Sqn Ldr Pete McNamara
Join Date: May 2000
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First met M2 as a student on the F4 OCU back in the late 80s. He was a true student's friend. I remember on one OCU trip flying in fighting wing with M2 leading, well above the Mach, and for the first time in all my flying training actually enjoying myself. It was a pleasure to know him and he will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies to his nearest and nearest.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Yorkshire
Age: 65
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Ocelot
I flew with M2 for many years, both at Finningley and Leeming. I was ex GA, he AD and for many years we tried to prove to each other the superiority of our respective trades. Flying with or against him wasn’t fair, since it’s difficult to teach or fight someone when you’ve got tears in your eyes.
Winning a 1V1 against a pilot with a brain the size of a planet was impossible; the best result I ever achieved was a draw by mirroring everything he did.
I’ll really miss him. Love to Sue
Winning a 1V1 against a pilot with a brain the size of a planet was impossible; the best result I ever achieved was a draw by mirroring everything he did.
I’ll really miss him. Love to Sue
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Simply........Bugger
Pete was an instructor of mine at Finningley.
Quite simply the best guy I ever flew with, either in the RAF or the civvy world.
Flying AD trips with him in the JP was the best time I ever had in the Service.
A sad, sad loss.
God Speed Pete, you were an inspiration.
Quite simply the best guy I ever flew with, either in the RAF or the civvy world.
Flying AD trips with him in the JP was the best time I ever had in the Service.
A sad, sad loss.
God Speed Pete, you were an inspiration.
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Great memories of M2 dragging the rest of the course and I through the F3 OCU when he was a 'student'.
Feels like yesterday that I was pouring sweat in the sim trying to use the radar whilst M2 (still full dressed in leather jacket and SD hat) would offer such great advice as 'stick 'im on the nose and see which he drifts mon brav'.
Pete you were an absolute legend of your time and will be sorely missed. As everyone has said, a true gentleman.
Looking forward to a proper send off on tuesday.
Feels like yesterday that I was pouring sweat in the sim trying to use the radar whilst M2 (still full dressed in leather jacket and SD hat) would offer such great advice as 'stick 'im on the nose and see which he drifts mon brav'.
Pete you were an absolute legend of your time and will be sorely missed. As everyone has said, a true gentleman.
Looking forward to a proper send off on tuesday.
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London
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Little sister of M2!
Hello 
,
Not sure who I am talking to but here goes.
I stumbled upon this website last night and was stunned to find a load of messages about Peter McNamara (M2) - he was my big brother!
Just as all his friends and colleagues are very sad to learn of his premature death, I am obviously gutted to lose a wonderful, talented and totally amazing big bruv.
What has been really touching is to read the messages from everyone who had worked, trained or probably got a bit merry with him over the years. I am so proud to have been able to have him as my brother. He didn't brag about his career in the Royal Air Force but I realise that he achieved a great deal - with his own sense of style and language!
I am not sure how best to convey my deepest thanks to all those who worked with him - instructors, navigators, his wing men, engineers, air traffic controllers, medics etc. Training him, working with him, keeping him safe and so much more that I just don't know about.
Even more important is the friendship offered to him over 35 years service. I know his loved his flying career and all that went with it.
Thank you all for making such a invaluable contribution to his life. Peter joined the Air Force to achieve his goal of flying fast jets. However he was rewarded not only with a wonderful and successful professional career but a splendid circle of friends who made his life so enjoyable. Thank you all.
I hope to chat to many of you next week at both Ripon Cathedral and back at RAF Leeming. I am not sure what to expect for his "proper send off" (Janner, posted yesterday) but I know it will be a moment of pride and delight at this difficult time.
I would love to see the Hawk and Tornado that he flew - any chance?
Sorry if the Air Force terminology I have used is incorrect. I am not "in the business" so may have offended. I work as a Paediatric Surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London so my life is rather different!
Now the time to be a bit cheeky. If anyone who worked with him has any photographs of him, especially in uniform and with his aircraft, especially flying - could I please ask for any copies. I don't have any such momentos and I would love to collect as much as possible. The last few photographs I do have are taken after he was taken ill, so not very cheerful really.
Thank you.
I shall see some of you next week I guess - and it will be good to meet face to face and thank you in person.
Vivien
,Not sure who I am talking to but here goes.
