Nimrod plane crash in Afghanistan - Condolences thread (no tech or update info)
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Crew to return to home on Tuesday
The bodies of 14 British servicemen killed in a Nimrod crash in Afghanistan are being flown back to the crew's home base rather than the UK's usual military arrival point.
Normally when British military personnel are killed abroad they are brought back to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. But the Ministry of Defence said all the victims of Saturday's disaster would be repatriated to RAF Kinloss in Moray on Tuesday, September 12.
The bodies of 14 British servicemen killed in a Nimrod crash in Afghanistan are being flown back to the crew's home base rather than the UK's usual military arrival point.
Normally when British military personnel are killed abroad they are brought back to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. But the Ministry of Defence said all the victims of Saturday's disaster would be repatriated to RAF Kinloss in Moray on Tuesday, September 12.
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Deepest sympathy
As an ex crew-chief who knew the majority of the crew, my heart goes out to the families and colleagues of the victims of this tragic event. My particular sadness goes out to the families of Gez, Q and mostly Ady who shared many a ciggy with me on the pan before a see-off. A real gent and a great loss.
With all the furore about the press, the Government and political "point-scoring" please don't loose track of the real issue here. They were all professional and respected guys who were devoted to what they were doing and came to a sad end, doing what they wanted to do.....fly.
Let us not forget the unfortunate soldiers on board the aircraft either.
Come Tuesday, when they return to Kinloss, we must treat them with the respect and honour they deserve.
Rest in peace.
With all the furore about the press, the Government and political "point-scoring" please don't loose track of the real issue here. They were all professional and respected guys who were devoted to what they were doing and came to a sad end, doing what they wanted to do.....fly.
Let us not forget the unfortunate soldiers on board the aircraft either.
Come Tuesday, when they return to Kinloss, we must treat them with the respect and honour they deserve.
Rest in peace.
So many memories, so many good times. Emotions ranging from laughing at 'Do you remember when..' moments - to tears when reality returns. Many years shared on 206 crew with BT, an OCU and crew with Q, a Sqn with Ade and the kipper fleet with the others. It is the situation my family dreaded most and their thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lots of beers raised in memory but the hurt just won't go away..
RK. ex 206 LW
RIP chaps
RK. ex 206 LW
RIP chaps
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I didn't know any either but it is always sad when it happens and especially so you the large aircraft.
I am really lost for words but I feel for the crew, beyond anything now, may they rest in peace and also for the kith and kin who will remember for ever more.
I was there for the Kinloss crash and I still feel sad 30 years later.
God bless
ex 201 Nav
I am really lost for words but I feel for the crew, beyond anything now, may they rest in peace and also for the kith and kin who will remember for ever more.
I was there for the Kinloss crash and I still feel sad 30 years later.
God bless
ex 201 Nav
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For CXX
From those who will be saluting you in the Misty Moon tonight, and others who cannot get there:
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
We could walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say "Goodbye",
You were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
We pledge to you today --
A hollowed place within our hearts,
is where you'll always stay.
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
We could walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say "Goodbye",
You were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
We pledge to you today --
A hollowed place within our hearts,
is where you'll always stay.
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Having posted my condolences with a heavy heart and a skinful on Saturday night, I'm now sitting here reading these hundreds of posts and touching poems in memory to the brave guys, and it brings a lump to my throat.
We all remember those long coach joureys to South Cerney and the like, or the four-jet taxis laid on to and from Brize; sometimes for us, sometimes by us for others. So thank I would like to say thank you very much to the powers that be for making the right decision to bring the boys back to Kinloss.
I would also like to say how proud I was to see a Nimrod (29, I think) rolling at Lossiemouth yesterday lunchtime, and then hearing another, maybe the same one, doing circuits at Linton on my return. I heard that there was one down at Cranwell too. Thank you for showing us all that the Mighty Hunter is still here, strong as ever, in the midst of these terrible times. I am sure you went out of your way to do this, and I am sure it is what all of those returning for the last time next Tuesday would have wanted.
For all of you up at ISK, I know you are looking after all of the friends, relatives and each other really well. I'm thinking of you all.
CW.
We all remember those long coach joureys to South Cerney and the like, or the four-jet taxis laid on to and from Brize; sometimes for us, sometimes by us for others. So thank I would like to say thank you very much to the powers that be for making the right decision to bring the boys back to Kinloss.
I would also like to say how proud I was to see a Nimrod (29, I think) rolling at Lossiemouth yesterday lunchtime, and then hearing another, maybe the same one, doing circuits at Linton on my return. I heard that there was one down at Cranwell too. Thank you for showing us all that the Mighty Hunter is still here, strong as ever, in the midst of these terrible times. I am sure you went out of your way to do this, and I am sure it is what all of those returning for the last time next Tuesday would have wanted.
For all of you up at ISK, I know you are looking after all of the friends, relatives and each other really well. I'm thinking of you all.
CW.
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I was attending a graduation at Cranwell yesterday when the tannoy announced the Nimrod flypast. We went out to the front of Daedalus Mess to watch as it flew majestically over the Stn against a beautiful sky. Thank you.
