https://www.gov.uk/government/fatali...erts-have-died

RIP chaps. Top blokes both of you.

A sad day, too many fine people in the Puma force taken over the years. My thoughts are with their families and colleagues.

Just for accuracy, one was front end, the other was the crewman.

I had the pleasure of teaching Roly through basic flying training; and later mentoring him to achieve his CFS A2 pass at his first attempt.

Roly balanced a sucessful career with the needs of family life in a way that many cannot. Direct and honest with a dry sense of humour and a wire locked smile. Today is a terrible day, and my heartfelt condolances are extended to his wife and children. Fiercely proud of his Welsh roots; he was the only student to ever say "Thankyou". When told in response that CFS teaching had claimed that thankyous never came; his immediate response was that his mother would kick his arse if he didnt. ...... and now in the finest traditions of military aviation; I am off to the bar whereupon I will drink to his memory. The good die young is again proven. RIP

TM,
You've captured the essence of Roly in that post. A good bloke and a damn fine aviator. I'll be raising a glass at 2200 for him tonight, and ask those that can to join me in a simple toast to Roly, Alan and the other casualties of this tragic accident.

No one could put so many different inflections on the word 'sir' to get his underlying point across........rest easy buddy.

Echo what Tiger_mate said, RIP Roly.
Condolences to all those involved in this sad incident.

Tiger Mate
 

Summed up perfectly.

RIP guys. :-(

Ditto
 

Spot on TM. RIP lads On a lighter note, it is good to see things have moved on from the 70s when anyone on 230 would not even sit at the same table as 33, let alone get into the same airframe!

Roly! FFS!
 

Roly mate, you were always larger than life and now a true legend.
Real shocker to lose someone of your ability and character. Sad day mate
All clear above. Cuts.:ugh:

RIP and God's speed
 

Sadly, being one of the now many intimately familiar with the aftermath of such incidents I wish to commend Simon Paterson on his mettle with such a difficult announcement. I realise much will have evolved in our turbulent Forces, but I sincerely hope the good people of any colour suit have the resources to provide the necessary support to all concerned. Today, tomorrow, the day it's needed. It will be.

Tigers and Stags, look after yourselves,

H

Pleased to report that we (Puma Force & other SH mates) gathered en masse last night and toasted the lads in the traditional way. They would have approved.

Thoughts are with Roly and Scotty's family right now as they are with our boys and girls still away getting on with the task in hand.

Also to the families of the coalition personnel that also tragically lost their lives as well as a speedy recovery to those who are still in hospital.

LOYALTY
KITA CHARI JUAH

Tiger Tales:

Glad to hear you toasted the guys in a suitable fashion:}. I remember the smash up in the OM and Sgts Mess in Aldergrove after the Bessbrook incident. I'll never forget that night..especially as TCW puked all over me...:}

Simon: Great job on the news; that's how real leaders of men (and women) should act and lead. Well done sir.

Any news on the condition of the other front-ender?

I was wondering about that myself.... There has been no info at all about the other front-enders condition, or who it was. Here's hoping they are (relatively) ok!

Condition of Injured
 

The MoD does not release the names of injured service personnel, or report on their condition. They will respect their privacy. I hope they are recovering so MoD does not have to release their name.

The 2 aircrew killed were brought home earlier today.

Bodies of RAF airmen Geraint Roberts and Alan Scott repatriated - BBC News

TT

What do you say that has not already been said. Thoughts and prayers are with you guys, RIP.

You're forgetting Op Agila, then?

RIP also to Flt Lt Archie Cook (33 Sqn), Flt Lt Mike Smith and MALM Bob Hodges, both of 230 Sqn.

All killed on Ops on 27 Dec 1979, Rhodesia, in the same airframe :sad:

A very fitting and moving repatriation ceremony took place this afternoon with Scotty and Roly passing through the Memorial Garden at Carterton flanked by a huge contingent of military personnel and civilians paying their combined respect.
They are home and can finally stand down and rest in peace.

LOYALTY
KITA CHARI JAUH

It was reported in 2013 that, "Wire strike is Cdr JHC's (ODH)'s second highest Air Safety risk". Was this Puma fitted with Wire Strike Protection (first mentioned in PART report in 1995), or was the essential modification delayed in the same way as CWS for Tornado? Did the ODH sign off to say that the risk of Wire Strike was ALARP?

DV