Brit Helicopter down in Basra? 6/5/06
Join Date: May 2006
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Condolences
It is such a deeply sorrowful time when friends, comrades and brothers in arms are taken from us, and a painful truth that it is the good guys and girls that are taken too soon.
Dazzer was a good friend, a consummate professional and the archetypal junglie; an inspiration not only to his peers but also all those that he taught and mentored so well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz and kids and the families and friends of all those lost.
One of Dazzer's greatest strengths was his inexorable sense of humour which would brighten even the darkest horizon. It is of some comfort to know that he would have some irreverent 'one liner' ready now that would have us all in fits.
RIP and God bless those you leave behind.
MkIV & Mrs
Dazzer was a good friend, a consummate professional and the archetypal junglie; an inspiration not only to his peers but also all those that he taught and mentored so well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz and kids and the families and friends of all those lost.
One of Dazzer's greatest strengths was his inexorable sense of humour which would brighten even the darkest horizon. It is of some comfort to know that he would have some irreverent 'one liner' ready now that would have us all in fits.
RIP and God bless those you leave behind.
MkIV & Mrs
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To Lee and Sarah's Family.
I had the privilege of spending about a year working alongside Sarah through IOT, holding, and JATCC and it was a real privilege to have known her.
I am currently deployed at Basrah and was able to catch up with her recently over a beer or two. We were talking and laughing about the fun times we had on JATCC together.
I am gutted for us all at her loss. She was a really down-to-earth and genuine person who always knew how to make light of any situation - usually with a beer and a joke. I personally received some rock-solid advice from her on several occasions and she was a real inspiration for me.
I know that friends and colleagues from our days at Shawbury will be raising a glass or 2 for her at an appropriate moment. I reckon she would have liked that.
SID East
I am currently deployed at Basrah and was able to catch up with her recently over a beer or two. We were talking and laughing about the fun times we had on JATCC together.
I am gutted for us all at her loss. She was a really down-to-earth and genuine person who always knew how to make light of any situation - usually with a beer and a joke. I personally received some rock-solid advice from her on several occasions and she was a real inspiration for me.
I know that friends and colleagues from our days at Shawbury will be raising a glass or 2 for her at an appropriate moment. I reckon she would have liked that.
SID East
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Just back from the states and heard the news a week late, bugger....
John Coxen was my boss on 1 Sqn at Shawbury. Such a nice bloke and an excellent QHI. A lot of you from 18-23 courses probably do not realise how much that you owe this man. Often, us QHIs were screaming... "Chop Him, Chop Him!!" at staff meetings, while JC quietly listened and came up with nicer solutions that virtually always proved us wrong.
John Coxen was my boss on 1 Sqn at Shawbury. Such a nice bloke and an excellent QHI. A lot of you from 18-23 courses probably do not realise how much that you owe this man. Often, us QHIs were screaming... "Chop Him, Chop Him!!" at staff meetings, while JC quietly listened and came up with nicer solutions that virtually always proved us wrong.
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Informal thanks from those deployed with 847
I am currently serving with 847 and would like to say thanks loads to all of you who have taken time to offer support within this forum.
For those of us deployed and back at the Squadron it is great comfort to know there are so many thinking of the individuals lost, their families and those that were lucky to have been working with them.
The many posts of support towards our CO (Lt Cdr Darren Chapman) really do reinforce what was already apparent to all of us; We were incredibly lucky to be under your Command.
From a personal point of view I would like to add a few words about Paul Collins who many of you will not have known. As stated by others being a Royal Marine was everything to him and he represented Royal with unquestioned loyalty. I was lucky to experience his selfless professionalism over 2 months as our gunner, you kept us in check. Lasting memories will be his strong resolve at continuing to grow a very dodgey 'tache long after his fellow gunners crumbled, you deffinetly won that bet!! Also I cannot imagine a better 'dance' back to the aircraft after escorting pax away which was only surpassed in ammusement by your 50cc motor bike impression. You are a top bloke who made our tour very entertaining coupled with a most excellent demonstration of professional ability. You are missed.
