Such sad news.
A very highly respected Crewman.

lsh

I too was unaware of the circumstances as to why Brian got his QGM. Given the Gazette write-up it is a wonder that he did not get a VC. I got an AFC for basically saving my own pinkly flesh and an aeroplane. Brian was far braver.

I am greatly saddened by this news. I flew many hours with BJ and will never forget him giving a short account of the sinking of the Antlantic Conveyor and his selfless actions later in the water given at the only all-ranks Op Coporate dining in night at Odiham some years later. He was immaculate as ever, reserved and a tribute to the service. Good bye old friend.
Pedro

BBC interview....?
 

Believe this was on Radio 4 wrt Brian, has anyone got a copy or please let me know if I have the wrong article...Thanks

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 21/06/2012, Reflecting on the Falklands war

I went through Loadmaster Training with Brian and then to Odiham. Great Bloke. My condolences to Rosie and family

Mole Man

Very sad news.
A privilege to have known and worked alongside you Brian
RIP

The funeral of our dear friend, Sqn Ldr Brian Jopling QGM (Rtd), will take place at The Church of St Johns, 6 Burford Rd, Carterton, OX18 3AA at 12:00 on Wednesday 2nd April 2014. The family have requested serving members to wear No1 HD with medals and black arm band, (LHS) for WO's and above. A private cremation for family only will take place immediately after while the rest of the visiting guests will meet at The Chequers Pub after the Church service on Station Rd, Brize Norton Village, OX18 3PR. Donations only please to Cancer Research or Sobell House ,Home | Sobell House Hospice Charity

Funeral arrangements
 

Met with Josie today and can confirm the funeral arrangements for Brian Jopling.
The service will take place at St John's Church, Burford Road, Carterton on the 2nd April at 1200 hrs.
The service will be followed by a private family cremation at the Swindon Crematorium at 1330-1345 hrs.
Dress for St John's is Service Dress with black armbands and optional medals for serving members and appropriate dress for others.
Family flowers only please but donations to Cancer Research UK and/or Sobell House, Oxford ,would be welcomed.
Rosie and family would appreciate your company at The Chequers in Brize Norton village from 1300 hrs where they will join you after returning from the Crematorium.
Any queries please call Stu Bailey on 01993 843028.

Brian set the standards that others tried to emulate, including myself and if I even got half way there I would have been very pleased. Brian was a consummate professional, respected by all who knew him and he will be sorely missed.
RIP Brian

How terribly sad, I worked very briefly with him. I thought he'd moved away from Carterton a few years ago.
I suspect his funeral will be thoroughly packed. Bless him, he was a lovely man.

Post deleted

RIP Brian,

It was a privilege to have served with you. A true gent.

OKOK
I was stuck at ASI working the wokka there with Santini and was told the tale soon after.
I Believe that Brian's anger was directed at a Dark blue officer :ouch: but time has taken its toll, I used to remember the name. RIP Brian another good man taken way to early.

It was. The bloke had declared himself, 'raft commander'. Brian suggested that everyone could either get in, or everyone would be getting out. The ship driver was not to know that a dinghy knife probably couldn't cut hot butter!

CG

Erm guys, some respect please, not the time nor place for this..

Fair Point Gentlemen--I apologise. Not the right time or place. Brian was a great bloke-I will miss him. RIP.

Funeral car parking
 

Advised by Stu Bailey that car parking at the church is extremely limited and that attendees should use any of the supermarket car parks or the municipal car park itself.
Efforts are being made to try and arrange a Chinook flypast but, due to financial constraints, this appears to be unlikely. What have we come to when a simple flypast to honour a holder of the Queen's Gallantry Medal is beyond the budget. Suppose it's too late to have a whip round for the fuel!
Knowing that PPRUNE is read by some serving and retired Senior Officers it's surprising, and shameful, that none have come forward to say a few words at the service.

I totally agree with Oldsarbouy. But I expected nothing less.

Whatever, Brian would have be thrilled to know the extent of the turnout on Wednesday. I'm told the church is expecting 200 to turn up. I suspect it will be more. At least his mates will be giving him an excellent send off. That's all Brian would have wanted.

RIP Brian. A true gentleman.

Fly Past Request
 

Just so you know, and to prevent over criticism when its not valid.......
The Station was approached at Odiham about the potential for a Fly Past to mark the passing of one of the Original Chinook Fleets finest and right up to Stn Cdr Level it was supported. However, due to a lack of frames both UK deployed and Operationally deployed it was just not possible. The thoughts of those at Odiham will of course be with Brian's family and I have no doubt many representatives from the SH Force will attend anyway. We are constantly over tasked and this in no way should be identified as a reflection upon the desires of the RAF Commanders to show an appreciation for an individual such as Brian. Of course his last type, the VC 10 bowed out only last year and the noise of 4 Conways at something greater than 96% would have been a welcome sound too..........:sad: