Sqn Ldr Brian Jopling QGM RAF Retd
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Sqn Ldr Brian Jopling QGM RAF Retd
Sad to report the passing of Brian Jopling last night after a year long battle with cancer. He had a long and distinguished career both on fixed wing but mainly on rotary. His death will come as a surprise to many who hadn't realised that he was ill. Condolences to Rosie and the family who are, understandably, devastated. Rosie requests that all contact is made through Stu Bailey on 01993 843028 and not the family. Funeral details later.
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Sad news indeed, I first met Brian when he came through 240 OCU and he always had time for a chat when ever I saw him at Odiham. When I was posted to a Jag Sqn in Germany I was for my sins sent on the Maximash exercise at Wegberg, and a Chinook from 18 was tasked to ferry "casualties" from Rheindalen to the exercise and we both had a double take moment and a quick hello onboard, later on in my career I met him again when he went through the VC10 OCU and on to 10 squadron. We had a laugh to the fact that coming from Chinooks where the Loadmaster did an extensive range of tasks, on the VC10 he was not even allowed to put battery power on.
Ever such a charming and affable man and I will raise a glass to his memory this evening, RIP Brian.
Ever such a charming and affable man and I will raise a glass to his memory this evening, RIP Brian.
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Very, very sorry to hear this news. I worked closely with Brian on 10 Sqn particually on the Royal and ministerial flights. Highly professional and a true gentleman, also didn't take any sh1t. We had a few bust ups! Only those who knew him in a previous role will also know of his bravery. Rest in peace Brian.
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My deepest sympathy to Rosie and family. I knew BJ from the very beginning of my time. Pumas chinooks thru to the shiny fleet. Always a scholar and gent. I will raise a large G and T and think of many a happy times we had.
Here's to the sheepshed in the sky
Here's to the sheepshed in the sky
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What a shame, what a nice bloke. Worked under him (literally) when he was on Chinooks, and I was on JHSU and later at BZZ. His QGM, or rather how he came by it back in '82 (time, gone, where?) summed up the chap. Condolences to the family.
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Loss of a truly admirable gentleman.....
Definitely raising a glass and a having a few quiet thoughts and memories of the man. Very kindly towards me when I arrived at Brize, always a friendly face and a kindly word as I struggled with a new world.......definitely want to see his deeds in 82 repeated on here for I'm sure there are many who knew the man but not well enough to know to be sufficiently familiar.
Thoughts with all his family and friends .... RIP Brian.....
Thoughts with all his family and friends .... RIP Brian.....
I flew many missions on Ten Sqn with Brian. He was an incredibly able chap, shown clearly by his meteoric rise from NCO to Sqn Ldr. In my mind, his forte was VVIP and I was particularly honoured and blessed to have him as my Cabin Supervisor on many occasions flying VVIPs
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Tragic news. Brian was one of the most professional operators I had the pleasure to work with, both on 10 Sqn and STANEVAL. There is little more I can really say that isn't summed up in his QGM citation for the Atlantic Conveyor. My deepest condolences to his family.
