Gaz Bennett AAC - In Memoriam
 

It is with the deepest regret that I pass on the tragic news that Gaz Bennett, late AAC, has passed away suddenly.

Gaz was out jogging near his home in Worcestershire last Friday, when he collapsed with a brain haemorrhage. His wishes were respected in that his organs have been donated, and he was pronounced dead on Saturday morning. He was 42. He leaves a wife, Sara, and two sons, Adam and Sam.

Gaz was a Royal Artillery Lance Bombardier when I first knew him - we were both Acm(O) together in 664 Sqn, Minden. He went on to become a well respected Lynx Pilot and Aircraft Commander. Those who knew him in 655 would recall that he was 'Mr RNS252', and always willing to help those new to the beastie.

He left the service two years ago, and was flying for the County Air Ambulance, twin based at both Strensham Services on the M5, and at RAF Cosford.

The funeral is on Friday 6 September, at Birlingham Parish Church, Nr Pershore in Worcestershire, at 1215. Again, Gaz's wishes were known in that he did not want any military uniforms at his funeral - please respect that if you do wish to attend and pay your respects. All are welcome. Sara, his wife, has asked that flowers come from family only; however there will be a collection in the church in aid of the County Air Ambulance.

For the geographically non-gifted, take J7 on the M5 (if coming from the North) and follow A44 SE'ly to Pershore. Then take A4014 SW'ly towards Defford. Take a left turn onto the B4080, and Birlingham is a left turn shortly after joining that road. From South, take J8 M5, J1 M50, N on A38, right onto A4014 towards Pershore, then as above.

Nothing else to say really, is there? Whatever I put here will be inadequate.

(Posted on both Rotorheads and Mil Aircrew for wide dissemination - please do not merge!)

Oh God that's dreadful.

He was a fairly regular sight around here, and much admired for getting into Selly Oak Hospital, and just about anywhere in all weathers. A lot of Midlanders feel a great deal of affection for the "Red One" a lot of people owe their lives to his ability.

Please accept my condolencies.

P3

This is such sad news.

I have good reason to owe Gaz Bennett for his excellent flying during a transit to Bosnia in poor weather, which a then young Bdr pilot will also remember clearly. I had the privilege to work with Gaz on numerous occasions and never failed to be impressed by his consistent excellence as a pilot and level-headed approach to life. I always enjoyed flying with him, whatever the sortie.

My condolences to his family.

His passing leaves a gap in the world of flying that few could fill.

Lobster

We flew together from from 15 Feb 91 till Mar 10 91. I almost killed us both on Feb 18, we were low level over the desert without the rad alt set, looking at the RNS252. That wasn't our time.

He certainly knew how to get it in constraints though.

Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace.

Very sad to here that Gaz has passed away.
Funny how you never forget a guy like G.B. I was only talking about him the other day to a Crusty old Trapper about the charity work that he had undertaken and how good it was to see him doing well in civi street (Shame on the Corps).

RIP

I had the pleasure of flying with Gaz for the past couple of years. He had that unique mix of fun and professionalism that made him one of the best.

I'll always remeber him as the cool guy sitting to my right, chatting away with a grin on his face as we screamed along at low level.

He loved flying and I believe flying loved him. The world is now an emptier place for those who knew him.

Ok, Gaz.... I know you are probably saying "Shut up and get on with it!" so I will. Cheers, mate on behalf of all at County.

:( Some things in life just ain't fair

My condolences to his family and friends.

Gaz finished his time in the Army at 663 Sqn AAC in Wattisham and many people who knew him still serve here. We are all deeply shocked and saddened at this terrible news.

So so sad, I just can't believe it.

Knew gary from 85 in Minden and last saw him in about 98 in Dishcloth. A really nice, friendly and honest character who had the ability to be very wry with his wit.

God Bless.

My sincere condolences to his family. A great guy who occupied the vanguard of professional aviation. God bless, rest in peace.

I knew Gaz in Ireland, a very nice guy and a professional aviator.

Condolences to his family.

Sad day, great guy!

Good memories will live forever.

A very sad loss of a respected and highly thought of aviator. Sara, his wife, has asked that instead of flowers those who wish to can send a donation to

County Air Ambulance,
Appeals Office,
Burton Road,
Dudley,
W Midlands,
DY1 3BB

Thanks, fellas
 

Gaz Bennett was today sent off on his final posting.

His Father, Fred, has asked me to post this to say thanks to everyone who came to see him off, and to those who were unable to for whatever reason yet sent their thoughts and wishes over this means.

I printed off all the replies received up to 0530 this morning, and took them to the funeral service to give to Sara, his wife. Maxchat had the same idea - so at least she now has two sets!

May I use this medium to say that I thought the medics, pilots and crewmen (and women!) of the County Air Ambulance were absolutely magnificent. I have been unfortunate enough to have attended more than my share of military funerals, with full pomp and circumstance. Today, the crews who lined the church path on the way in, in their red flight suits were every bit as dignified as any honour guard. I was also deeply moved by how many of them were visibly emotional as Garry was carried out of the church. It is not very often one sees a roughty-tufty ex-rock ape showing his feelings as we were privileged to see today.

It was clear to the many serving and retired AAC members attending today that Gaz was held in at least as high regard by his colleagues in the Air Ambulance as he had always been in the Army.

May I also say, on a deeply personal note, that Gaz would have been so proud of his son , Adam, today. Adam proudly carried his Father's flying helmet in to the church and laid it upon the coffin. If that were not hard enough, he then stood and read a poem in memory of his Father - he spoke clearly, and so obviously proudly, that I was moved to tears - not for the first or last time today.

My 'handle' has been so obviously compromised by this, so I welcome any old pals getting in touch via my real e-mail which is [email protected]. TqNr etc will ride no more - well, at least not on any contentious posts.

I returned from my annual holiday today, looking through the pages to get any hot int on Iraq and I find this thread. I am shocked by the news. He died the day that I jetted off to sunny shores. I'm gutted.
I first met Gaz in Soest in the early 90's and then again in Wattisham at the back end of the same decade. Truly sorry that I missed his send off. I am still shocked by the news.
I hope the vis is good "on top" Gaz. I'll see you when I get there.
Coop's