Herc Down (Merged)
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I just want to say thank you for all the kind words that have been posted in this thread. Losing my Brother and his crew has been a personal nightmare for me, but the massive support, especially from RAF Brize Norton, RAF Lyneham, 47 Sqn, 216 Sqn and 99 Sqn has made the darkest days that bit easier to live through. A special thanks to the many who have helped me bring Gibbo home.
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joe2812 and Little Gibbo
it is perhaps the wrong time of day for me to post, (after last orders at the bar,) but the 2 previous messages have really hit home to me; joe, you write so eloquently for one so young, and Little Gibbo, it was an honour to be part of the process that saw you escort your brother home - at times like this, is is gratifying to know that the RAF family as a whole, and the Truckie fleet in particular, can pull together in such a moment of need.
I will never forget the surreal sight of 10 coffins being dressed with such loving care and attention to detail as I witnessed on that heart-rending flight home.....
God bless the Hilton boys.....
...GP and BC: I don't think you recognised us down the back of the 'great grey bird,' but I want you to know that you did your mates very proud indeed.
I will never forget the surreal sight of 10 coffins being dressed with such loving care and attention to detail as I witnessed on that heart-rending flight home.....
God bless the Hilton boys.....
...GP and BC: I don't think you recognised us down the back of the 'great grey bird,' but I want you to know that you did your mates very proud indeed.
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Our Fallen Heros
As I write this, another tear rolls down my cheek…just when I think there can’t possibly be more left to cry.
To the families and loved ones:
My thoughts are with you all. This is a desperate time and I can only hope and pray that one day your pain will begin to ease.
Little Gibbo - I’m lost for words. I cannot even begin to imagine the extent of your nightmares. I hope the kind words posted on this thread are maybe some comfort.
To friends and colleagues at Lyneham:
What can I say, except why? The air of sadness around the station is striking. This tragedy has touched everyone. My thoughts are with those of you who have lost close friends and colleagues. Such a shocking time for our Albert family.
To our 47 Sqn heros:
Gone but never forgotten. You will always be there in our hearts. Such massive personalities, such huge characters, such a devastating loss.
Smudge - your shirts were terrible, your fancy dress was…umm…interesting (!?!) and your cheesy “one-liners” were the worst!!! But for some reason, that all made you an amazing person. You were just too young to go! Sweetdreams, we miss you.
To the C-17 crew:
Thank you for bringing our boys home to where they belong.
Rest in peace boys! XXX
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning…we will remember them".
To the families and loved ones:
My thoughts are with you all. This is a desperate time and I can only hope and pray that one day your pain will begin to ease.
Little Gibbo - I’m lost for words. I cannot even begin to imagine the extent of your nightmares. I hope the kind words posted on this thread are maybe some comfort.
To friends and colleagues at Lyneham:
What can I say, except why? The air of sadness around the station is striking. This tragedy has touched everyone. My thoughts are with those of you who have lost close friends and colleagues. Such a shocking time for our Albert family.
To our 47 Sqn heros:
Gone but never forgotten. You will always be there in our hearts. Such massive personalities, such huge characters, such a devastating loss.
Smudge - your shirts were terrible, your fancy dress was…umm…interesting (!?!) and your cheesy “one-liners” were the worst!!! But for some reason, that all made you an amazing person. You were just too young to go! Sweetdreams, we miss you.
To the C-17 crew:
Thank you for bringing our boys home to where they belong.
Rest in peace boys! XXX
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning…we will remember them".
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you will have seen, this forum has become a place for us all to record our sadness, our thoughts and our condolences to those who perished last week.
I have heard several rumours already as to the cause, and many of you will no doubt have seen the front pages of todays Sun newspaper. But could I please, please ask that we DO NOT use this particular forum to speculate, discuss, comment etc as to these and no-doubt other stories that will abound about the cause of this ghastly incident over the next days and weeks ahead.
Let us leave it as a fitting place for people to register their condolences, and allow it to remain as a tribute to 10 very brave heroes.
If someone is desparate to voice their comments as to the cause, could I please ask that they open a new forum, and leave this one solely for tributes.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards
(a very sad) Swinging Monkey
PPrune moderator, pse feel free to delete this if you feel it is inappropriate. TSM
As you will have seen, this forum has become a place for us all to record our sadness, our thoughts and our condolences to those who perished last week.
