I left CXX and Kinloss after 5yrs on the Tues and then the dreadful news reached me on Sat. My head and heart is still with all of Kinloss, and is likely to be for some time. I knew them all, some better than others, and no words can describe my feelings at present.
I knew Leigh (the Hoff) very well. We were a Nav team for some time, and I couldn't have asked for better support as a new Capt. I will always remember him as a solid nav with so much potential,who always did more than he was asked. Flying with him was a joy. I will remember him as a true friend and gent. He will live on in my memories of our trip to NZ and on Ops. We had some top times mate, it was an honour. Rest easy.

Like many others, I’m still struggling coming to terms with this. God only knows what it must be like for all the families left behind. My heart goes out to you all. What we all have is fond, fond memories of some great guys.
Ade– A true gentleman, who was so proud of his family. My family had the pleasure of sharing some magic times with Ade, Chris and the children over many years. Chris...I'm so sorry, we are all thinking of you.
Gareth - Always remember Gareth dolling himself up as a “new romantic” on nights out in Newquay, during those halcyon 42 Sqn days…. before he settled for just an earring.
Gez, Gary, Steve, Q – Nimrod stalwarts who’ve been part of ISK for years. Just can’t imagine going to ISK and not bumping into you guys again.

Shona B and kids… thinking of you.

Fellas, you’ll soon be home. You’ve enriched our lives and you will never be forgotten. RIP.

Ex 42,236,201

A Brothers Tale
 

Gez was my little brother and visited me on CXX in 1976 when i was a Flt Eng.Alas he couldnt fly due to blocked ears,but he discovered the Carlton got threatened but rescued by me and Nick Green,we were stalwarts of the Rugby team and took no prisoners!!I thought then this is an omen for him not to become Aircrew.3 years later he enlists for A TECH Training at Halton.7 years later Cpl Bell applies for Flt Eng,as usual gets selected for AeOP,FAR TOO QUALIFIED FOR ENG AS HE IS HALTON TRAINED!!!He had to try his best to convert his electro-mechanical brain to accept the training and all us ENGs would have struggled as AeOPs.He made a good effort so i was proud of his stamina.
We are from a RAF FAMILY,so you could say that Gez being born in a RAF Hospital(ELY) was already at an early stage of RAF developement.He spent most of his childhood on RAF stations and when not playing was probably with my Dad on his section or drinking coke in the SGTs Mess.He eventually knew the RAF inside out which explains his impatience with the administration of his career.I am afraid the RAF did not know or appreciate his inside.He gave a gruff outside impression but he was a very thoughtful caring person.Unknown to most was his committment to the Catholic Church where he was appointed a Special Eucharistic Minister for the Royal Air Force.He could administer Holy Communion to fellow Christians.Few are chosen so as a family we were very proud.I hope he is enjoying his posting to Heaven!!!
Many happy memories of a great brother and friend.Always a wise counsel and good social company.He was too young to join me in my mess on HMS Dreadnought in my former life but he would have done me proud on a "Ships Visit"We grieve very much for him and wish you could have seen his more gentle side.He was a very popular "Uncle" at our many family "Hoolies"(Influenced by our mothers Cork Naval background,she was a wartime Wren)The nephews will miss his banter and drinking prowess.
Hope all the other families are slowly overcoming their grief.It will be a long slog and the wait for the funerals will be hard.Our family will pray for you all as well as our dear Gerard and hope some good will come of this disaster in our lives.
I had the honour of Ade on my B747 Flight Deck from Hannover to Ul Edied on his outbound deployment flight.Cannot believe it was the last time i saw him,dressed up in the theatre equipment.It did strike me what a DIFFERENT role the Nimrod is in now.I did not like it!!
Good luck to all Nimrod Crews especially the Falcons

Ex Falcon Crew 6

CXX-3 Remembered
 

It is almost exactly a week since the dreadful news first broke in the UK, and it has taken me that long to compose these words which, on reflection, still seem so inadequate.

I, like many others I have spoken to since, had strong suspicions as soon as the crew composition was announced, but could not believe that a ‘technical fault’ could have brought down an aircraft which I had trusted for so long and which was crewed by such professional aircrew. Despite these strong suspicions, I dared to hope that the initial media reports as to the type were correct (sorry to those fleets) – after all, that seemed to fit the ‘technical fault’ scenario better. Worst fears soon confirmed, however, followed by repeated sinking feelings as first the Sqn was announced, then the crew, the names and finally the pictures – utterly dreadful.

Served alongside and flew with Ade many times. Great, great guy. You taught me lots – thank you. A thoroughly professional, knowledgeable and experienced Flt Eng, excellent crewmember and proud father – especially with respect to his daughters swimming achievements if I recall correctly. Al, I never had the pleasure of flying with you, although I regard myself as a friend and colleague – another thoroughly professional aircrew mate who will be sorely missed. Still find it hard to comprehend that a technical fault got the better of you two – a bitter lesson for all of us.

