Erik Bennett
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,813
Received 140 Likes
on
65 Posts
I'm one of the lucky ones who will always be in his debt for his looking after the other Loan Service types and me in Oman; he spent time with us (overnight too) out on Ex in the desert, not just an HQ wallah. Near the start of my tour he did my check-ride for the Sultan's flypast in the no.3 position in line astern (half-rotor-span spacing) - wasn't afraid to put himself in the hot seat. Would love to know the full story of the "RTC" on Convoy with HM that one time..
Very sad news indeed, at least he made 94! Unorthodox maybe, but one of the best! Fi Amman Illah Siddi.
Gentleman Aviator
A gentleman and a great friend to Oman and the UK. I was once moved to ask him how/why he stayed in Oman as "Loan Service" for so long - he arrived when I was there as a gp capt, and gently eased his way up to 2-star before leaving the RAF.
"Easy thing young Teeters. Every time there's a new CAS or CDS I visit and tell them HM Sultan wouldn't accept any replacement!"
He had his quirks - don't we all - but a top bloke. RIP Siddi. Al baqaa lilliah.
"Easy thing young Teeters. Every time there's a new CAS or CDS I visit and tell them HM Sultan wouldn't accept any replacement!"
He had his quirks - don't we all - but a top bloke. RIP Siddi. Al baqaa lilliah.
Sir Erik Bennett
So, despite one false start, Sir EPB has finally 'slipped the surly bonds'. He took over as OC Flying RAF Tengah from Wg Cdr Mike Knight in 1969. The two were chalk and cheese but both excellent officers and very popular indeed. Erik's promises that his Ferrari 275GTB was 'on its way' lasted for a long time, but when it finally arrived it put a whole new meaning to "I'll race you back to the Mess!" after a run ashore downtown Singapore. He also saved my bacon after my 'low level flypast' departure from Tengah on 4 Sep 71 as we ferried our 74 Sqn Lightnings to Cyprus via Gan. The Stn Cdr and the newly promoted Gp Capt Bennett were watching in 'Local' and lost sight of me as I went past the Tower below window level. Peter Latham wanted me recalled and two senior fit its 'fallen in' but EPB promised to punish me himself: he removed my authorisation status on 74 Sqn (which had just disbanded) and with me on my last Lightning F6 trip! When I next met him (in Oman) all he said about it was "Dave, you owe me a beer!" I most certainly did! Blue Skies, Sir Erik.
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: New York
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Funeral Service
Recording of Sir Erik's funeral service is available on youtube:Solas Croíúil
youtube.com/watch?v=1A2mSFQ6WOE
Death notice,condolences may be added if desired:
rip.ie/death-notice/sir-erik-bennett-donaghmore-laois/485720
youtube.com/watch?v=1A2mSFQ6WOE
Death notice,condolences may be added if desired:
rip.ie/death-notice/sir-erik-bennett-donaghmore-laois/485720
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
Posts: 12,649
Received 307 Likes
on
171 Posts
Obit in the Telegraph - probably behind a paywall but you can probably register for a free article...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituari...-force-forged/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituari...-force-forged/
He lasted remarkably well. I sat next to him virtually every morning for two years or so in the 80's- he could be difficult, a little mercurial at times, but always fair.
I also appreciated our occasional one on one chats, and his sage advice on many matters.
Thank you, sir.
I also appreciated our occasional one on one chats, and his sage advice on many matters.
Thank you, sir.
