Autolocus

There are no words to describe the crushing feeling of loss at this terrible time. Our dear friends and colleagues have been so cruelly snatched from their loved ones. Mrs N and I send our condolences to all the families. Our thoughts are with you.

Rest in peace guys 'One and All'.

James_C

I hadn't thought of looking here, but my girlfriend found this thread and here I am.


I had known Cpl Oliver Dicketts my whole life. We grew up together in the same village, and as a boy he always had the best toy guns. Suffice to say, we were close. Losing him in this tragic incident has been quite a shocker, and if I'm honest, I'm not taking it too well.

I'm comforted to see that others on here, who knew the victims personally, are also feeling the same. I share your grief, and take comfort from all the best wishes from members of this forum, and the others I have seen.

His parents asked me to go with them to Kinloss last week for the repatriation ceremony. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, and I feel strongly for those of you that have had to go through this more than once.

As there seem to be so many of you here, I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and families at RAF Kinloss for their hospitality and warm welcome. In particular, special thanks to the RAF staff specifically assigned to look after Oliver's and Joseph's friends and family; the catering and mess staff for the refreshments and food, not to mention the whisky; to the Gp Captain that put the event together, and to the staff that took us to the Chapel of Rest. Last but not least, the pilots of the C17 that brought our friends home.

Also, to HRH The Duke of Endinburgh, thank you for coming to talk with us. You didn't have to, but I appreciate that you did, for your attention, and respect. How Oliver would have laughed to see you salute his coffin - thank you.

If there are any other relevant threads to talk to others on here, please would someone post links - I would be most grateful.

James

Flyingskygod

Didn't get to watch the repat but glad it all went well and that they got the home coming they deserved.

You died as heros and we will never forget.

Thoughts and prayers to the families.

God bless.

santiago15

I have been unable to post on this thread until now; indeed, the tears are rollling down my cheeks as I write this now.

I knew all of the Nimrod guys and the Marine. A fantastic bunch of blokes....... the world is a lesser place without you all. My heartfelt condolances to the families who have to learn to live with the consequences of this tragic accident. I cannot imagine what you are going through; I can only hope that time will ease your pain.



All the best ones seem to go first. Presumably, the gods consider that they have more than justified their time and so take them back. The rest of us leave something to be desired; we have not fulfilled what is intended for us and so we remain.
Geoffrey Wellum
WWII Spitfire Pilot

James_C

I met Joe's family and friends at the Hotel, and over the day. Lovely bunch, and I feel particularly for his Dad Joe, his sister Marie, and his girlfriend Jackie. Lovely lovely people.

Avtur

James C

I am very sorry for your loss and am sure that your kind words words of gratitude would have undoubtedly impressed impressed Oliver.

I too lost a great buddy who I first met 20 years ago when I started flying on the "Brown Bomber" on 42 (TB) Sqn. Although we lost touch over these years because of postings and different career paths, I have always thought about the crazy times that Gareth and I had as young, aircrew "sarges" living in Newquay, and the $hit/ potential $hit that we managed to avoid.

Thankfully I got to see him recently (quite unexpected) and managed to fill in a few gaps and make our excuses why we lost touch... He was a fantastic guy who had a great family, and who I will always kick myself over repeatedly for not keeping in touch.

To answer your question; if you send me a personal message (click on Avtur) I will endevour to provide you with some contact details as requested.

Remember James; time will heal, but will never let us foget.

F34/35

cooheed

Guys and girls, please spare a thought for the other 120 crew who came back yesterday. Their professionalism in getting on with the job after a massive loss bears tribute to them.

Tappers Dad

Hi I am Sgt Benjamin (Tapper) Knight dad.I just want to say thank you to all your messages of sympathy and support.He was a lovely boy who loved being in the RAF, his family are very proud of him and his crew who's lives were taken on on that fateful day.I would be grateful to recive any emails from friends with funny stories or fond memories of him.