Finally, Dobbo I only knew you for a short period and I cannot imagine anyone fitting in so rapidly as you did. Your humour and personality were totally infectious and completley pleasant to be around. I am sure many will relate to an image of very puzzled looks from refuellers when you insisted on giving them high fives as they walked past!! Goodbye mate.
For those of us deployed and back at the Squadron it is great comfort to know there are so many thinking of the individuals lost, their families and those that were lucky to have been working with them.
The many posts of support towards our CO (Lt Cdr Darren Chapman) really do reinforce what was already apparent to all of us; We were incredibly lucky to be under your Command.
From a personal point of view I would like to add a few words about Paul Collins who many of you will not have known. As stated by others being a Royal Marine was everything to him and he represented Royal with unquestioned loyalty. I was lucky to experience his selfless professionalism over 2 months as our gunner, you kept us in check. Lasting memories will be his strong resolve at continuing to grow a very dodgey 'tache long after his fellow gunners crumbled, you deffinetly won that bet!! Also I cannot imagine a better 'dance' back to the aircraft after escorting pax away which was only surpassed in ammusement by your 50cc motor bike impression. You are a top bloke who made our tour very entertaining coupled with a most excellent demonstration of professional ability. You are missed.
Finally, Dobbo I only knew you for a short period and I cannot imagine anyone fitting in so rapidly as you did. Your humour and personality were totally infectious and completley pleasant to be around. I am sure many will relate to an image of very puzzled looks from refuellers when you insisted on giving them high fives as they walked past!! Goodbye mate.
A really irritating PPRuNer
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Water Boy,
Sir,
A very nice post which serves to remind the likes of me (no longer serving) of the bonds and friendships made when serving away. I knew none who fell on that terrible day, but your pen picture paints a wonderful picture of each character. Thank you.
Perhaps at some suitable point in the future, five named trophies may be available to students in the respective trades, to be awarded for achieving whatever competency - decided upon by relatives of those lost. (My apologies if this is considered inappropriate to post this at this time - I will edit if required)
I wish all on 847 the very best of British and hope that you all return to your loved ones as soon as the situation allows.
With very much respect,
Brian
Sir,
A very nice post which serves to remind the likes of me (no longer serving) of the bonds and friendships made when serving away. I knew none who fell on that terrible day, but your pen picture paints a wonderful picture of each character. Thank you.
Perhaps at some suitable point in the future, five named trophies may be available to students in the respective trades, to be awarded for achieving whatever competency - decided upon by relatives of those lost. (My apologies if this is considered inappropriate to post this at this time - I will edit if required)
I wish all on 847 the very best of British and hope that you all return to your loved ones as soon as the situation allows.
With very much respect,
Brian
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Just re-joined as I lost my original log in
Had to rejoin to add my and Mrs SHM's heartfelt condolances to the families and friends of all involved. This has been a dreadful couple of weeks. I did not know Sarah-Jayne or the 847 NAS crew but JC I did know. I was never on the same outfit but worked with him many times. The comments of all on here and from RAF Benson really sum him up. He was a true Gent one of those rare people you meet in life who you instantly feel good about. I only spoke to him a few days before he deployed and know he was really enjoying the job and the chance to fly both ac.
God speed to you all, the world is an emptier place without you.
...We will remember them.
Had to rejoin to add my and Mrs SHM's heartfelt condolances to the families and friends of all involved. This has been a dreadful couple of weeks. I did not know Sarah-Jayne or the 847 NAS crew but JC I did know. I was never on the same outfit but worked with him many times. The comments of all on here and from RAF Benson really sum him up. He was a true Gent one of those rare people you meet in life who you instantly feel good about. I only spoke to him a few days before he deployed and know he was really enjoying the job and the chance to fly both ac.
God speed to you all, the world is an emptier place without you.
...We will remember them.
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A heartfelt loss
As someone has already said - what a great Joint loss this has been.
I knew JC from his start with the SHF and flew with him a few times too. A real gent who achieved much in his truly professional career.
