RFI: Night CASEVAC: Radfan, Aden; 27 January 1964
Just a thought, from the above there is nothing to suggest that the CASEVAC was other than wholly successful. Can we not find an Air Officer locally, serving or retired, to go in Best Blue and tell Flt Lt Buick just that. Seems the right thing to do. Could RAFA locally help?
Last edited by Wander00; 25th Apr 2018 at 09:17. Reason: Spelling
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks
Thanks to everyone for such helpful and supportive posts.
Although I did not retire as an Air Officer, I was a senior officer and will be going in my No1s to my meeting with Mr Buick tomorrow.
I am quietly confident that I will be able to lessen or dispel his anxiety about this mission and hopefully will be able to put his mind completely at rest when the records I have requested from the National Archives arrive.
Very many thanks again, you have all certainly increased the likelihood that tomorrow's meeting will achieve the desired outcome.
Agatha
Although I did not retire as an Air Officer, I was a senior officer and will be going in my No1s to my meeting with Mr Buick tomorrow.
I am quietly confident that I will be able to lessen or dispel his anxiety about this mission and hopefully will be able to put his mind completely at rest when the records I have requested from the National Archives arrive.
Very many thanks again, you have all certainly increased the likelihood that tomorrow's meeting will achieve the desired outcome.
Agatha
As a mere civilian I just wanted to say how quietly moving I've found this thread.
Firstly, the clear heroism of Flt Lt Buick, secondly the care which Agatha has shown to him, and thirdly the way you've all responded with such speed and effort.
It's humbling, actually. Thank you, all...
Firstly, the clear heroism of Flt Lt Buick, secondly the care which Agatha has shown to him, and thirdly the way you've all responded with such speed and effort.
It's humbling, actually. Thank you, all...
Nah, a human being in terminal pain, what would you do?
I'm grateful that others have actually contributed supporting factual evidence to support what I'd hoped would be the case.
Agatha now has something tangible to show/read to him and that's what was needed.
I'm just a civvie too, but those that served have come good with info to ease his concerns.
The fact that those he rescued may have actually been our Allies rather than British Army may explain why nothing in the way of recognition came his way due to the nicities of politics (hmm, never thought I'd use "nicities" and "politics" in that way)
That he put his life on the line for Allies may have given tremendous effect to those fighting the insurgents, showing they mattered as much as our lads.
I'm grateful that others have actually contributed supporting factual evidence to support what I'd hoped would be the case.
Agatha now has something tangible to show/read to him and that's what was needed.
I'm just a civvie too, but those that served have come good with info to ease his concerns.
The fact that those he rescued may have actually been our Allies rather than British Army may explain why nothing in the way of recognition came his way due to the nicities of politics (hmm, never thought I'd use "nicities" and "politics" in that way)
That he put his life on the line for Allies may have given tremendous effect to those fighting the insurgents, showing they mattered as much as our lads.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I visited Mr Buick yesterday lunchtime and spent 2.5 hours with him and his wife Margaret.
I read him this Thread which included the documentary evidence that confirmed that the risks that he took flying the mission in Aden in 1964 that causes him so much anxiety and distress actually resulted in the 4 British soldiers who he cas'evac'd surviving for at least 2 months after he got them to hospital and all the tributes from you to his bravery and airmanship.
He was very emotional but hugely relieved and comforted to know the risks he took were worth it and that his peers supported and applauded his actions. He has carried this anxiety for over 50 years so will not forgive himself easily or quickly but he can re-read this Thread as often as necessary to ease his soul. His wife was so grateful for all the trouble we had all taken.He declined the visit from an RAF Padre on Friday due to a hospital appointment but indicated that he may take up this offer in due course - RAF Padre on standby happy to remain on standby TFN which is fantastic and I have also been so well supported by the RAF Chaplaincy Services.
I will visit him again when I receive additional documentation from the National Archives relating to the mission or any further significant updates.I hope I did some good this afternoon and I am sure he will sleep easier thanks to all your efforts, thank you.
Agatha
I read him this Thread which included the documentary evidence that confirmed that the risks that he took flying the mission in Aden in 1964 that causes him so much anxiety and distress actually resulted in the 4 British soldiers who he cas'evac'd surviving for at least 2 months after he got them to hospital and all the tributes from you to his bravery and airmanship.
He was very emotional but hugely relieved and comforted to know the risks he took were worth it and that his peers supported and applauded his actions. He has carried this anxiety for over 50 years so will not forgive himself easily or quickly but he can re-read this Thread as often as necessary to ease his soul. His wife was so grateful for all the trouble we had all taken.He declined the visit from an RAF Padre on Friday due to a hospital appointment but indicated that he may take up this offer in due course - RAF Padre on standby happy to remain on standby TFN which is fantastic and I have also been so well supported by the RAF Chaplaincy Services.
I will visit him again when I receive additional documentation from the National Archives relating to the mission or any further significant updates.I hope I did some good this afternoon and I am sure he will sleep easier thanks to all your efforts, thank you.
Agatha
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sad News
Had a call from Joanna Buick at lunchtime to tell me her Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep last night.I think she may have just been being kind, but she said she felt my visit made a huge difference and allowed him to stop fighting and struggling and she said she felt he died at peace with the past.
So thanks again to everyone for the research and support that helped make my visit a success.She has invited me to the funeral and if possible I will attend and go in uniform.Agatha
So thanks again to everyone for the research and support that helped make my visit a success.She has invited me to the funeral and if possible I will attend and go in uniform.Agatha
Thank you Agatha for all you have done for this gentleman and also to all the members of pprune arrse and other sites that have fed in information about this mission.
RiP Mr Buick.
RiP Mr Buick.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,812
Received 137 Likes
on
64 Posts
Another good man gone ...RIP, Sir.
Agatha,local RAFA or RBL for the funeral..?