I stumbled upon this website last night and was stunned to find a load of messages about Peter McNamara (M2) - he was my big brother!
Just as all his friends and colleagues are very sad to learn of his premature death, I am obviously gutted to lose a wonderful, talented and totally amazing big bruv.
What has been really touching is to read the messages from everyone who had worked, trained or probably got a bit merry with him over the years. I am so proud to have been able to have him as my brother. He didn't brag about his career in the Royal Air Force but I realise that he achieved a great deal - with his own sense of style and language!
I am not sure how best to convey my deepest thanks to all those who worked with him - instructors, navigators, his wing men, engineers, air traffic controllers, medics etc. Training him, working with him, keeping him safe and so much more that I just don't know about.
Even more important is the friendship offered to him over 35 years service. I know his loved his flying career and all that went with it.
Thank you all for making such a invaluable contribution to his life. Peter joined the Air Force to achieve his goal of flying fast jets. However he was rewarded not only with a wonderful and successful professional career but a splendid circle of friends who made his life so enjoyable. Thank you all.
I hope to chat to many of you next week at both Ripon Cathedral and back at RAF Leeming. I am not sure what to expect for his "proper send off" (Janner, posted yesterday) but I know it will be a moment of pride and delight at this difficult time.
I would love to see the Hawk and Tornado that he flew - any chance?
Sorry if the Air Force terminology I have used is incorrect. I am not "in the business" so may have offended. I work as a Paediatric Surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London so my life is rather different!
Now the time to be a bit cheeky. If anyone who worked with him has any photographs of him, especially in uniform and with his aircraft, especially flying - could I please ask for any copies. I don't have any such momentos and I would love to collect as much as possible. The last few photographs I do have are taken after he was taken ill, so not very cheerful really.
Thank you.
I shall see some of you next week I guess - and it will be good to meet face to face and thank you in person.
Vivien
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: N Yorks
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It was a pleasure to work with M2.......... what am I saying ‘work’ he always made it fun. The memories of Stavanger will always be with me. I feel lucky to have known him and privellaged to relax in the back and let him do all the work.
Condolences to Sue and family.
Vivien, I hear they are doing their best to ensure there will be a F3 at Leeming on Tues. M2 deserves the best of send offs.
Condolences to Sue and family.
Vivien, I hear they are doing their best to ensure there will be a F3 at Leeming on Tues. M2 deserves the best of send offs.
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Weather permitting, the F3 will be joining the Hawks next Tue at Leeming.
He was an inspiration the lucky first-tourists on XXV(F) who he took under his wing and, I'm sure, the myriad of other outfits that were touched by his larger than life presence.
RIP
He was an inspiration the lucky first-tourists on XXV(F) who he took under his wing and, I'm sure, the myriad of other outfits that were touched by his larger than life presence.
RIP
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Pete's brother
What can I say. On the odd occasions when Pete did talk about his life in the RAF - always joking, always underplaying any risk that may have been involved and never, NEVER bragging - we would get a glimps of a life that was quite clearly central to everything that made Pete what and who he was.
Sitting reading the postings on this site I can now see far more clearly why. I don't think I could be more proud to be M2's brother.
I would like to thank all of you for your comments and look forward to getting the opportunity to shake a few of your hands on Tuesday.
Michael
Sitting reading the postings on this site I can now see far more clearly why. I don't think I could be more proud to be M2's brother.
I would like to thank all of you for your comments and look forward to getting the opportunity to shake a few of your hands on Tuesday.
Michael
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Mike, Vivien,
I was one of the many he took under his wing over the years. As a directional consultant with a mere 15 years experience I'd struggle to think of a pilot I trusted or who I enjoyed flying with as much as M2.
Regrettably, I won't be able to join the many who will be at Pete's send off next week (I'm serving at her Majesty's behest in the colonies..) Even with the countless stories you hear and the many faces you will see the true impact that Pete had upon the RAF will not be fully represented. As has been said already Pete touched so many more people than even he realised. From his days as a trolly dolly (where he clearly mastered the timing of delivering "Squash"), through the blah jet, the mighty fin, the ton (and all of the adventures in between) Pete was an unfailing Gent, an exceptional aviator and a great mentor.
