Aircraft Down in Afghanistan 14 Brits Killed
- Thread starter tomahawk6
- Start date
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 360
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/BritishArmedForcesKilledInAfghanistan.htm
British Armed Forces killed in Afghanistan
2 Sep 06
It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the loss of a British aircraft in Afghanistan on Saturday 2 September 2006. The crash led to fourteen fatalities, twelve from the Royal Air Force, one Royal Marine and one from the British Army.
A pair of Nimrod MR2 aircraft
[Picture: RAF]
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Royal Air Force Nimrod MR2 based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland. It was lost supporting an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission.
The Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, Brigadier Ed Butler, said:
"Over the last few days we have experienced a number of incidents which have resulted in the tragic loss of life and injury to UK personnel serving in Afghanistan.
"This has clearly caused profound personal devastation for the families, friends and colleagues of those who have made such a sacrifice and our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.
"Notwithstanding today’s accident, and other losses suffered so far, the resilience, morale, and bearing of our servicemen and women is quite remarkable.
"I am personally humbled by their courage and commitment in getting on with the tough job in hand; delivering over and above, and making a difference to the ordinary people of Afghanistan."
On learning of the incident, Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, said:
"This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf across the world every day."
Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, added:
"The loss of the Nimrod MR2 over Afghanistan earlier today is desperately sad and tragic news. Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of the brave and committed aircrew who lost their lives today, and our priority is to provide them all with the support they require at this extremely difficult time.
"As the Secretary of State has said, at the moment there is no reason to believe that the aircraft was lost as a result of hostile action. A Board of Inquiry has been convened to determine the cause of this tragic loss."
The media are asked to respect the wishes of service personnel and their families at Kinloss that they are not approached by the media at this very difficult time.
We are currently in the process of informing the next of kin. Further details will be released when this process is complete.
Families who are concerned that their relatives may have been involved in this incident can call a special incident line set up by the MOD on 08457 800 900.
British Armed Forces killed in Afghanistan
2 Sep 06
It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the loss of a British aircraft in Afghanistan on Saturday 2 September 2006. The crash led to fourteen fatalities, twelve from the Royal Air Force, one Royal Marine and one from the British Army.
A pair of Nimrod MR2 aircraft
[Picture: RAF]
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Royal Air Force Nimrod MR2 based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland. It was lost supporting an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission.
The Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, Brigadier Ed Butler, said:
"Over the last few days we have experienced a number of incidents which have resulted in the tragic loss of life and injury to UK personnel serving in Afghanistan.
"This has clearly caused profound personal devastation for the families, friends and colleagues of those who have made such a sacrifice and our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.
"Notwithstanding today’s accident, and other losses suffered so far, the resilience, morale, and bearing of our servicemen and women is quite remarkable.
"I am personally humbled by their courage and commitment in getting on with the tough job in hand; delivering over and above, and making a difference to the ordinary people of Afghanistan."
On learning of the incident, Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, said:
"This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf across the world every day."
Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, added:
"The loss of the Nimrod MR2 over Afghanistan earlier today is desperately sad and tragic news. Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of the brave and committed aircrew who lost their lives today, and our priority is to provide them all with the support they require at this extremely difficult time.
"As the Secretary of State has said, at the moment there is no reason to believe that the aircraft was lost as a result of hostile action. A Board of Inquiry has been convened to determine the cause of this tragic loss."
The media are asked to respect the wishes of service personnel and their families at Kinloss that they are not approached by the media at this very difficult time.
We are currently in the process of informing the next of kin. Further details will be released when this process is complete.
Families who are concerned that their relatives may have been involved in this incident can call a special incident line set up by the MOD on 08457 800 900.
- Reaction score
- 2,540
- Points
- 1,260
Condolences to overseas colleagues and families....
1
17thRecceSgt
Guest
Thoughts and prayers, RIP.
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 210
+1 to what MRM said, Prayers to the Families during this time also.
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 60
I want to expres my condolances to the family and friends of these heros.
The brits are losing a lot of men and woman in agfhanistan.
And this incident realy makes the list of fallen soldiers longer.
sins the beginning of the dutch mission we lost three men.
just last week a airforce capt chrashed with his F16.
http://www.mindef.nl/actueel/condoleance/20060901_michael_donkervoort/index.aspx
Michael and all those others are true heros.
Lets remember them for ever!!!!!
The brits are losing a lot of men and woman in agfhanistan.
And this incident realy makes the list of fallen soldiers longer.
sins the beginning of the dutch mission we lost three men.
just last week a airforce capt chrashed with his F16.
http://www.mindef.nl/actueel/condoleance/20060901_michael_donkervoort/index.aspx
Michael and all those others are true heros.