I have heard several rumours already as to the cause, and many of you will no doubt have seen the front pages of todays Sun newspaper. But could I please, please ask that we DO NOT use this particular forum to speculate, discuss, comment etc as to these and no-doubt other stories that will abound about the cause of this ghastly incident over the next days and weeks ahead.
Let us leave it as a fitting place for people to register their condolences, and allow it to remain as a tribute to 10 very brave heroes.
If someone is desparate to voice their comments as to the cause, could I please ask that they open a new forum, and leave this one solely for tributes.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards
(a very sad) Swinging Monkey
PPrune moderator, pse feel free to delete this if you feel it is inappropriate. TSM
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I can but echo the sentiments of all those who have already spoken. My thoughts are with the families, all at 47 and at Lyneham.
Smudge - you will be sadly missed. I don't think I ever saw you without a smile on your face in the eight years we knew each other. Words fail me. Rest in Peace mate.
Smudge - you will be sadly missed. I don't think I ever saw you without a smile on your face in the eight years we knew each other. Words fail me. Rest in Peace mate.
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I'm sure there is a more official Book of Condolences at Lyneham, but this thread serves the global community very well in this respect and I just wanted to add mine.
On 57(R), I knew Steady when he was going through the OCU as a co and he clearly had far too much capacity because the banter switch was wire-locked on throughout. During that time I worked alongside Gibbo, which was a complete delight - great fun, consummate professional and a total genuine bloke. There will be many wonderful memories of these fine men to savour, but I'll not forget Gibbo down to his last 5 Canadian bucks on a nightstop Gander (this is first night outbound). He left us in The Flyers and we assumed that's him for the night. About an hour later, he bounds back in with nearly 200 dollars in his hand. He'd been a couple of doors down and fleeced some locals at double or quits pool. Being the generous fella he was, I think he still only had 5 bucks when we left the next morning!!
Being on LXX when 193 crashed, I can remember only too well the pain of the funerals. To the families and relatives, I pray that God's strength will gird you and surround you in the days ahead - the heartache will ease. Hundreds will stand with you in person, but hundreds of thousands will be beside you in spirit. Your men will never be forgotten and we are much the richer for knowing them. They died doing the job they loved and upholding the ideals we cherish, and we are as grateful to them as the fallen of WW2.
To the Albert family, you have raised your face to the world in dignified grief, and those who know the agony inside are so very proud.
God's rest, my brothers. Your dearest will be cared for. You are loved and missed terribly.
Z
On 57(R), I knew Steady when he was going through the OCU as a co and he clearly had far too much capacity because the banter switch was wire-locked on throughout. During that time I worked alongside Gibbo, which was a complete delight - great fun, consummate professional and a total genuine bloke. There will be many wonderful memories of these fine men to savour, but I'll not forget Gibbo down to his last 5 Canadian bucks on a nightstop Gander (this is first night outbound). He left us in The Flyers and we assumed that's him for the night. About an hour later, he bounds back in with nearly 200 dollars in his hand. He'd been a couple of doors down and fleeced some locals at double or quits pool. Being the generous fella he was, I think he still only had 5 bucks when we left the next morning!!
Being on LXX when 193 crashed, I can remember only too well the pain of the funerals. To the families and relatives, I pray that God's strength will gird you and surround you in the days ahead - the heartache will ease. Hundreds will stand with you in person, but hundreds of thousands will be beside you in spirit. Your men will never be forgotten and we are much the richer for knowing them. They died doing the job they loved and upholding the ideals we cherish, and we are as grateful to them as the fallen of WW2.
To the Albert family, you have raised your face to the world in dignified grief, and those who know the agony inside are so very proud.
God's rest, my brothers. Your dearest will be cared for. You are loved and missed terribly.
Z
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Ongoing tribute.
I just checked out the Lyneham village website.
the tributes have just ripped me apart. I can't believe i feel this way after 3 years away from Lyneham .
In my earlier and first post, I said I didnt know the crew. I thought I didn't. I did know Sgt O'connor, (Bob) He saved me from a kicking once by getting me out of an ugly situation. Thats what engineers do. Get yer mates out of trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not saying where or how, but cheers mate.
I still owe you.
Make sure eveyone gets the support they need.