To the rear crew, I knew a number of you but never flew with you; having heard some of the stories at the wake on Tuesday at Warton, it would have been a pleasure. The Nimrod community is worse off without you.

I would also like to add my condolences to the families of the two ‘specialists’ on board. Whilst I did not know you personally, I am sure you were very much part of the crew and will be missed equally as much by your respective families and colleagues. The two specialists who flew with CXX-6 in 2002 were very much part of the crew, both at work and play. Whilst airborne, they professionally completed their job even though working in an unfamiliar environment. On the ground, they became so much part of the crew that they were even banned from the Bar with the rest of the Nimrod det!

Finally, and without wishing to dilute the above or speculate, I would like to pass on my thoughts to the fast-jet mate who was ‘escorting’ the aircraft in its final moments. Must be difficult for any aircrew mate to come to terms with.

All of you were remembered with fond memories at Warton on Tuesday – many sore heads the following morning as we witnessed the MR2 flying again – thanks very much, very proud. Hopefully we will return the gesture with the MRA4 this coming week.

To those lost – you will never be forgotten.
To the families left behind – sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers for the times ahead.
To CXX and Kinloss – thoughts are with you as you help each other pick up the pieces
To those deployed, or about to deploy, who are continuing the good work – be vigilant and fly safe.

God Bless

SA – CXX 97-02

Wonderful Words
 

FreddieQ - what wonderful words; they really struck a chord as I, like you, looked at the front page of the newspaper with utter disbelief that the faces in front of me, belonging to such good mates, were here no more. A fiitting tribute which I hope will be spoken during the memorial service.

Thank you.

Sorrow
 

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the Nimrod that sadly went down last week. I have to be honest and say that we may have brushed shoulders in the past during a visit to Kinloss but I didnt know any of you personally.

I am however fully aware of the work you all did, work that generally goes unnoticed due to the nature of it.

I also met a couple of your SQN last week whilst abroad and was touched by their comments about their lost colleagues. I can only empathise with you all.

God Bless

M4 - Army Pilot

High Flight
 

Words fail me. This poem hopefully reflects what flying meant to these wonderful colleagues. RIP

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds -- and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.


We will never forget you. D and G

To The OC men and women of CXX.
Tomorrow I shall be thinking of you all as the bodies arrive in Kinloss I am far away but will still take the time to remember, I only knew Adie and Gary so they will have special moments of rememberence but the rest shall be remembered for who and what they were.
A sad time for the families and members of the squadron.
Fergi Ferguson
Flight Eng
CXX crew 6
1979 to 1982

Dinger and Michelle, I read the tributes to your brothers Gez and Ade and know what a desperately sad time this must be for you and all the families touched by this tragedy. I had the pleasure of Gez's company on the 42 Sqn reunion at Kinloss in April, when we shared a beer or two together. Ade was also a friend and ex colleague from his days on 51 Sqn when we were based at Wyton. Gareth and Garry were also known from my days on 42 Sqn and during my time at Kinloss. To all the families of these fourteen brave and dedicated men, I hope you can take some comfort from knowing you are not only in the thoughts of their many friends, but the nation as well. Not forgetting the members of 120 Sqn, the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regt, who have lost comrades, you are also in our prayers.

Per Ardua Ad Astra
Per Mare Per Terram
Utrinque Paratus

God bless to you all, our prayers are with you.

Steve Moore
51Sqn Ex 42/203/206

Well guys, I hope we can give you the best send off we can today. You and the families are all in our hearts.

Deepest sympathies to all affected by this terrible tragedy, especially to the family and loved ones of the lost crew.

I had the pleasure of working on the Nimrod Sim from 92-01 and got to see first hand the skill, professionalism, camaraderie, and great humor of the crews. Many a time was a chocy bar or DCS offered with a grin in exchange for us not to fix the MCT, yet it was still given even if we did!

Sadly there were some very familiar faces amongst those lost, and one friend who I only got to know recently.

John, I can still see your grin as we chatted at the side of the road about the shower of sparks from your knee as you barreled into that right hander a bit too hot! From all of the lads from Forres with bikes who knew you, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. So many good memories in so short a time, a credit to the man you were.

You’ll always be with us on the Sunday run mate.

Rest in peace guys.

Home at Last boys.

the repatriation was hard to watch as i was there back in feb 05 when my brother came home after his herc went down. my thoughts and love again are with family, friends, loved ones and all in the RAF community feeling the pain again today. home at last boys. god bless, rest in peace.

Home
 

I'm so glad the authorities respected the families wishes for repatriation back into Kinloss.
Words cannot suffice at these times, but godspeed to one & all,
true people of honour, as one, to the end.
Deepest respects to all & a toast of the best single malt on order all round.
We will remember them - always.

I really don’t fancy being at many more of these repatriations, today was hard.

