Deepest sympaties to all...

Eng

:(

Paul, it doesn't seem like eighteen years ago that two pilot officers first met.

God Speed.

Deeply saddened at the terrible news from Marham last Thursday. My sincere condolencies to the families of both of the guys who so tragically lost their lives.

Only met Flo once (at an airshow in '99) but instantly took a liking to him.

However, I knew Paul very well. Went through IOT and flying training with him and he is one of those guys who you don't see for a while but are then instantly Best Mates again when you do meet up. Saw him a bit in '99 when he was displaying the Venom, again a couple of years after that, and was then fortunate to spend 4 days with him in Marham in '02, just after he had arrived on 39 Sqn. The stories and memories came flooding back and I will rmember that week with much fondness. Last saw him about a year ago and his love and keenness for flying was still un-diminished.

My heart goes out to his family and closest friends, we have all lost a good pilot and a bloody good mate.

Thursday night was a sad night and there is little consolation in knowing that they were both doing what they loved and did best.

My unopened bottle of Glenmorangie is now less than half full. A big toast to a big mate.

RIP old friend.

just back from AL to hear the terrible news. I knew both men, and can only echo all that has already been expressed. Just an utter tragedy and loss, gut-wrenching sadness. Prayers tonight flying towards the bar in the sky, where aviators go to have a friday night cig, and a red bull.
Prayers also for loved ones left behind.

Flying with you, mates, always.

S4M

Never met Paul but had the privelage to work with Flo in the mid-90's.

Very sad news, I would like to express my deepest condolences to both of their families and close friends. A sad day for many people.

RIP

Had the pleasure of knowing Flo both at school and in the RAF.

RIP to both

RIP Flo,

It was an honour to learn but a fraction of what he had to teach.

On behalf of Paul's father I have been asked to post the following message:


Paul Morris's 15 year old son James, Paul's father and all the family wish to thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy. It is comforting to know that Paul had so many good friends and the messages have been a great comfort to us.

Thank you one and all. Mel Morris, (Paul's father)

Favourite story of Paul in his early QFI days was his night lights-out formation on students in the instrument pattern at Linton with another creamy in a JP (yes he was caught by the fun police!).

God Bless Paul, I hope you're watching over me again in the future...

RIP

LJ

Only met Flo a few times but clearly a top chap, my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Paul - honoured to be able to call him a great friend of many years. I don't know a more natural pilot or a more likeable guy - he is already sorely missed.

Deepest sympathy to all his family.

RIP

NGR

I was very saddened to see this thread. I only knew Paul for a short time during an OOA det when he was still on VC10s. I can only add to all the other sentiments that he was a genuinely decent bloke. my thoughts go out to all the families involved

For those who asked to be informed here, the funeral of Flt Lt Flo Coulton is to take place on Friday 17 September at 1100, at Norwich. The family have requested no floral tributes, but donations may be sent to a nominated fund. Further detail may be obtained from RAF Marham.

Ginseng

Thanks Ginseng

SBG

This is a little late, I'm afraid, but I only saw the notice today myself.

The funeral for Flt Lt Paul Morris will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 15 September, at Bessacar, Doncaster. Again, his family have requested that no floral tributes be sent, but donations to the RAF Benevolent Fund would be welcomed, via RAF Marham.

Ginseng

Further to the above, donations in memory of Flt Lt Flo Coulton should be made to the Holy Cross Parish Church. Cheques are to be sent to OC Accounts at RAF Marham.

Fly high and free, fellas.


SBG

Paul was laid to rest yesterday, aptly the 64th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in a dignified, moving cermony in his home town of Doncaster. A reading and a eulogy were made by 2 of his closest friends; later a flypast was made by a single VC10 and by a Meteor.

His funeral was attended by family, friends and many former colleagues. Fittingly, the area of Rose Hill cemetery in which he now lies is shared by many who were lost during the Battle.

He will have many good mates up there.

Having been away for a few days I'm stunned to learn today that Reichman was one of those sadly lost in the recent incident at Marham.

I have never met Paul in person and sadly now never will, but as just a visitor and guest in this forum, I will always remember his Meteor displays and the e-mails we shared about RIAT and his previous gliding experiences in particular.

In his last messages to me he expressed an interest in obtaining some photos of his arrival at RIAT last year in the NF11 - how I wish now I'd been quicker in sending them. If any Ppruners on here care to contact me with an address I will ensure these are sent to his loved ones.

RIP Paul, a true gent from what I have read on here and my contact with you, I will be raising a glass in your memory.:(

http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/...A58%3A14%3A500

Inquest yesterday

RAF pilots died after engine failure

23 June 2006 06:00

Two "outstanding" RAF pilots were killed after their aircraft malfunctioned during a routine training sortie over Norfolk, it emerged last night.

Flt Lts Lawrence Coulton and Paul Morris died two years ago while practising emergency landings at RAF Marham.

At an inquest into their deaths yesterday, witnesses described how the pair had tried to eject to safety from their Canberra as it swerved out of control.

Flt Lt Stephen Gregory, a crewman on the plane, described the final moments leading up to the tragedy.

"The aircraft yawed violently to the left and there were a few invectives," he said.

"Then there was a surge of power and the aircraft got airborne. I was expecting the power to go off and was very surprised. I could see the aircraft was not going to stay airborne for very long.

"In my position at the back, I had very little information. I didn't know what the aircraft was doing and pulled the ejection handle.

"I hit the ground almost immediately, it was quite a violent thump."

A 12-month RAF investigation into the accident found the Canberra's left engine had failed to respond to throttle inputs.

And speaking after the inquest, Sqn Ldr Rem Merrick stressed the force's Board of Inquiry had not apportioned blame to either man.

He said: "It was routine training to practise landing with one engine. They were both outstanding pilots in their own right and they had both done operational duties."

The Canberra, which is one of the oldest aircraft in the force, is used for survey and reconnaissance work.

The two pilots were practising night-landings when they got into trouble as they taxied down the runway to take off.

Witnesses at the inquest reported hearing the sound of ejector seats as the aircraft got into difficulties and crashed back to earth.

Flt Lt Coulton, 40, of Stoke Holy Cross, near Norwich, and Flt Lt Morris, 38, of Shelley Close, Downham Market, were attached to Mar-ham's 39 (1PRU) Squadron.

Rescuers told the inquest, at St Margaret's House, that one of the men's parachutes had become entangled in the engine after they ejected.

Coroner Bill Knowles was told the plane had been flying sorties during the day without any problems and that both men were experienced pilots.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he said: "There has been a year-long Board of Inquiry into this incident and I don't think there is anything further I have heard that I can add to their findings."

Flt Lt Coulton was married with two children and Flt Lt Morris was single with a teenage son.

Very sad indeed. I have ask if flying an a/c of that vintage is sensible thing to do?

BOI findings here:

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Ab...dOfInquiry.htm