On the 30th January 2005 the Iraqi People gained
their freedom - just as the crew and all on board the Royal
Air Force Hercules, Callsign Hilton 22 lost theirs in a marshy
field some 40 miles North West of Baghdad.
Since then we have tried our best to make some sense of
their deaths. Today, I wondered if I should try to link those
that we remember to great causes and purpose. But of course,
this is unnecessary. The truth has nobility enough. This Team,
our boys, gave their all for a people that they barely knew,
they fought in a conflict and against an enemy that they did
not really understand. They did not chose to die, but such
is the honourable nature of our profession that when the moment
of sacrifice alighted upon their own personal battlefields,
their feet stood fast, they knew their duty, and they honoured
the loyalty of their friends and colleagues, their Squadrons,
their Regiments and their Service. They were a Band of Brothers
- Brothers in Arms who were united in the love and pride that
they took in what they did. They were professionals, and,
because of their mission, they were the best. They were great
characters, all of them - full of fun, mischief and laughter.
They lived, laughed and fought together as a Team - and they
died together.
So how then do we honour these valiant men? How do we pay
them just tribute? For the Servicemen here, we honour them
by continuing to do our duty in an honourable way. We honour
them by supporting our comrades in arms, the men and women
to the left and right of us who would just as willingly lay
down their lives so that others might live. We honour them
by painting each of these 10 brave men onto our memories and
never forgetting them. We honour them by remembering their
friendship, speaking of them or laughing at their antics,
crying over them, raising a glass to them. And we honour them
by continuing to live as they did - dedicated and professional
military men, finding fun and laughter in the darkest places,
being positive, constructive and loving to our friends and
families.
It gives us considerable comfort to know that the spirit
of this Team lives on in many ways. For some, it is in the
lives of their children, but for all of them, their spirit
lives on in the minds, the memories and the characters of
their colleagues in the Royal Air Force and the British Army.
Let us remember them as they were:
Steady
Flt Lt David Stead, Steady
by name and Steady by nature. An outstanding pilot who loved
the Operational nature of his job, he was typically a straight
talking Yorkshire man with a devilish sense of humour and
fine wit. Married to his Yorkshire lass, Michelle, with two
young daughters Holly and Amelia.
Smudge
Flt Lt Andrew Smith, known
as Smudge to all his mates, enjoyed life in the fast lane,
a keen motorcyclist who would relish taking his bike on track
days. A popular character in the Mess who always had a joke
and a smile to lighten people's day and a very promising pilot
who had already excelled in the tactical environment.
Pards
Flt Lt Paul Pardoel, an
unflappable Aussie character who would never be fazed by life's
trivia, he always had the easy grace of someone who knew what
was important in life. There was no doubt that his soul mate
Kellie and his three wonderful children Jordan, Jackson and
India were the centre of his universe.
Gibbo
Flt Sgt Mark Gibson, was
one of life's entertainers, always happy and with an ebullient
character. He was often asked for in person by the Troops
that he worked with, which emphasised his 'nothing is too
much trouble' attitude to his job. Married to the love of
his life Sheila, with his daughter Poppy.
Gary Nick
Master Air Engineer Gary Nicholson
was a larger than life character, he could often be heard
approaching before he could be seen, although seeing him was
never a problem either, he was a giant of a man with a giant
heart and ebullient nature. Described by his two sons, Adrian
and Stuart as being bright in nature, character and approach
to life, he raised his lads with a love and tenderness rarely
seen.
Richie Brown
Chief Tech Richard Brown
was enthusiastic in everything that he undertook, he was a
very amiable character, easy to get on with and liked by all
those he worked with. He loved being a Ground Engineer and
was committed to the job. He was the kind of guy who always
made sure everyone else was taken care of before looking after
himself. He was devoted to his fiancé Sharyn and his
dear daughter Laura.
Bob O'Connor
Sgt Bob O'Connor lived
on a narrow boat near Tamworth and was engaged to Corrine.
He was a very conscientious man who was dedicated to his job
as a Ground Engineer and enjoyed the challenges it brought.
A computer geek, this combined with his ability to remember
trivia, earned him the nickname Logical Bob. He loved ten
pin bowling, often coaching youngsters and he enjoyed motorcycling
and simply having a few beers and a curry with friends and
family.
Dave Williams
Cpl Dave Williams was
a highly qualified and experienced Survival Equipment Fitter
who was dedicated to his work and fellow colleagues - he always
gave his utmost. He yearned to travel, especially with the
crews of the 'Fat Albert' seeking new adventures and accepting
the physical and mental challenges that his work entailed.
A devoted husband to Katherine and a loving Dad to his 3 boys,
Dave Williams was an ultimate professional and a thoroughly
decent and likeable human being.
Lance Corporal Steven Jones
Steven Jones, Royal Corps of Signals, was on his first operational
tour. He quickly became an integral member of the crew and
was liked and highly respected by them. Steve worked hard,
played hard and lived life to the max whether it be skydiving
or bungee jumping. He was always adventurous, fun loving and
had a wicked sense of humour. Steve will forever be in the
hearts of those that knew him best.
Paddy Marshall
Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall
was on temporary detachment to Iraq as a liaison officer,
co-ordinating RAF support operations. A highly regarded and
talented Tornado pilot, flying was his passion. A well liked
and spirited officer with many friends, Paddy had recently
announced his engagement to Catherine. A lover of good food,
good wine and good company - Paddy was a great mate to many
and he will be sadly missed.
And so, even if you knew few of
these men personally, you will remember their names, you will
remember the date of their death, you will remember how they
died and you will remember those that they left behind. And
for the remainder of our days their lasting memorial will
be that remembering.
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