Lets remember them for ever!!!!!
- Reaction score
- 68
- Points
- 680
My condolences to our British Brothers.
- Reaction score
- 63
- Points
- 530
Electrical fire on board is felt to be the cause of the crash of the Nimrod.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2341955,00.html
The Times September 04, 2006
Spyplane crash that killed 14 is blamed on electrical fire
By Michael Evans
Ministry of Defence scorns Taleban claims over worst disaster to befall British Armed Forces since the Falklands
SHORTLY before 11am BST on Saturday the pilot of the RAF Nimrod MR2 surveillance aircraft told ground control that he was facing a serious technical malfunction.
According to reports last night, air traffic controllers received several mayday calls before the plane crashed.
It was on its descent to Kandahar air base when it crashed 12 miles west of its destination.
It is believed that fire warning detectors went off in the aircraft as flames spread through the fuselage and disabled the controls. What followed happened very rapidly, according to a military source.
A massive short circuit in the hundreds of feet of wiring inside the aircraft caused a spark and smoke engulfed the work stations of the 14 men on board. The source said: “There was a message reporting a serious technical problem shortly before the catastrophic event happened.”
The disaster that befell the Nimrod, flying at 20,000ft (6,100m) above the terrain of southern Kandahar province in the south of Afghanistan, killed 14 highly experienced specialists, men who will be hard to replace, and devastated the community of RAF Kinloss on the Moray Firth in north Scotland, which was home to 12 of the dead. A board of inquiry has been set up into the worst casualty toll from a single incident suffered by the Armed Forces since the Falklands conflict in 1982, when 18 SAS troopers died in a helicopter crash.
The 14 victims were:
Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson
Flight Lieutenant Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore
Flight Lieutenant Gareth Rodney Nicholas
Flight Lieutenant Allan James Squires
Flight Lieutenant Steven Swarbrick
Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews
Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie
Flight Sergeant Gerard Martin Bell
Flight Sergeant Adrian Davies
Sergeant Benjamin James Knight
Sergeant John Joseph Langton
Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam
Lance Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts
Royal Marine Joseph David Windall
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2341955,00.html
The Times September 04, 2006
Spyplane crash that killed 14 is blamed on electrical fire
By Michael Evans
Ministry of Defence scorns Taleban claims over worst disaster to befall British Armed Forces since the Falklands
SHORTLY before 11am BST on Saturday the pilot of the RAF Nimrod MR2 surveillance aircraft told ground control that he was facing a serious technical malfunction.
According to reports last night, air traffic controllers received several mayday calls before the plane crashed.
It was on its descent to Kandahar air base when it crashed 12 miles west of its destination.
It is believed that fire warning detectors went off in the aircraft as flames spread through the fuselage and disabled the controls. What followed happened very rapidly, according to a military source.
A massive short circuit in the hundreds of feet of wiring inside the aircraft caused a spark and smoke engulfed the work stations of the 14 men on board. The source said: “There was a message reporting a serious technical problem shortly before the catastrophic event happened.”
The disaster that befell the Nimrod, flying at 20,000ft (6,100m) above the terrain of southern Kandahar province in the south of Afghanistan, killed 14 highly experienced specialists, men who will be hard to replace, and devastated the community of RAF Kinloss on the Moray Firth in north Scotland, which was home to 12 of the dead. A board of inquiry has been set up into the worst casualty toll from a single incident suffered by the Armed Forces since the Falklands conflict in 1982, when 18 SAS troopers died in a helicopter crash.
The 14 victims were:
Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson
Flight Lieutenant Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore
Flight Lieutenant Gareth Rodney Nicholas
Flight Lieutenant Allan James Squires
Flight Lieutenant Steven Swarbrick
Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews
Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie
Flight Sergeant Gerard Martin Bell
Flight Sergeant Adrian Davies
Sergeant Benjamin James Knight
Sergeant John Joseph Langton
Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam
Lance Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts
Royal Marine Joseph David Windall
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 360
Please follow the link for detailed obituaries.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/FourteenPersonnelInAfghanistanNimrodCrashNamed.htm
Fourteen personnel in Afghanistan Nimrod crash named
3 Sep 06
It is with very great sadness and regret that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the names of the fourteen British personnel killed following the crash of a Nimrod MR2 aircraft in Afghanistan on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Nimrod MR2 in flight
[Picture: RAF]
They are [follow the link for further information]:
Flt Lt Steven Johnson
Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore
Flt Lt Gareth Rodney Nicholas
Flt Lt Allan James Squires
Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick
FS Gary Wayne Andrews
FS Stephen Beattie
FS Gerard Martin Bell
FS Adrian Davies
Sgt Benjamin James Knight
Sgt John Joseph Langton
Sgt Gary Paul Quilliam
L Cpl Oliver Simon Dicketts, Parachute Regiment
Mne Joseph David Windall, Royal Marines
The Nimrod MR2 was based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland.
On hearing of the incident, Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, said:
"This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf across the world every day."
Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, added:
"The loss of the Nimrod MR2 over Afghanistan earlier today is desperately sad and tragic news. Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of the brave and committed aircrew who lost their lives today, and our priority is to provide them all with the support they require at this extremely difficult time.
"As the Secretary of State has said, at the moment there is no reason to believe that the aircraft was lost as a result of hostile action. A Board of Inquiry has been convened to determine the cause of this tragic loss."
The media are asked to respect the wishes of service personnel and their families that they are not approached by the media at this very difficult time.
No further details will be released until Monday 4 September 2006.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/FourteenPersonnelInAfghanistanNimrodCrashNamed.htm
Fourteen personnel in Afghanistan Nimrod crash named
3 Sep 06
It is with very great sadness and regret that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the names of the fourteen British personnel killed following the crash of a Nimrod MR2 aircraft in Afghanistan on Saturday 2 September 2006.
Nimrod MR2 in flight
[Picture: RAF]
They are [follow the link for further information]:
Flt Lt Steven Johnson
Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore
Flt Lt Gareth Rodney Nicholas
Flt Lt Allan James Squires
Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick
FS Gary Wayne Andrews
FS Stephen Beattie
FS Gerard Martin Bell
FS Adrian Davies
Sgt Benjamin James Knight
Sgt John Joseph Langton
Sgt Gary Paul Quilliam
L Cpl Oliver Simon Dicketts, Parachute Regiment
Mne Joseph David Windall, Royal Marines
The Nimrod MR2 was based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland.
On hearing of the incident, Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, said:
"This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf across the world every day."
Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, added:
"The loss of the Nimrod MR2 over Afghanistan earlier today is desperately sad and tragic news. Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of the brave and committed aircrew who lost their lives today, and our priority is to provide them all with the support they require at this extremely difficult time.
"As the Secretary of State has said, at the moment there is no reason to believe that the aircraft was lost as a result of hostile action. A Board of Inquiry has been convened to determine the cause of this tragic loss."
The media are asked to respect the wishes of service personnel and their families that they are not approached by the media at this very difficult time.
No further details will be released until Monday 4 September 2006.
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 360
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/NimrodCrewRepatriatedToRafKinloss.htm
Nimrod Crew Repatriated to RAF Kinloss
12 Sep 06
A ceremony was held today, Tuesday 12 September 2006, at RAF Kinloss to mark the repatriation of 14 Service personnel tragically killed in the Nimrod MR2 crash on Saturday 2 September near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
A sister RAF Nimrod provides the backdrop as the coffins of the 14 personnel arrive at RAF Kinloss
[Picture: SAC Kay Bingham]
The Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, who attended the event, said:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed in this tragic crash. They were outstanding, brave, and dedicated men. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
"They were working towards making Afghanistan a safe and secure place as well as protecting our nation and its interests. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for that."
Also attending the ceremony were His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh; Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and Commander-in-Chief Strike Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French.
The coffins are unloaded one at a time from the C17, each borne on the shoulders of comrades and greeted by a Chaplain from their respective Armed Service.
[Pciture: SAC Chapman]
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said:
"We have all suffered a great loss. But the families and loved ones of those who died bear the greatest burden of grief, and they are foremost in our thoughts. Our Servicemen and women achieve remarkable things under the most arduous and dangerous conditions – sometimes, alas, at personal sacrifice.
"Their bravery is well known and rightly admired. But we must never forget what their loved ones have to endure: the worry and uncertainty they must live with while continuing to run homes and families and, as in this case, the terrible loss. Theirs is a courage of the most profound kind."
"This country owes not just the honoured dead but also those whom they have left behind an enormous debt of gratitude."
The Service of repatriation was lead by the senior chaplains from all three Services; Chaplain of the Fleet The Venerable John Green, Deputy Chaplain General The Reverend John Witton, and Chaplain in Chief of the Royal Air Force Reverend Air Vice Marshal Peter Mills.
The fourteen UK Service personnel were brought back from Afghanistan in a RAF C-17 transport plane
[Picture: Sgt Fenwick]
The coffins left Afghanistan this morning, following a brief sunset ceremony, and were repatriated on board an RAF C17 from No.99 Squadron RAF Brize Norton. They arrived at RAF Kinloss at lunchtime today.
