Barnstormer & cooheed,

you're being a tad harsh.

THS,

I have good mates at Odiham and my first thoughts were about them, perfectly natural reaction.

My heart goes out to the familes of those involved, terrible news.

Per ardua.

I never meant to be harsh. Apologies if I came across that way. I do know how friends and families feel in times of trouble. Respects to all.

Such sad news, Always a shock! Sincerest condolences from M4 and family.

Condolences, thoughts and prayers to whoever has suffered and to their loved ones.

We're all in the same boat; but rightly or wrongly we always think first of those closest to us. I always think at times like this of a few paragraphs from "Catch 22", where the Padre sees a bomber crash and immediately - instinctively - hopes and prays it's not anyone he knows.

He then quickly realises that in doing so he's hoping (praying?) for the deaths of people he doesn't know - and is mortified at what he's done .....

..... if Padres - even fictional ones - have this instinct, I think we can forgive THS.

Too full already is the grave
Of fellows who were good and brave
And died because they were.....

RIP boys - whoever you are...

Thoughts and prayers, as always. You guys and girls out there doing your jobs will probably never know how much it means to some of us having you between us and the line. YOU ARE ALL APPRECIATED VERY VERY MUCH. Your sacrifices will ALWAYS be remembered. The wife and I pray daily you can all come home soon as, and uninjured.

To the fallen RIP, and I shall hoist a drink in memory as well.

The BBC this morning were quoting a news agency report that suggested the aircraft was US operated, with seven POB, including a Brit and a Canadian.

All very sad.

The helpful stacker, and fellow poster's
 

I Was not trying to attack the helpful stacker in my above post. In fact I am sure his motives and emotions were totally honourable. It was only his words that troubled me, a matter which he has totally cleared up in his later post.
My intention was purely to offer him the chance to offer support to whomever was involved.
If anyone was offended by my post, I am sorry.

Barnstormer1968

MoD Website reporting that there was 1 British casualty an RMP.


Thoughts with the families of all those killed.

RiP
 

My most sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of everyone involved in this tragic incident.

Rest in Peace.

I am in Oman at the moment. I have just heard on BBC world that one soldier was killed. My sincere condolences to his family. I hope everone else makes a speedy recovery.

THS chin up mate! I am a long time ex 'tenant' of Odiham, i thought the same as you, the other guys who commented thought differently but have clarified their stance (and thanks to both of you for that!)

From MOD website. Sympathy to the family, friends and colleague of all those lost in this incident:

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Corporal Mike Gilyeat, from the Royal Military Police, in Afghanistan on Wednesday 30 May 2007.

Cpl Gilyeat died when the American Chinook helicopter he was travelling in crashed in the Kajaki area of northern Helmand. Cpl Gilyeat, 28, known as 'Gilly', was a photographer attached to the Media Operations team based at Regional Command (South) in Kandahar.

Cpl Gilyeat was on the aircraft to film the insertion of American troops as part of a wider piece he was producing on a major alliance operation around Kajaki. He died alongside his Canadian colleague, Master Corporal Darrell Priede, aged 30.

Corporal Mike Gilyeat

Born in Hanover, Germany, Cpl Mike Gilyeat followed his father into the Army in August 2002. He had previously served in Iraq (on Op TELIC 6) and had more recently been based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. He volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan, motivated by a desire to make a difference, and to diversify into news photography.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith, his commanding officer in Regional Command (South), said:

"Cpl Gilyeat was a gifted and enthusiastic member of the team who had made a real difference in the time he had been in theatre. He was an eternally cheerful character who was always quick to lend a hand wherever it was needed and did so without complaint.

"Despite being an experienced and proud Military Policeman he was thriving in his first employment as a news photographer. He showed great flare and promise and had already produced several powerful images."

"In the six weeks he had been in theatre, he had struck up a close friendship with his fellow photographer Master Corporal Priede, with whom he enjoyed a constant stream of banter, usually centred on their friendly competitiveness over pictures.

"Cpl Gilyeat was a gifted and enthusiastic member of the team who had made a real difference in the time he had been in theatre."

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith
"The tragic loss of both of them is something which has been keenly felt by everyone in our team; we miss their infectious enthusiasm, consummate professionalism and unwavering good humour. Our thoughts are with their families and friends."

Defence Secretary, Des Browne, said:

"It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Corporal Gilyeat alongside 1 Canadian and 5 US soldiers in Afghanistan. He was a talented, dedicated soldier and photographer, and his spirit will be greatly missed amongst those who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those who died."

The family of Corporal Gilyeat request that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

Just finished a 'two week' course at HMP St Cornwall. Condolences to all involved, both families and friends. RIP Guys.

THS - I know exactly what you meant and no clarification should of been needed!

WM