Love to all the Sqns, engineers and support staff at the BIG "L"
exleckie
the tributes have just ripped me apart. I can't believe i feel this way after 3 years away from Lyneham .
In my earlier and first post, I said I didnt know the crew. I thought I didn't. I did know Sgt O'connor, (Bob) He saved me from a kicking once by getting me out of an ugly situation. Thats what engineers do. Get yer mates out of trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not saying where or how, but cheers mate.
I still owe you.
Make sure eveyone gets the support they need.
Love to all the Sqns, engineers and support staff at the BIG "L"
exleckie
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I have read this thread in full this evening.
Having known, operated and shared more than a 'few' beers with the boys, I'm still in a state of disbelief that such a fantastic bunch on characters won't be giving me relentless banter again...
To the happy times:
Paddy and his senior officer accent !! A typical fast-jet bloke !!!
Steady, throwing another fag end onto the pan of some hole of an international airport, with an expletive inquiry to the siggy on wheather his pax would be turning up soon...
Smudge, I didn't know too well, but I've heard a few stories of a chicken suit ?!?
Gary Nic, a huge bloke. "Him in the right seat, HE'S A MONKEY!! " and so the banter would go on.
Pards, always so 'organised' in the tent !?
Gibbo and his strange taste in music, I'm sure he just did it to wind us up! I cannot leave Gibbo without also mentioning a certain dining-in night of Mar 03...
Bob and Richie I had only worked with a few times, but were both great characters.
The repatriation ceremony was very moving and provided a faultless home coming. It was only fitting to see the boys come back to Lyneham, and having had a bit of time in theater, crews are forever trying to get a seat on a C17 direct back to the UK. I think they'll have been chuffed with their own C17 direct to Lyneham!!
My thoughts go out to the families and especially the children.
To the boys - "It'll be alright"
Having known, operated and shared more than a 'few' beers with the boys, I'm still in a state of disbelief that such a fantastic bunch on characters won't be giving me relentless banter again...
To the happy times:
Paddy and his senior officer accent !! A typical fast-jet bloke !!!
Steady, throwing another fag end onto the pan of some hole of an international airport, with an expletive inquiry to the siggy on wheather his pax would be turning up soon...
Smudge, I didn't know too well, but I've heard a few stories of a chicken suit ?!?
Gary Nic, a huge bloke. "Him in the right seat, HE'S A MONKEY!! " and so the banter would go on.
Pards, always so 'organised' in the tent !?
Gibbo and his strange taste in music, I'm sure he just did it to wind us up! I cannot leave Gibbo without also mentioning a certain dining-in night of Mar 03...
Bob and Richie I had only worked with a few times, but were both great characters.
The repatriation ceremony was very moving and provided a faultless home coming. It was only fitting to see the boys come back to Lyneham, and having had a bit of time in theater, crews are forever trying to get a seat on a C17 direct back to the UK. I think they'll have been chuffed with their own C17 direct to Lyneham!!
My thoughts go out to the families and especially the children.
To the boys - "It'll be alright"
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Herc Down
Finally managed to get my password re-allocated around Saudi working times. To all at Lyneham and most especially the families, all our heartfelt condolences at a most distressing time. Coleen and myself will miss seeing Steady propping up the bar and giving us the Yorkshire welcome. Paddy Marshall was on my IOT and BFT, we sorted out Sumpy from Hypothermia at Beefstand Hill during LSE. ALL THE BEST, GOD SPEED, KEEP A COLD ONE ON ICE!!!
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Goodbye to a friend
I feel it's impossible to write anything original here after the many heart-felt posts I've read. However, I wanted to add my sincerest condolences to family, friends and colleagues of all those who perished. The guys will be missed.
To Paddy, possibly the deepest, poshest sounding bloke in NATO, the GR4 fleet will be severely diminished without you. Take care up there mate.
Buster
To Paddy, possibly the deepest, poshest sounding bloke in NATO, the GR4 fleet will be severely diminished without you. Take care up there mate.
Buster
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Paul,
From myself as an Ex 36 (RAAF) Nav and having assisted you in getting into RAF, may you Rest In Peace. My family in Ballarat also share your family's sorrow.
Farewell from all my family here in UK and the broader ex RAAF community in UK
L J R.