London Gazette Supplement - October 1982
Flight Sergeant Jopling is an air loadmaster employed since October 1981 as a crewman on No. 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force Odiham. On 25th May 1982 he was on board the Steam Ship Atlantic Conveyor in the South Atlantic as part of the 18 Squadron deployment in support of Operation CORPORATE. During the late afternoon, the ship was attacked and hit by an Exocet missile. Flight Sergeant Jopling was manning an air defence machine gun position on the bridge during the attack. The missile started a fire on the ship which rapidly spread out of control and the decision was taken to abandon the stricken vessel. Flight Sergeant Jopling was among the last to leave the bridge and, as he descended towards the main deck, he was enveloped by thick black smoke. He rapidly donned his respirator and led several people onwards in a human chain but, realising that it would be impossible for the others to survive without respirators, he had to retreat. He eventually found an alternative path within the ship and led his party of survivors to the main deck where they climbed over the side and entered the water prior to boarding a liferaft. The liferaft Flight Sergeant Jopling selected was one of the few remaining and was overcrowded; he, together with several others, was unable to board it. The sea was very cold and night had fallen, adding to the difficulties. The liferaft was still attached to the ship and was being buffeted against the ship's side as the ship rolled. Realising the danger this represented to the liferaft and its occupants, Flight Sergeant Jopling made his way around the liferaft and, despite being struck several times by the ship, eventually managed to sever the lines holding the liferaft to the blazing hulk. As the occupants of the liferaft became more organised, other survivors were gradually brought on board. Flight Sergeant Jopling appreciated that as he was wearing aircrew survival equipment, he was better placed than other survivors in the water. He therefore elected to remain in the sea, encouraging and helping men to hold onto the liferaft; only when he had ensured that there were no more survivors in the water, did he allow himself to be dragged, exhausted, aboard. He was in the water for between one and two hours in extremely hazardous conditions. Flight Sergeant Jopling acted in the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force and his selfless conduct undoubtedly saved many lives.
London Gazette Supplement - October 1982
Flight Sergeant Jopling is an air loadmaster employed since October 1981 as a crewman on No. 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force Odiham. On 25th May 1982 he was on board the Steam Ship Atlantic Conveyor in the South Atlantic as part of the 18 Squadron deployment in support of Operation CORPORATE. During the late afternoon, the ship was attacked and hit by an Exocet missile. Flight Sergeant Jopling was manning an air defence machine gun position on the bridge during the attack. The missile started a fire on the ship which rapidly spread out of control and the decision was taken to abandon the stricken vessel. Flight Sergeant Jopling was among the last to leave the bridge and, as he descended towards the main deck, he was enveloped by thick black smoke. He rapidly donned his respirator and led several people onwards in a human chain but, realising that it would be impossible for the others to survive without respirators, he had to retreat. He eventually found an alternative path within the ship and led his party of survivors to the main deck where they climbed over the side and entered the water prior to boarding a liferaft. The liferaft Flight Sergeant Jopling selected was one of the few remaining and was overcrowded; he, together with several others, was unable to board it. The sea was very cold and night had fallen, adding to the difficulties. The liferaft was still attached to the ship and was being buffeted against the ship's side as the ship rolled. Realising the danger this represented to the liferaft and its occupants, Flight Sergeant Jopling made his way around the liferaft and, despite being struck several times by the ship, eventually managed to sever the lines holding the liferaft to the blazing hulk. As the occupants of the liferaft became more organised, other survivors were gradually brought on board. Flight Sergeant Jopling appreciated that as he was wearing aircrew survival equipment, he was better placed than other survivors in the water. He therefore elected to remain in the sea, encouraging and helping men to hold onto the liferaft; only when he had ensured that there were no more survivors in the water, did he allow himself to be dragged, exhausted, aboard. He was in the water for between one and two hours in extremely hazardous conditions. Flight Sergeant Jopling acted in the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force and his selfless conduct undoubtedly saved many lives.
Last edited by TMK1; 21st Mar 2014 at 20:46.
Sqn Ldr Brian Jopling QGM
I have known Brian for so many years, such a sad loss. He made my time on the VC10 a real pleasure. After so many years on Rotary and Hercs the VC10 was a culture shock, without Brian I am sure I would have thrown the towel in. Without doubt he was one of nature's true Gentlemen. RIP
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TMK1 Thank you for that I had never seen it before. I had only heard rumours and of course Brian would not have told the story in full.
I heard that Brian, whilst in the water, had cause to 'counsell' an individual in the raft who was refusing to let any more in in case it became overloaded. His view prevailed!
Saw Brian for the first time in years at the 2012 Puma bash. He gave no indication at all, and we had a great catchup. RIP
CG
Saw Brian for the first time in years at the 2012 Puma bash. He gave no indication at all, and we had a great catchup. RIP
CG
