Very Sad News
 

I was saddened to read the post from RAF Waddington, RIP Sir.It is with great sadness that the Station Commander of RAF Waddington announces the death of Wing Commander Phil McConnell who died on Sunday following a short battle with cancer.

Wing Commander McConnell, a father of three, was Officer Commanding 51 Squadron and was highly regarded throughout his military career.

Many will remember Phil for his great sense of humour, enthusiasm and ability to always see the positive in every situation and person.

Our thoughts at this sad time are with his family and friends.

Phil started out on VC10s, was a flight commander on Tri*, and was one of those people who was widely known and liked around the RAF. It’s devastating how quickly he was taken. The only consolation I can find is that he lived the life he had to the fullest and left a lot of people with a lot of happy memories. However grown-up he became, and as OC51 that was a lot, a cheeky glint in his eye often gave away the party animal waiting to be let out: the wake is going to be quite something. Thoughts with his wife, children and all who had the pleasure of knowing him well. RIP.

Very sad news, especially as he left behind a young family. I knew him as a young Co from 10s. RIP old friend.

Very sad news indeed. I knew Phil at IOT in 2000. Good bloke. Too young to go like that. :(

Per Ardua.

I remember him as a young co during GW2 in als garage. Fun personality and thoroughly nice guy to have around on det. Didn’t know he’d got 51 Sqn and it’s lovely to know he succeeded in his career. Very very sad to hear of his passing so young. Condolences to his family and colleagues. RIP Phil

Funeral of Wing Commander Phil McConnell
 

I understand that Phil McConnell's funeral will be held in Lincoln Cathedral this week.
For the benefit of those of us who do not live in the Lincolnshire area would it be possible to have a report of his funeral and possibly links to video clips etc.

The funeral was very well attended, as was the wake. A celebration of a great guy’s contribution during a life tragically cut short.