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With deepest sympathy
What can you say? My thoughts and prayers go to the families of all lost. Tuesday will be a tough day for all. Kinloss and CXX will not let you down.
I knew all on board and had flown with most- your memory lives on!!!
(Ady- you were a Gentleman and 'set the standard'- You will be missed.)
May you all Rest In Peace
I knew all on board and had flown with most- your memory lives on!!!
(Ady- you were a Gentleman and 'set the standard'- You will be missed.)
May you all Rest In Peace
Last edited by CXXEng; 8th Sep 2006 at 07:06. Reason: missing letter
A really irritating PPRuNer
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Good to hear that the crew will return home to ISK.
Do not mourn the extinguished candle flame - celebrate how brightly it burned.
With much respect to all, especially those left behind.
Brian
Do not mourn the extinguished candle flame - celebrate how brightly it burned.
With much respect to all, especially those left behind.
Brian
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Sheenagh and I were devastated to hear the news on Saturday.
To all the familes of those on board XV230, members of CXX at home and overseas and the many ex colleagues at ISK, you are very much in our thoughts. We are very sorry that we aren't up there with you to share the grieving process. The small crumb of comfort is that I know how many excellent guys there are on the Sqn to help support the families and help put the Sqn back on its feet.
Like Sheds, I have many happy memories of all the guys, some of whom I've known since first joining 206 in 1986. I hope to be able to write more personally to all the families soon.
The hurt will never go but I hope that time can take away some of the pain.
I wish there was more that I could say.
John Broadbent
To all the familes of those on board XV230, members of CXX at home and overseas and the many ex colleagues at ISK, you are very much in our thoughts. We are very sorry that we aren't up there with you to share the grieving process. The small crumb of comfort is that I know how many excellent guys there are on the Sqn to help support the families and help put the Sqn back on its feet.
Like Sheds, I have many happy memories of all the guys, some of whom I've known since first joining 206 in 1986. I hope to be able to write more personally to all the families soon.
The hurt will never go but I hope that time can take away some of the pain.
I wish there was more that I could say.
John Broadbent
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G. N.
Hi , I am a personal friend of Gareth and was touched by the messages , especially those of you who knew him. My thoughts are with all families and friends of all those guys. I knew Gareth since school and always kept in touch with him and his family.
Love to H. & A.
Also to A. K. & G. (sisters)
Phil
(Ex Army Air Despatcher and JATE)
now MOD St M. Cornwall.
Love to H. & A.
Also to A. K. & G. (sisters)
Phil
(Ex Army Air Despatcher and JATE)
now MOD St M. Cornwall.
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Sadly I will miss the repatriation and funeral services as deploying on Monday. As I can't pay my respects in person I just want to pass on my condolences to all of the families and hope that the pride and appreciation shown for all of our absent brothers gives some comfort to the loved ones left behind.
You will all be in my thoughts over the coming days and weeks, God bless.
DA
You will all be in my thoughts over the coming days and weeks, God bless.
DA
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Shocked and saddened by this news, especially when I heard the names on Sunday. Spent a couple of years crewed up with Q and Gary Andrews. Flew with or knew well most of the others. Many happy memories of my time with these guys on 206 - great fun to be with but utterly professional in the air. Now I have moved into the 'real world' I will treasure the memories. Hope to make it for Tuesday. I can't begin to imagine the grief of the wives, children and families left behind, but my thoughts are with you all.
SL 206 Sqn 1995-2000.
SL 206 Sqn 1995-2000.
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What to say, I've just returned from a short break abroad and am shocked by what has happened. in my several years of service I had the honour and pleasure of flying with most of the dudes. Six of whom were mates who I had a lot of respect for as I do for most of my Nimrod ex-colleagues (I left 3 months ago). My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones, not forgetting the Army dudes. Thanks for the memories Gez, Gary, Ady, GaryQ, Gareth and SteveB, from the serious to the downright funny and bloody daft! I was staring at the front page, seeing you all and trying to make sense of things and after a while this spilled out of my head:
Racing clouds powered by the wind.
As across the sky they fly.
The azure backdrop like a blank artist canvas.
Highlighting their fluid shapes.
The early autumn breeze turns the leaves into
Dancing partners in a falling fandango.
And makes my eyes wince as tears stream.
I have to strain through the blurred, wet curtain.
My throat swelling with sorrow as I sit.
And comprehend the awful fate befallen.
On friends with whom I grew from boy to man.
Their faces as I need to remember them.
Smiling at me from the front page.
I look back to the sky and see them.
Raising their glasses with a wink in their eye.
I smile back,
'Ops normal mate,' they whisper, 'Ops normal.'
R.I.P. Dudes, laters.
Racing clouds powered by the wind.
As across the sky they fly.
The azure backdrop like a blank artist canvas.
Highlighting their fluid shapes.
The early autumn breeze turns the leaves into
Dancing partners in a falling fandango.
And makes my eyes wince as tears stream.
