Well done RAF Odiham
Well done Chopper, Vicky, Lurch & Nethers. Special mention for Tony Davey for 'finally' taking one for the crewman team.
Well done to all those who have done well - you know who you are!
Well done to all those who have done well - you know who you are!
)
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quote[Footage of the actual flight.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...305C2BDDEE.wmv
(couldn't figure out how to copy and paste the hyperlink)]unquote
I just love how the back wheels touch at "4" about 2/3 of the way into the video, reminds me of old times!
Joking aside, marvellously calm and professional - congrats to all the lads at Odiham, those who got recognised, and the myriad others whose efforts are no less heroic.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...305C2BDDEE.wmv
(couldn't figure out how to copy and paste the hyperlink)]unquote
I just love how the back wheels touch at "4" about 2/3 of the way into the video, reminds me of old times!
Joking aside, marvellously calm and professional - congrats to all the lads at Odiham, those who got recognised, and the myriad others whose efforts are no less heroic.
It is most significant that NCOs and airmen are now awarded the appropriate 'Cross' rather than the less striking 'Medal.'
File:Air Force Medal (UK) Reverse.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
File
istinguishedFlyingMedalUKRev.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaOh and my hearty congratulations to all who received awards today.
Thanks for the info WW which brings me up to date. Up until recent times crosses were unnamed, but had the year only inscribed, although some were named privately Glad to hear that they now name crosses. I'm assuming this came in when the reforms took place in the '90s, and it's a good move 
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THE HUGH GORDON-BURGE MEMORIAL AWARD
Awarded to a member or members of a crew whose outstanding behaviour and action contributed to the saving of their aircraft or passengers.
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ALEXANDER TOWNSEND
Citation:
Flight Lieutenant Townsend was the captain of the Immediate Response Team Chinook, in Afghanistan when on 13 February 2010, his team responded to an incident in Nad-E-Ali. This was their second call of the day to the same area.
With 3 miles to run, the crew banked hard to avoid birds, but unfortunately one bird impacted the cockpit window. Shortly afterwards, the crew heard a loud explosion. Flt Lt Townsend diagnosed a No.1 engine failure and correctly shut it down. The aircraft was flared to maintain 50ft. Using residual speed, the aircraft was turned towards a benign area and Flt Lt Townsend established that he could just maintain height. Calmly and professionally, he then declared an emergency, briefed his intentions to the rest of his crew and directed other assets to the casualties. The aircraft was now under control, but at low level and on the wrong side of the 'Green Zone'. Weighing up his options, Flt Lt Townsend had insufficient power to climb, but understood the risks associated with making an emergency landing at a patrol base. He elected to cross the green zone along the safest route, still at 50 feet, using all available performance to maximise speed. The aircraft was recovered safely to Bastion and the crew immediately re-roled to a new aircraft.
After again getting airborne, the new aircraft then experienced a serious hydraulic leak. With a high risk of fire, Flt Lt Townsend efficiently dealt with this emergency and the crew then re-roled into aircraft number 3. At that point, the crew were called again for another medical high risk evacuation mission. As he departed the evacuation site with casualties on board the aircraft came under fire. Flt Lt Townsend identified the compound where the shots were coming from, and gave immediate orders for a rapid departure. Having directed his crew’s suppressive fire, he departed with remarkable and audacious skill, which unquestionably prevented his aircraft from being hit. The casualties were delivered in good time, and in good order; and despite their injuries, they all survived.
Even within the context of a busy period and a high threat environment, Flt Lt Townsend faced myriad challenges. Had it not been for his remarkable composure and professionalism, any one of these three incidents could have resulted in the loss of his aircraft and crew. He displayed airmanship, captaincy and measured courage of the highest order, all of which combine to describe a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Hugh Gordon-Burge Memorial Award.
With 3 miles to run, the crew banked hard to avoid birds, but unfortunately one bird impacted the cockpit window. Shortly afterwards, the crew heard a loud explosion. Flt Lt Townsend diagnosed a No.1 engine failure and correctly shut it down. The aircraft was flared to maintain 50ft. Using residual speed, the aircraft was turned towards a benign area and Flt Lt Townsend established that he could just maintain height. Calmly and professionally, he then declared an emergency, briefed his intentions to the rest of his crew and directed other assets to the casualties. The aircraft was now under control, but at low level and on the wrong side of the 'Green Zone'. Weighing up his options, Flt Lt Townsend had insufficient power to climb, but understood the risks associated with making an emergency landing at a patrol base. He elected to cross the green zone along the safest route, still at 50 feet, using all available performance to maximise speed. The aircraft was recovered safely to Bastion and the crew immediately re-roled to a new aircraft.
After again getting airborne, the new aircraft then experienced a serious hydraulic leak. With a high risk of fire, Flt Lt Townsend efficiently dealt with this emergency and the crew then re-roled into aircraft number 3. At that point, the crew were called again for another medical high risk evacuation mission. As he departed the evacuation site with casualties on board the aircraft came under fire. Flt Lt Townsend identified the compound where the shots were coming from, and gave immediate orders for a rapid departure. Having directed his crew’s suppressive fire, he departed with remarkable and audacious skill, which unquestionably prevented his aircraft from being hit. The casualties were delivered in good time, and in good order; and despite their injuries, they all survived.
Even within the context of a busy period and a high threat environment, Flt Lt Townsend faced myriad challenges. Had it not been for his remarkable composure and professionalism, any one of these three incidents could have resulted in the loss of his aircraft and crew. He displayed airmanship, captaincy and measured courage of the highest order, all of which combine to describe a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Hugh Gordon-Burge Memorial Award.
See also: http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...ml#post6045451
GAPAN - The Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators
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