Having flicked through my logbook this week I realise that nearly every adventure, scrape, jolly jape and happy memory on 25 involved M2 in some way or another.... My favourite was when, shortly after declaring a Mayday, M2 began to call me his "little sweetie pie" and referenced everything to my "tight little buttocks". Sure glad it wasn't catastrophic because the BoI would have had a nightmare with the ADR....
We were all lucky to know him, we're all gutted to lose him.
I was one of the many he took under his wing over the years. As a directional consultant with a mere 15 years experience I'd struggle to think of a pilot I trusted or who I enjoyed flying with as much as M2.
Regrettably, I won't be able to join the many who will be at Pete's send off next week (I'm serving at her Majesty's behest in the colonies..) Even with the countless stories you hear and the many faces you will see the true impact that Pete had upon the RAF will not be fully represented. As has been said already Pete touched so many more people than even he realised. From his days as a trolly dolly (where he clearly mastered the timing of delivering "Squash"), through the blah jet, the mighty fin, the ton (and all of the adventures in between) Pete was an unfailing Gent, an exceptional aviator and a great mentor.
Having flicked through my logbook this week I realise that nearly every adventure, scrape, jolly jape and happy memory on 25 involved M2 in some way or another.... My favourite was when, shortly after declaring a Mayday, M2 began to call me his "little sweetie pie" and referenced everything to my "tight little buttocks". Sure glad it wasn't catastrophic because the BoI would have had a nightmare with the ADR....
We were all lucky to know him, we're all gutted to lose him.
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I can only echo Janners comment. Pete was a star on the F3 OCU and a source of great advice to the rest of the course. Fond memories of a long weekend in Paris for all of us post the course. Wish I could be there for the send off.
Best Wishes from family Swede.
Best Wishes from family Swede.
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Memories of true Gentleman
I had the pleasure on serving with Pete on 2 occasions; first as a holding officer on 100 Sqn and second as a fellow student pilot on the F3 OCU. In both cases I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to fly and learn from him. Sadly, our paths rarely crossed after the OCU. Like all the pilots who have contributed here, I will miss his utter professionalism and fantastic sense of humour.
From wife of tricky tree,
Echoing Giant Swede, very fond memories of long weekend in Paris. M2 was my rock when i arrived in the Falklands, we drank the bar dry of red wine, whilst putting the world to right. We're raising a glass of wine or two to him tonight. Best wishes to Sue.
From wife of tricky tree,
Echoing Giant Swede, very fond memories of long weekend in Paris. M2 was my rock when i arrived in the Falklands, we drank the bar dry of red wine, whilst putting the world to right. We're raising a glass of wine or two to him tonight. Best wishes to Sue.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I also had the honour of serving with Pete on the NTU staff and the privilege of calling him a friend.
His talent and humanity have been well spoken of already and he will be sorely missed. For my pen'orth - of the 2 instructors and 2 students on a typical pairs AD sortie I reckon it was me that got taught the most about how to be a proper aviator. Not hard, many would say, but that's the way it was and what a pleasure it was.
Ad Astra Pete.
His talent and humanity have been well spoken of already and he will be sorely missed. For my pen'orth - of the 2 instructors and 2 students on a typical pairs AD sortie I reckon it was me that got taught the most about how to be a proper aviator. Not hard, many would say, but that's the way it was and what a pleasure it was.
Ad Astra Pete.
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Great guy, great sense of humour and a bl00dy good pilot. Enjoyed my time on the ton with M2 and only just read about his passing I raise my glass and will think of the laughs we had.
All the best my friend and rest in peace.
T
All the best my friend and rest in peace.
T
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Pete aka M2
Beermonkey,
I have something to send you and would therefore like your address please
I guess you may not want this for all to see, so feel free to use my email below
Little sister
Vivien McNamara
[email protected] or [email protected]
PS I anyone who knew Pete has any pictures or items signed by him could you please contact me. I am more than willing to buy items, pay for postage etc.
Also - Which RAF Squadrons did he fly with?
Thanks xxxx
I have something to send you and would therefore like your address please
I guess you may not want this for all to see, so feel free to use my email below
Little sister
Vivien McNamara
[email protected] or [email protected]
PS I anyone who knew Pete has any pictures or items signed by him could you please contact me. I am more than willing to buy items, pay for postage etc.
Also - Which RAF Squadrons did he fly with?
Thanks xxxx