonds and flown,
Touched by you, our lives have grown.
Last edited by ELL BEE; 7th Feb 2005 at 16:35.
I'm glad the boys are coming home to Lyneham and disappointed I can't be there, but understand this isn't the time for everyone to show solidarity. This will be a more personal event than that.
Although it's difficult to know what to do I'm sure the ones left behind are being given all the support that can be taken - but the one thing they can't be given will be in front of them tomorrow. At such a traumatic time I hope they can take comfort that Lyneham feels their loss and will do anything she can to ease their pain.
To the boys, I hope your last landing at EGDL is a smooth one. I'll be thinking of you.
Although it's difficult to know what to do I'm sure the ones left behind are being given all the support that can be taken - but the one thing they can't be given will be in front of them tomorrow. At such a traumatic time I hope they can take comfort that Lyneham feels their loss and will do anything she can to ease their pain.
To the boys, I hope your last landing at EGDL is a smooth one. I'll be thinking of you.
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Sincerest condolences to families and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Words cannot convey what we all feel at this time but I will cherish the memories. I had the pleasure to fly and sim with Gary – a real character and a gent. I will be thinking of you guys tomorrow when you return to Lyneham.
Lest we forget
Lest we forget
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Wearing my 47 Squadron tie with pride and sorrow into work this morning, and if anyone asks me what it is, I'll be able to tell them a little about the kind of brave people being flown home to their final resting place today.
Fat Albert
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Sincere condolances to the families and friends of the crew at this very difficult time. I knew and have worked with Richie, Bob and Gibbo. Great guys as I am sure they all were.
The reading of the passage from Johnathon Livingston Seagull and the rumble of the approaching Alberts as the role call of the crew was read were the two most poignant moments of the very moving memorial service for the crew of XV193. I am sure that RAF Lyneham will give the crew of XV179 an equally fitting send off.
Rest in peace fellas.
The reading of the passage from Johnathon Livingston Seagull and the rumble of the approaching Alberts as the role call of the crew was read were the two most poignant moments of the very moving memorial service for the crew of XV193. I am sure that RAF Lyneham will give the crew of XV179 an equally fitting send off.
Rest in peace fellas.
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With much sadness, I would like to add my condolences and support to the family and friends of our returning crewmembers. I spent the majority of my adult working life at and around Lyneham and, as with XV193, know how something like this can affect and unite the unsung heroes of the family that is RAF Lyneham.
Gibbo, we were crewed up together during the first Gulf War and I have many fond memories. Gareth and I will raise a glass when next down route. Gary, I think I met you twice but heard you and of you often. To you both, the pair of you are perfect examples of the personalities from which Lyneham and the RAF as a whole derive their strengths of character; you will be sorely missed.
I try and see positive in everything. I have trouble here, and it's often hard to express sentiment on paper. If there's anything we can take solace in, it's the leadership we have in place at the moment. The military can sometimes provide a haven for the intolerant; indeed, I've worked with and for managers ranging from the officious to the apathetic. If like me you have worked with both Obi & OC 47, you will be aware of how important the human aspect is to them, how they both share a trait of being "people-persons". I take some comfort in knowing that Lyneham and its family are in good hands.
All the best
B.A.
Gibbo, we were crewed up together during the first Gulf War and I have many fond memories. Gareth and I will raise a glass when next down route. Gary, I think I met you twice but heard you and of you often. To you both, the pair of you are perfect examples of the personalities from which Lyneham and the RAF as a whole derive their strengths of character; you will be sorely missed.
I try and see positive in everything. I have trouble here, and it's often hard to express sentiment on paper. If there's anything we can take solace in, it's the leadership we have in place at the moment. The military can sometimes provide a haven for the intolerant; indeed, I've worked with and for managers ranging from the officious to the apathetic. If like me you have worked with both Obi & OC 47, you will be aware of how important the human aspect is to them, how they both share a trait of being "people-persons". I take some comfort in knowing that Lyneham and its family are in good hands.
All the best
B.A.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
BBC: Iraq crash RAF dead arrive home
The bodies of 10 servicemen killed when an RAF transport plane crashed in Iraq have arrived in the UK.
Nine airmen and a soldier died when the RAF Hercules came down 20 miles north-west of Baghdad on 30 January. Their remains have been returned to RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, where eight of the airmen were based........
A C17 plane carrying the servicemen's bodies landed at the base at 12.45pm, for a 90-minute repatriation ceremony at 1.30pm.
"It is extremely poignant that today's ceremony is being held at RAF Lyneham as the majority of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident served or had served here," said Wing Cdr Jules Eaton.
"We are deeply saddened by their loss but are extremely proud and feel very privileged to be able to bring our friends and colleagues to their home base. "Their families are being offered every support on this difficult day and our highest priority is their well-being. Support will continue for as long as they require it".
"Every effort has been made to ensure that today's events are a dignified and solemn homecoming. This is not a memorial service, it is a homecoming."
Princess Anne, who is Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Lyneham, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and military chiefs are attending the service. The Princess will meet the families of the dead after the ceremony.
The 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and the Royal Corps of Signals have formed the bearer parties and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the RAF Regiment Band are providing the service music.
The families will be given time to spend with their loved ones before Wiltshire Coroner David Masters oversees the transfer of the coffins to Great Western Hospital in Swindon for formal identification.
The bodies of 10 servicemen killed when an RAF transport plane crashed in Iraq have arrived in the UK.
Nine airmen and a soldier died when the RAF Hercules came down 20 miles north-west of Baghdad on 30 January. Their remains have been returned to RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, where eight of the airmen were based........
A C17 plane carrying the servicemen's bodies landed at the base at 12.45pm, for a 90-minute repatriation ceremony at 1.30pm.
"It is extremely poignant that today's ceremony is being held at RAF Lyneham as the majority of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident served or had served here," said Wing Cdr Jules Eaton.
"We are deeply saddened by their loss but are extremely proud and feel very privileged to be able to bring our friends and colleagues to their home base. "Their families are being offered every support on this difficult day and our highest priority is their well-being. Support will continue for as long as they require it".
"Every effort has been made to ensure that today's events are a dignified and solemn homecoming. This is not a memorial service, it is a homecoming."
Princess Anne, who is Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Lyneham, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and military chiefs are attending the service. The Princess will meet the families of the dead after the ceremony.
The 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and the Royal Corps of Signals have formed the bearer parties and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the RAF Regiment Band are providing the service music.
The families will be given time to spend with their loved ones before Wiltshire Coroner David Masters oversees the transfer of the coffins to Great Western Hospital in Swindon for formal identification.