This is no way for us all to lose such a great bunch of people.
My condolences to all their friends and loved ones.
I knew JC from his start with the SHF and flew with him a few times too. A real gent who achieved much in his truly professional career.
This is no way for us all to lose such a great bunch of people.
My condolences to all their friends and loved ones.
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Like so many 'Civvys', the names of the 100+ souls in uniform who have perished to date are just that, names. Never having had the privilege of meeting/working with these individuals you become numbed to the sadly ever increasing list and the false sentiment displayed by so many of our political masters.
It was only when my Brother-in-Law, (who although no longer in the RAF but having been on the same IOTC), pointed out Sarah in his Flight's Graduation photograph that it was brought home to me that behind those names and the media circus that surround their tragic deaths, are real people whose families, colleagues and friends have had them so cruelly torn from their lives.
You all have my deepest, heartfelt sympathies.
It was only when my Brother-in-Law, (who although no longer in the RAF but having been on the same IOTC), pointed out Sarah in his Flight's Graduation photograph that it was brought home to me that behind those names and the media circus that surround their tragic deaths, are real people whose families, colleagues and friends have had them so cruelly torn from their lives.
You all have my deepest, heartfelt sympathies.
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I have been out of the loop a bit, as I now live out of the country. However having seen the BBC coverage of the crew coming home; I feel I must contribute my feelings.
I flew with Dazza as a QAI on 848 and can think of no finer individual - to sum up a fellow Junglie – a sense of humour, a sense of honour, a sense of professionalism and above all he had that Junglie Panache.
My thoughts go out to all the crew and their families and friends,
This was a very special group of people brought together and so sadly taken from us.
Tone.L
I flew with Dazza as a QAI on 848 and can think of no finer individual - to sum up a fellow Junglie – a sense of humour, a sense of honour, a sense of professionalism and above all he had that Junglie Panache.
My thoughts go out to all the crew and their families and friends,
This was a very special group of people brought together and so sadly taken from us.
Tone.L
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Just got back to Blighty
does anyone have news on the funerals, i hope they were a fitting tribute to these much loved boys and girls.
Waterboy, i loved your last post, it took me straight back to GW1 and how our young private gunner/medic kept us in place.
Brian
great idea, i can sort out a couple of names, i am forwarding a suggestion to SBY i will keep you advised by pm.
does anyone have news on the funerals, i hope they were a fitting tribute to these much loved boys and girls.
Waterboy, i loved your last post, it took me straight back to GW1 and how our young private gunner/medic kept us in place.
Brian
great idea, i can sort out a couple of names, i am forwarding a suggestion to SBY i will keep you advised by pm.
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Not involved personally, but really touched by the genuine and sincere posts concerning the loss of these five souls.
Is there a thread on pprune concerning the 36,000 Iraqi civilians killed, where similar heartfelt posts can be found?
Is there a thread on pprune concerning the 36,000 Iraqi civilians killed, where similar heartfelt posts can be found?
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This is not the place for politics or for passing judgement on the rights and wrongs of the situation - just our way of remembering and honouring our fallen comrades. Please let's keep it that way.
SBG
SBG
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Brain Fade..... Sod Off and start a thread if you feel so strongly, just stay away from here with your political comments. We actually do worry about all those innocent civilians, that is why the military put their lives on the line every single day...... Because they believe in doing the right thing and try to keep the country as safe as they are allowed to..... D**khead.
Avoid imitations
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Brain Fade, what sort of a stupid and insensitive comment is that? Totally inappropriate, for a start. Your pseudonym is entirely correct. 
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Originally Posted by brain fade
Not involved personally, but really touched by the genuine and sincere posts concerning the loss of these five souls.
Is there a thread on pprune concerning the 36,000 Iraqi civilians killed, where similar heartfelt posts can be found?
Is there a thread on pprune concerning the 36,000 Iraqi civilians killed, where similar heartfelt posts can be found?
t is a hedgehog! Someone delete his post!