Musical accompaniment to the ceremony was provided by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
The order of repatriation was by Service Seniority, then rank:
Marine Joseph David Windall, aged 22, Royal Marines
Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts, 27, Parachute Regiment
Flight Lieutenant Allan James Squires, 39, from Clatterbridge (Pilot and Captain)
Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson, 38, from Collingham, Notts. (Weapon System Officer (Navigator))
Flight Lieutenant Gareth Rodney Nicholas, 40, from Redruth, Cornwall (Weapons Systems Officer (Air Electronics Officer))
Flight Lieutenant Steven Swarbrick, 28, from Liverpool (Pilot)
Flight Lieutenant Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore, 28, from Bournemouth (Weapon System Officer (Navigator))
Flight Sergeant Adrian Davies, 49, from Amersham, Bucks. (Air Engineer)
Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews, 48, from Tankerton, Kent (Weapon System Operator)
Flight Sergeant Gerard Martin Bell, 48, from Ely, Cambs. (Weapon System Operator)
Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie, 42, from Dundee (Weapons Systems Operator)
Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam, 42, from Manchester (Weapons Systems Operator)
Sergeant Benjamin James Knight, 25, from Bridgewater (Weapons Systems Operator)
Sergeant John Joseph Langton, 29, from Liverpool (Weapons Systems Operator)
Nimrod Crew Repatriated to RAF Kinloss
12 Sep 06
A ceremony was held today, Tuesday 12 September 2006, at RAF Kinloss to mark the repatriation of 14 Service personnel tragically killed in the Nimrod MR2 crash on Saturday 2 September near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
A sister RAF Nimrod provides the backdrop as the coffins of the 14 personnel arrive at RAF Kinloss
[Picture: SAC Kay Bingham]
The Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, who attended the event, said:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed in this tragic crash. They were outstanding, brave, and dedicated men. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
"They were working towards making Afghanistan a safe and secure place as well as protecting our nation and its interests. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for that."
Also attending the ceremony were His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh; Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and Commander-in-Chief Strike Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French.
The coffins are unloaded one at a time from the C17, each borne on the shoulders of comrades and greeted by a Chaplain from their respective Armed Service.
[Pciture: SAC Chapman]
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said:
"We have all suffered a great loss. But the families and loved ones of those who died bear the greatest burden of grief, and they are foremost in our thoughts. Our Servicemen and women achieve remarkable things under the most arduous and dangerous conditions – sometimes, alas, at personal sacrifice.
"Their bravery is well known and rightly admired. But we must never forget what their loved ones have to endure: the worry and uncertainty they must live with while continuing to run homes and families and, as in this case, the terrible loss. Theirs is a courage of the most profound kind."
"This country owes not just the honoured dead but also those whom they have left behind an enormous debt of gratitude."
The Service of repatriation was lead by the senior chaplains from all three Services; Chaplain of the Fleet The Venerable John Green, Deputy Chaplain General The Reverend John Witton, and Chaplain in Chief of the Royal Air Force Reverend Air Vice Marshal Peter Mills.
The fourteen UK Service personnel were brought back from Afghanistan in a RAF C-17 transport plane
[Picture: Sgt Fenwick]
The coffins left Afghanistan this morning, following a brief sunset ceremony, and were repatriated on board an RAF C17 from No.99 Squadron RAF Brize Norton. They arrived at RAF Kinloss at lunchtime today.
Musical accompaniment to the ceremony was provided by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
The order of repatriation was by Service Seniority, then rank:
Marine Joseph David Windall, aged 22, Royal Marines
Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts, 27, Parachute Regiment
Flight Lieutenant Allan James Squires, 39, from Clatterbridge (Pilot and Captain)
Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson, 38, from Collingham, Notts. (Weapon System Officer (Navigator))
Flight Lieutenant Gareth Rodney Nicholas, 40, from Redruth, Cornwall (Weapons Systems Officer (Air Electronics Officer))
Flight Lieutenant Steven Swarbrick, 28, from Liverpool (Pilot)
Flight Lieutenant Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore, 28, from Bournemouth (Weapon System Officer (Navigator))
Flight Sergeant Adrian Davies, 49, from Amersham, Bucks. (Air Engineer)
Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews, 48, from Tankerton, Kent (Weapon System Operator)
Flight Sergeant Gerard Martin Bell, 48, from Ely, Cambs. (Weapon System Operator)
Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie, 42, from Dundee (Weapons Systems Operator)
Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam, 42, from Manchester (Weapons Systems Operator)
Sergeant Benjamin James Knight, 25, from Bridgewater (Weapons Systems Operator)
Sergeant John Joseph Langton, 29, from Liverpool (Weapons Systems Operator)
Similar threads