From myself as an Ex 36 (RAAF) Nav and having assisted you in getting into RAF, may you Rest In Peace. My family in Ballarat also share your family's sorrow.
Farewell from all my family here in UK and the broader ex RAAF community in UK
L J R.
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Paddy,
I was so upset by Pards' death that I failed to put your face to the name.
Rest in peace mate - I'll always remember you as one of the real characters of the Tonka GR force.
Still thinking daily of the tragic loss of all of the crew members and the solitary brown-job.
RIP gentlemen
I was so upset by Pards' death that I failed to put your face to the name.
Rest in peace mate - I'll always remember you as one of the real characters of the Tonka GR force.
Still thinking daily of the tragic loss of all of the crew members and the solitary brown-job.
RIP gentlemen
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There will be a memorial service at a venue to be confirmed after the all of the funerals. This will probably be open to former 47 members and anyone connected to the guys and will be around the middle of March although all these details are yet to be confirmed. Little vague I'm afraid. I will post more on here when we have it.
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Having joined up with Bob and following each other throughout our career, this was one of the most gut wrenching experiences of my life. We only met up 2 days before and I would like to assure readers and families that the sunset service at that end was held with the upmost dignity. My deepest heartfelt condolences go to all those left behind.
God Bless Hilton 05
God Bless Hilton 05
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God Bless Hilton05
I have been home for nearly a month now after working along side these courageous and selfless men and will always cherish the pride and dignity I have for this brave crew who left us on that fateful day. I knew all but one of them but have no less pride and admiration for them all. I have struggled to come to terms with the whole horrific incident and have been taken aback by the thousands of tributes to our fallen friends.
I had the opportunity to fly with many of the crew. Steady, Gaz, Bob and Richie were on the crew that initially flew me into theatre. Words can not express the emptiness that I feel now.
Steady - you always said if i could make it happen then you would fly it - I wish i could have wished you back home mate. I'll get that trip home on the other side.
Gaz - you are a monkey! Such a giant of a man in more than stature.
Bob - I'm glad you managed to get that rum to put in your Coffee mate.
Richie - will miss you knocking on my body armour. Will never forget that.
Jonesy - when i had nothing, you bought me that big cigar in Cyprus. Get them pork chop sidees sorted out!
My thoughts and prayers are with all the families, friends and colleagues. I am proud to have served alonside such an admirable bunch and will remember them eternally.
God bless,
' Airmen passed, who age no more,
Triumphant in their battle for peace.
Their faces no longer red and raw.
their lives they gave for wars to cease'
Anon 1988
I had the opportunity to fly with many of the crew. Steady, Gaz, Bob and Richie were on the crew that initially flew me into theatre. Words can not express the emptiness that I feel now.
Steady - you always said if i could make it happen then you would fly it - I wish i could have wished you back home mate. I'll get that trip home on the other side.
Gaz - you are a monkey! Such a giant of a man in more than stature.
Bob - I'm glad you managed to get that rum to put in your Coffee mate.
Richie - will miss you knocking on my body armour. Will never forget that.
Jonesy - when i had nothing, you bought me that big cigar in Cyprus. Get them pork chop sidees sorted out!
My thoughts and prayers are with all the families, friends and colleagues. I am proud to have served alonside such an admirable bunch and will remember them eternally.
God bless,
' Airmen passed, who age no more,
Triumphant in their battle for peace.
Their faces no longer red and raw.
their lives they gave for wars to cease'
Anon 1988
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Totalwar,
In answer to your question "What Happened"-let's just wait and see; clearly if it was a structural failure (NB it wasn't a USA E model nor was it a South African Herc variant): our Engineers must have stringently checked our fleet and must be absolutely 100% certain that ours are still safe to operate; otherwise they would have grounded our K's weeks ago.
My money is still on a ground-to-air projectile of some sort hitting a soft spot resulting in this dreadful accident-my thoughts are with the families and loved ones at this awful time.
In answer to your question "What Happened"-let's just wait and see; clearly if it was a structural failure (NB it wasn't a USA E model nor was it a South African Herc variant): our Engineers must have stringently checked our fleet and must be absolutely 100% certain that ours are still safe to operate; otherwise they would have grounded our K's weeks ago.
My money is still on a ground-to-air projectile of some sort hitting a soft spot resulting in this dreadful accident-my thoughts are with the families and loved ones at this awful time.