FJJP

Dreadfully upset at the news - I spent a couple of happy years serving with him. First rate pilot and a true gentleman.

RiP Mike, see you later...

deltahotel

Bugger bugger bugger. MB my CFI when first arrived at OUAS Autumn 77. Sent me solo on the Bulldog in dec 77, dual - solo sector recce dec 77, BHT jun 78. Full circle - I've done my quota of first solos etc and now have the pleasure and privilege of introducing other peoples' sons and daughters to aviation at 7AEF.

You always hope it's not someone you knew, liked and respected, but at the same time know that it's still someone's son/husband/brother/daughter/wife/lover and someone is suffering.

Plenty of dust in Lincs at the moment. Glass of red to you and yours, Mike. Thoughts to the family and friends of both.

RIP

DH

SimonRG10

The names of the deceased have just been announced on the BBC evening news.

I knew Mike Blee from my time on ULAS, when he was the CFI, back in the mid 80s, and flew with him on several occassions. I will always remember him as a super person.

I also knew Nick Rice, the cadet who was killed. I am service helper at Elvian School CCF in Reading. I was on the ranges with Nick on Saturday and remember him coming over to thank me in the car park on Saturday afternoon for having had a great day shooting. On Sunday he was off to Benson for AEF flying- we all know what happened.

I was priveleged to be in the school assembly this morning when the awful news was broken officialy to all the students at the school, and we said some prayers for those involved, and tonight, when we held our normal parade night. Several of the cadets had been with Nick at Benson when the crash occured and some were flying at the time, so were well aware of the accident. We spent this evening putting together some words of tribute about Nick, which hopefully will be published in due course.

What an awful waste.

Prayers and best wishes to both families, and to the many others who are affected by this tragedy.

Plodin Along

On behalf of Mikes family, thanks again for your messages, I will ensure they are seen by the family.

Our thoughts are very much with all those involved.

PA

Flying_Anorak

As a glider pilot in the air at the time and having just returned from the Kingsclere area via Abingdon, I don't think I'll ever forget the moment I heard the radio call.

My sincere condolences to all concerned.

RIP

flipster

Mike was a true gent of the skies and a great mentor; Heaven's gain is our loss. Condolences to Bev and family.

Flip

pipistrelle

I was fortunate to be on Mike's crew (120) for a few years in the 80's. My memories of MB are of a great boss who always had a twinkle in his eye and with his dry sense of humour made the most onerous tasks bearable. Such a sad loss, my thoughts to Bev and family at this terrible time.

Thud_and_Blunder

From the pilot of Helimed 24 that day, may I add my condolences to the families who've lost 2 very special people? It was a very thoughtful, reflective crew who flew back to the same dispersal the Tutor had departed from not long before; everyone involved has my deepest sympathy.

VinRouge

Sincere condolences to all involved.

As an aside, I really, really hope the MOD or other external agencies put on counselling for the kids involved in this (IE cadets there on the day). I was involved in a similar situation a few years back (14 at the time, air cadet) and didnt fully recover until I had counselling.... 7 years later.


7 years of survivors guilt isnt something I would wish on my worst enemy.

Daf Hucker

A sad day. Mike was an excellent Sqn Boss, always accessible and open. He was on top form at a recent 51 Association dinner at Waddington. He will be sorely missed.

Mystic Greg

Really devasting to see the news reported about Mike, who sent me on my first solo from his position as ULAS CFI. Met him on a few occasions during his later career - a true gentleman and a real pleasure to work with. Ghastly news about the air cadet too. Condolences to both families.

Prangster

My heart goes out to all concerned, losing life in this way is never easy but when a youngster is involved it becomes all the more devastating.

teeteringhead

Shared an office many years ago with "Bertie" Blee on a ground tour ... a real gentleman, who was genuinely surprised when he was a. Promoted and b. Got 51.

"Thought I might just get a BFTS CFI job if I was very lucky..." was his first response...

Condolences to Bev and the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. A (large) glass of Jamesons was raised last night ......

alfaman100

I never knew Mike, but his wife was one of my teachers at school in Abingdon in the late 80s early 90s.
Mrs Blee, knowing that I was an air cadet, used her connections to make sure my work expereince at RAF Abingdon included some flying with 6 AEF... Little things I remember.
Thinking of you Mrs Blee, and your family,
From a former student.

To the family of the air cadet, my sincere condolences to you also.
What a tragic event.

A.

Pete R

Very sad to hear of this dreadful accident. I've known Mike since the very early 80's when he did my acceptance ride on CXX - an 8 hour epic over the N. Atlantic followed by a PAR to land over Findhorn Bay at 6 in the morning (Ah those were the days!) and Kath and I last saw him and Bev at the CXX reunion. He was without doubt one of the most respected and capable pilots I have had the honour to know. One of life's consumate professionals, a complete gentleman and a man of honour who also possessed a great sense of humour and a sharp dry wit. A true ambassador for the service, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him and this is a tragic end to a full career in RAF aviation. My deepest sympathy to Bev and family at this sorry time. I would also like to pass on my condolences to the family of the cadet who I know must also be suffering just as much at the moment. I also flew in the AEF and UAS world (indeed it was Mike who informed me of my promotion to take over the reins of "Scotland's Finest") and I realise what a fantastic and inspirational role these outfits fulfill week in week out. Rest in Peace My Friend.

PS I am unfortunately out of the country at the moment and would appreciate it if someone would PM me with details so I may write to Mike's family.

juliarice

In reply to Vin Rouge item 30 above, I am Air Cadet Nick Rice's mother and am able to confirm that The Elvian School had counsellors at the school for all the students on Monday morning. Unfortunately, I believe neighbouring schools in Reading who had pupils who had known Nick were not so lucky.

Ivor Fynn

Julia,

As an ex Cadet then RAF Pilot and current AEF Pilot, please accept my deepest condolences for your familys loss.

There is nothing like seeing the joy and wonder on these young people's faces when they go flying, that is why so many of us love flying on the AEF.

A very sad time looseing two wonderful people.

Ivor

Union Jack

Brave post from a brave lady.

With my condolences

Jack

tantalite

I would like to offer my condolences. I served with two Air Forces ours and Rhodesia's, I have lost many friends in air accidents. The comfort is that they died doing something they loved, small comfort but nevertheless true.
How tragic to lose a son so young along with a professional with so much experience, both had so much to live for.
May they rest in peace.

plukey51

Hi,

I flew with Mike on many occasions whilst he was on 51 Sqn. He was a lovely man, party animal and an excellent Boss. My condolences to Bev and his family who must be so sad at this time. Mike was a gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Regards, Plukey

PS I will have a couple of pints in his memory!!