I have to strain through the blurred, wet curtain.
My throat swelling with sorrow as I sit.
And comprehend the awful fate befallen.
On friends with whom I grew from boy to man.
Their faces as I need to remember them.
Smiling at me from the front page.
I look back to the sky and see them.
Raising their glasses with a wink in their eye.
I smile back,
'Ops normal mate,' they whisper, 'Ops normal.'
R.I.P. Dudes, laters.
Last edited by FreddieQ; 7th Sep 2006 at 22:20. Reason: accuracy
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Saddened But Very Very Proud...
...I’ve just spent the last hour reading all the kind words and messages, all the while trying to swallow the lump in my throat and fighting the welling tears.
On Saturday the shock of hearing that one of our ‘Mighty Hunters’ had crashed was totally numbing. This was an aircraft I’d flown in and taken for granted for over six years, and what I heard took time to sink in…my shock then turned to fear as I realised that ex colleagues and perhaps friends could be lost.
Fears were realised on Sunday when I learned that ex colleagues like Gary Q, Steve B and Gary A, and a long time family friend like Gez were gone.
The fear has given way to pain and sadness, and I’m really quite shocked how much I’ve been moved by this terrible event. As I write this however, I can at least afford a smile because I knew them and I can picture them, and you know; they’re all smiling and they’ll never be forgotten.
Sympathies to the families of the para and the marine, while my heart truly goes out to the families of the twelve men of CXX at this most difficult time; your loss might seem unbearable but you can be justly proud because RAF Aircrew are a very special breed. I thought I left ‘one twenty’ years ago…but it seems I never did!
For Fiona and the Girls…thinking of you.
P & J, x
Many thanks to idle jack (another ex CXX) for bringing this forum to my attention.
On Saturday the shock of hearing that one of our ‘Mighty Hunters’ had crashed was totally numbing. This was an aircraft I’d flown in and taken for granted for over six years, and what I heard took time to sink in…my shock then turned to fear as I realised that ex colleagues and perhaps friends could be lost.
Fears were realised on Sunday when I learned that ex colleagues like Gary Q, Steve B and Gary A, and a long time family friend like Gez were gone.
The fear has given way to pain and sadness, and I’m really quite shocked how much I’ve been moved by this terrible event. As I write this however, I can at least afford a smile because I knew them and I can picture them, and you know; they’re all smiling and they’ll never be forgotten.
Sympathies to the families of the para and the marine, while my heart truly goes out to the families of the twelve men of CXX at this most difficult time; your loss might seem unbearable but you can be justly proud because RAF Aircrew are a very special breed. I thought I left ‘one twenty’ years ago…but it seems I never did!
For Fiona and the Girls…thinking of you.
P & J, x
Many thanks to idle jack (another ex CXX) for bringing this forum to my attention.
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To the families and friends of those lost to us:
Both mine and my family's hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Your boys were well loved by all those around them and the gap they have left behind will never be filled. They were brave and determined airman, professional to the last and their names will always be shown as examples of the best that the 'Kipper Fleet' ever knew. May they all rest in peace.
To the Mighty 120 Sqn:
I can't begin to imagine what life must be like in the crewroom at the mo. I miss you all and I know that you'll all do your utmost to bring the families through this terrible tragedy. I may well be seeing you all again soon, and if I do, we'll pull down a bottle of Gordon and McPhail's best from the 'Mini'-bar and drink to our friends. Take care all, you're simply the best Sqn there is.
Kind regards,
Disco
Both mine and my family's hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Your boys were well loved by all those around them and the gap they have left behind will never be filled. They were brave and determined airman, professional to the last and their names will always be shown as examples of the best that the 'Kipper Fleet' ever knew. May they all rest in peace.
To the Mighty 120 Sqn:
I can't begin to imagine what life must be like in the crewroom at the mo. I miss you all and I know that you'll all do your utmost to bring the families through this terrible tragedy. I may well be seeing you all again soon, and if I do, we'll pull down a bottle of Gordon and McPhail's best from the 'Mini'-bar and drink to our friends. Take care all, you're simply the best Sqn there is.
Kind regards,
Disco
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I left CXX and Kinloss after 5yrs on the Tues and then the dreadful news reached me on Sat. My head and heart is still with all of Kinloss, and is likely to be for some time. I knew them all, some better than others, and no words can describe my feelings at present.
I knew Leigh (the Hoff) very well. We were a Nav team for some time, and I couldn't have asked for better support as a new Capt. I will always remember him as a solid nav with so much potential,who always did more than he was asked. Flying with him was a joy. I will remember him as a true friend and gent. He will live on in my memories of our trip to NZ and on Ops. We had some top times mate, it was an honour. Rest easy.
I knew Leigh (the Hoff) very well. We were a Nav team for some time, and I couldn't have asked for better support as a new Capt. I will always remember him as a solid nav with so much potential,who always did more than he was asked. Flying with him was a joy. I will remember him as a true friend and gent. He will live on in my memories of our trip to NZ and on Ops. We had some top times mate, it was an honour. Rest easy.