I’ve edited a printer friendly version of this thread including ‘callsigns’, anyone needing a copy mail me at: '[email protected]'

The following is an extract from a book by a fighter pilot of the Free French Forces in WWII. He was writing about demobilization and leaving his Hawker Typhoon (Grand Charles) behind. Sometimes helps me through why we do these things:

I had that morning gone to say my farewells to Broadhurst and to the RAF. I had made a point of going to HQ at Schleswig in my 'Grand Charles'. Coming back I had taken him high up in the cloudless summer sky, for it was only there that I could fittingly take my leave. Together we climbed for the last time straight towards the sun. We looped once, perhaps twice, we lovingly did a few slow, meticulous rolls, so that I could take away in my finger-tips the vibration of his supple, docile wings.

And in that narrow cockpit I wept, as I shall never weep again, when I felt the concrete brush against his wheels and, with a great sweep of the wrist, dropped him on the ground like a cut flower. As always, I carefully cleared the engine, turned off all the switches one by one, removed the straps, the wires and the tubes which tied me to him, like a child to his mother. And when my waiting pilots and my mechanics saw my downcast eyes and my shaking shoulders, they understood and returned to the dispersal in silence.

Pierre Clostermann, 'The Big Show (Fortunes of War)' 1951.

Take care all, fly safe. Thanks Stu.

SB

Having been an usher at the repatriation ceremony I have to say that I am both immensly proud of my colleagues who sadly went to heavens crew-room and their families who attended this harrowing ceremony with pride, grace and dignity. Thankfully the 'VIP's remained out of sight as much as possible and left friends and colleagues to run the day. It was humbling to chat with Ades and Gary A's families who both were dignified in their justifiable and rightful pride in their relatives. Mrs R-A-E and I both send our best wishes to all families.
I have recently discovered that I knew both the para and the marine also, it was good to see their families being cared for in the best traditions of all 3 services.
I hope today has given all 14 families some help and relief, I was proud to assist all the families in their mourning, it certainly helped me to cope. Thank heavens the big fella upstairs gave us some unseasonal sunshine for Kinloss and helped make the whole day more bearable.
To the boys who were bearers, you carried out your duties extremely well and deserved all the beer in the mess you could drink.

To all who helped, C17 crew, QCS, marines, thank you all on behalf of the nimrod crews and families.

R-A-E

I too watched the repatriation today. I found it very hard as it rekindles personal memories of the loss of a close colleague in the line of duty. I watched as I felt I should out of respect. As I was working at home it would seem wrong to ignore the ceremony.

It still seems hard to believe that we should lose a 'Mighty Hunter' I have considerable respect for the Nimrod which , of course, would be only metal without her crews. An aircraft that portrays the image of utter strength and dependability.

Once again our fallen heroes have been returned to their loved ones with dignity in a way that others would struggle to match. Those who have passed away cannot suffer the hurts of this world anymore but those who are left behind must learn to endure. To those I send my heartfelt sympathy and salute your bravery at this sad time.

God bless you all.

My thoughts, heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to all the loved ones; the families, friends and colleagues of all the crew who perished aboard Nimrod XV230. The RAF Kinloss ‘Family’ will look after our own, as we have done in the past. It will take a long time for the pain to ease, but ease it will – just as the boys would want it to.

I knew Al, Steve J, and Gareth from ‘guesting’ on 206/42 Sqn crews various and was always impressed by them. I brushed shoulders with Steve S and Leigh as they came through training and thought what great crew members they would make. Jez and Ade just always seemed to be in maritime and always a pleasure to work with. SBT, Q, GaryA & I were all crewed together for years. Always getting one another into – and out of – scrapes various! Ben ‘Tapper’ and John L were students here at Cranwell – Bright, young guys who were fun to instruct and be with. I am proud to have served with you guys and miss you. Will join you in the ‘scruffs’ at a later time.

Not to forget Marine Joseph Windall or Cpl Oliver Dicketts. Having worked with some of your colleagues in the past, would have been consummate professionals and fit right in with the crew banter and environment.

Many thanks to all concerned who brought our guys home today.

The crew : Your families should be proud of who you were, what you were, and what you achieved. You served your country and like so many others, have made that ultimate sacrifice.

From another time, when so many other fine young men paid the price for our freedom:

I dream now of another time,
Of soaring wings and slipstream whine,
Of airscrew arcs and engine drone,
And cloudy canyons I have known.

When towering columns split the night,
With brilliant beams of searching light,
Then in just moments we became,
Small insects, round a naked flame.

Time after time, we saw the cost,
To all who fought so well, yet lost,
For them a fiery plunge through space,
In another time, another place.

Time has not marred my grim old frame,
To your fading eyes I am the same,
Look well, all strangers standing there,
For I am the mighty Lancaster.

(From ‘Showpiece – Lancaster’ by Walter Scott 630 Sqn)
JP - Ex 206

The homecoming ceremony was very dignified and moving. Those involved have upheld the finest traditions of our services. The BBC photograph fom inside the C-17 is more poignant than any words.
Condolences to the families and friends of the crew. To the Nimrod community - we are proud of you all.