Gerry Shipley
 

SHIPLEY Gerald Victor Died peacefully, with dignity at St Andrews Community Hospital, after a short illness on Tuesday, 27th September, 2016, Gerry, 80 years old, (a retired RAF and civil pilot), a much loved husband of Solna, father of Daryl, Michael and Rachel, grandad of Jow, Sophie, Lotty, Fraser and Hayden. Funeral will be held at Perth Crematorium on Monday, 10th October, at 2.30 p.m. Family flowers only. Donations will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Read more at: Gerald Victor Shipley : Obituary : Fife Today

I'm not too far away and could attend if it was deemed appropriate.

Any idea about this chaps service history?

Respect and commiserations to all concerned

Cooch

Very sad news.

I contacted Gerry a few years ago regarding his time on Javelins (23 and 60 Sqns). Before this he flew Hunters with 98 Sqn at Jever.

After his time on Javelins he was an instructor on Gnats with 4 FTS at Valley and then flew Phantoms with 43 Sqn at Leuchars. On leaving the RAF he was flight manager with Air Service Training at Perth and was then CFI at the British Aerospace Flying College at Prestwick.

Gerry's last tour in the RAF was on 43 Sqn at Leuchars ca. 1976. He then flew as an instructor with Airwork Services at Perth Airport for a number of years.

Further to post #4 above, Gerry was an instructor on 1 Sqn, 4 FTS Valley in the late 60's - photo below taken in '68 (he is the dapper gent in a flying suit in the front row). Sadly 7 of those portrayed were to die in flying accidents in the next 8 years.
He was one of the early members on 43 Sqn at Leuchars c. 1970-1972.

A true gentleman

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/o...s2c8oy8s3.jpg?

What a superb photo nipva , I never realised how low the Gnat sat to the ground especially when compared to training aircraft today .

Can anyone put names to those other faces too ?

Condolences to the Shipley family .

I will name those no longer with us but respect the privacy of the others:

Top row L-R: (with hat) John Roberts - midair Harrier 1976, x, Graham Ivell - midair Gnat 1976, x, x, (standing) Chris Hubbard - Chipmunk spin 1969.

Front row: x,x,x, Gerry Shipley, Mac MacKenzie - Chipmunk spin 1969 (with Chris Hubbard), John Webster -Lightning flew into sea Singapore 1971, Steve Wakely - Harrier Norway 1976, Graham Wright - unknown light a/c.