I enjoyed serving with you in Cornwall...God Speed.

My condolences to Linda and the family. He is a great loss to the maritime force too...

Spiny
 

Good one Steve!!

Goodbye Mate
 

To Linda and the boys I must first say how sorry we were to hear of Pete's passing. Our condolences to you all in this difficult time.

To Whito, who I am sure is reading this as I write, I say what an absolute honour, privilege and pleasure it was to serve with you. From my early days on 42 Sqn at St Mawgan, where you rapidly identified that my forte would not be staff work; the sad lament of the pipes over Algeciras bay as you stood on the wall outside the North Front Mess in Gib playing out the Sqn as it drowned its sorrows of being disbanded; the running battle of wits and practical jokes with a certain Canadian exchange officer (Nige 'not bad for a guy on vacation' Walsworth); being re-united on 42R as Boss and QFI. Most of all we shall never forget your willingness and eagerness to be in our honour guard at our wedding and the joy and happiness you spread on that wonderful day.

Some fantastic memories of the most genuine and honest bloke I think I have ever had the good fortune to meet and, even better, get to know. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Stumpy and Alex

p.s See you in the big Scruffs' Bar in the sky, it's your round.

Pete's funeral was today
 

To all who contributed to this thread:
Pete's Dad read some of the posts here, this afternoon at the service; all of the family has been touched by your generosity. Just all pray that people will find similar things to say about us on our passing.
Thankyou.
The Ancient Mariner

I didn't know him but I have found this thread a most interesting read about an all-round good egg, and I find myself wanting to know what happened. So, without wishing to appear insensitive or to upset anyone, can I ask what happened?

Top top bloke, one of the best.

Anyone remember the article in the Mail on Sunday magazine (80's vintage) outlining a week in the life of Whitto's crew? Actually very good piece with his humour shining through - the bit I remember especially is the comparison between Whitto and his motor(Reliant Robin) and the dashing young co-pilot (Lamborghini and lots of bling) probably the original Becks!

Always in our thoughts, Pete.

RIP

Extension to "A Sad Loss"
 

TheSmiter:
It was "She" magazine actually and the dashing co-jo was completely suckered by the siggies on the crew as follows. One of them had a sister in law who was Spanish. Got her to write gushing letter about how she'd been overwhelmed by what she'd read in the mag about his flying abilities and how handsome he was. He replied in equally gushing terms. The mail delivery was a bit circuitous but the results of the correspondence (which was extensive) all ended up back on the squadron where finally it was posted on the ops room notice board. Aren't young people cruel? I wonder where HE is now?
The Ancient Mariner

Rossian

Think we may be talking about 2 separate articles and co-pilots - I could be wrong but why let the facts get in the way etc .........

Am pretty sure there was a big spread about a week in the life of Whitto and his 206 crew in the MoS magazine, covering a flight, sim and crew BBQ. The journo was desperate to push the dashing RAF Officer angle; unfortunately Whitto couldn't oblige, so it was left to the suave, sophisticated, well gelled-up and tanned co-pilot (Darren?). Amazingly, he also possessed a sleek red Lamborghini so the image was complete. Darren milked the coverage for all it was worth and allegedly had to fight them off. Much later, the entire Sqn was assembled for a state-of-the-nation. The Boss strode in and was instantly blinded by Darren's engagement ring featuring a massive 'rock' (choosing my words very carefully !) , all parish notices were adjourned while Darren was made to parade his ring in front of the multitude :\ We were no more good for the rest of the day!

Am aware of the other incident, Rossian, involving the 'Spanish' senorita. Believe that was a different spoof on another gullible co carried out by some irksome siggies - wonder if Dai was involved in it?

Two further points:
Co-pilots on the Kipper fleet are still being suckered with depressing regularity, not only by the common soldiery, but also some of the younger AEO's with a bit of 'spiwit' left in them.

Returning to the subject of this thread, Whitto would never allow a siggie to get one over on him. Oops, I forgot, wasn't it Judge Rembrandt who persuaded him to don some tight leathers, jump astride a meaty Harley and cruise through the streets of San Francisco before disappearing into the Nappa Valley sunset together?

And, to the best of my knowledge, neither had served on Guernsey's Own!

Whitto, gentleman aviator and Easy Rider.

Smiter,

Those were the days - the co-pilot was Darryl not Darren and shortly afterwards the car (seem to remember twas a Ferrari) was totalled on the Findhorn Road but all 3 occupents got out safely.

Thank you NLH for filling me in on the minor details!

I guess they were headed for a Crownex (remember those?) pre-George when the place was wall-to-wall and the talk was of wine, women, fast cars and the latest wavetop struggle with Ivan! Afterwards to the Kimberly when the Tikka was less than a fiver.

Happy days, indeed - was very proud to have shared some of them with Whitto.

Memorial service for Whitto
 

The memorial service for Gp Capt Pete Whitaker will be held at the Catholic Memorial Church at RAF Halton on Thurs 19 April 07 at 1200. A reception/wake will follow at Halton House Officers' Mess.
Service personnel attending should wear No1 Service Dress with medals.
Those wishing to attend should tell the project officer by 5 Apr 07. Letters should go to:
SO2 ISTAR Mar
HQ No2 GP
Hurricane Block
RAF High Wycombe
HP14 4UE
or
e-mail [email protected]
If you need accommodation contact Halton accommodation office direct, Raf Halton ext 6163.
Hope to see you there; be prepared to sing lustily (and in tune if you can) and let's give him a good send-off.
The Ancient Mariner