Rest in Peace Ben , Rest in Peace

shandyman

Tappers dad. Please PM me with an e-mail address and I would be delighted to share some pictures of Tapper from a detachment a couple of years ago. Tapper and I were on the Fincastle crew 2003, and the subsequent Gulf trip over Christmas 2003. It was without a doubt, the best crew I have been priveledged to fly with. The fact that we were as professional as we were and had so much fun at the same time was partially down to Tapper's endless curiosity and attempts to learn as much as he could. I enjoyed his friendship immensely and am proud to have called him a friend. Hope to speak soon.

Yours, with respect . . .Shandyman

Siggie

Checked my logbook tonight, flew 48 sorties in XV230. Just started crying again.

condolences to all,

Phil Harker

xcbx

I am Charlene Bell.
Gerard Bells daughter.
I have been reading over all the lovely things said about my dad on here and i would just like to thank everyone.
Some i have emailed personally, but others please feel free to get in contact.
I would love to hear more stories about him.
My dad had a very unique sense of humour as many have pointed out, and it makes me happy thats how people will remember him.
In my eyes he was perfect.
It breaks my heart that he has gone and i will never see his smiling face again, but he always told me he never wanted to get old.
At least this way he got one of his wishes granted.
Id only prefer that it was his wish to walk his 2 girls down the aisle.
Or for us to give him lots of grandchildren.
All i wish now is that i could see him one last time...
Even just to hear him to ask me to hoover the car. Again.
RIP Dad
All my love, your Daddys Girl xx

Tombstone

Just a quick one to put this thread further up the list for anyone who may have missed Charlene's post as it was posted in the early hours.

Kinloss must be some place, the sense of family belonging and unity on this thread has truly touched me.

RIP guys, I think of you all at least once a day & I never even knew you...

4fitter

Charlene

I am sure that your dad was very proud of you and in my simple eyes, your words bring dignity in an otherwise difficult time.

4f

hobie

Charlene,

print out the PPRuNe posts and messages and store them safely …..

add photos and other papers and messages about your father …..

and one day show them to your children ….

tell them what a hero their Grandfather was ….

a man who became part of RAF history ….

someone who will never be forgotten …..

Will you do that? …..

God Bless to you and your family …. Hobie

TeBoi

Charlene,
I read your amazing words, cried my eyes out and had to go through and read everyones posts on this subject.

Firstly, please let me add my sincerest condolences to you, your family and friends and those of the rest of the crew.

Secondly, as a father I know absolutely that your dad would be the proudest man in the world reading your message - so dignified and eloquently put.

God bless.

ZH875

Charlene, I think Hobie speaks for the majority of Pprune'rs.

In times of need, look to the stars, I am sure your father is up there looking down, smiling proudly ,with the rest of the guys.

Per Ardua Ad Astra.

ZH

Charlie Luncher

At 1100hrs local time Friday 13 Oct 06 there will be memorial held at RAAF Edinburgh by 92 Wg to remember our brothers in arms lost that fateful day. Will try to get someone to take some photos and post them on here,as I doubt I will have a steady hand.
Charlie sends

Mr Softeetop

Charlene our thoughts are with you all and all the families. It was a pleasure to have been associated with Gez, all those lost were known to us at some level.
The sun will always shine on our memories of them.

Your friends. x

Harpoon

Charlene, I knew Gez from Kinloss and worked alongside him for a while at Waddo. He was without doubt one of lifes gentleman. With his disarming manner, dry sense of humour and common sense approach to both life and people, he was in short irreplaceable.
He spoke of you once over coffee, mentioning how proud he was of you and the whole family. Take comfort in the fact that you and your family will forever have a guardian angel looking down on you from above.

Regards, Harpoon.

Dave Allen

My thoughts and prayers are with the families.
I have nothing but admiration for the dignified manner in which you have handled yourselves throughout this impossible time.
Respect also to friends and colleagues at Kinloss who have done a remarkable job in such difficult times.
Just been told about the thread. It is reassuring to see so many old mates from over the years contribute in such an erudite and compassionate way and gives me great solace to know that we are all here for each other.
RIP guys.
DA