The RAF & Defence Fire Service has a book of remembrance where the names of our fallen comrades are recorded.  The poem below was produced by Steve Harrison and is a combination of his own work, some lines from Mick Goupillot and a prayer from  Satish Kumar, who was a Jain monk.

27 January 2025

From: John Wardle

Mem No 473 Alan Wardle

Its with great sadness that i have to announce that our dad. Sgt Alan Wardle BEM, RAF Fire Service 1958-1981, has sadly passed away peacefully at home with the family around him. The funeral arrangements for are Monday 10 Feb 25 at Cowpen Crematorium,  Blyth, Northumberland followed by a celebration  of his life at the Percy Arms Cowpen Blyth.

RIP DAD

Read more about Alan here

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16 December 2024

From:  Steve Harrison

Mem No 475 Peter Holland

Fred Bickham (523) has just informed me that, Peter (Dutchy) Holland  member 575 passed away yesterday. Fred kept in contact with him over the telephone and was informed of his passing by Peters daughter.

Although he never came to the re-unions he was a great supporter of the Association and the museum and also was  a regular contributor to the Flashpoint. I had many telephone conversations with him, a really lovely guy.

RIP Peter

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16 December 2024

From:  Mark Gambles

Steve Lines

Sorry to announce the following news, but I received a call from retired fire officer Colin Cross today to confirm that he’s been contacted by Steve Lines’ family to confirm that Steve had passed away this weekend following a long illness.

Steve was well known for his work at MOD CTE Manston and also started his career on my basic course.  Steve had previously confirmed that he only wanted a private cremation, and that his ashes will be spread in the Isle of Wight.

Huge condolences to his family and close friends at this difficult time .  

RIP Steve.

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22 December 2024

From:  Steve Bowden

Ian Jebbett

Sorry to bear some bad news to you all, Ian Jebbett (Jebbs) (Jebbo) passed away recently.  He has elected to have a very private funeral, however, his sister Angela has informed me there will be a celebration memorial at a date to be confirmed.  Ian had served at RAF Wyton, Rudloe Manor, Honington, Wittering & MPA to name a few.  Condolences collectively have been passed onto Ian's family and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

I will post further details on the site when I have them.

RIP Jebb

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7 January 2025

From: Craig Meeson

Mem No 1035 Kevin Meeson

So today we lost my dad Kevin (Smiler) Meeson, and I know my dads best time ever was in the RAF. Over the years, what he has taught me is be honest, be true to yourself, and to show respect; and that backbone came from the RAF. He told me that too.

God bless you all

RIP DAD

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8 January 2025

From: Paul Doxsey

Tony Maggs

It is with sadness that I inform you that my uncle, Anthony “Tony” Maggs, passed away on New Year's Day. He had suffered with ill health in later years resulting in a move from Kent to South Wales to be amongst family. Tony served at several locations with a great group of colleagues all fondly remembered by Tony, during chats about his RAF life. Postings included Akrotiri, Henlow, Swinderby, Benson, Oman, Afghanistan, and Norfolk amongst others. He leaves wife Elaine amongst family who fondly and vividly regales us with tales of their RAF life.

From Steve Shirley: Although not a member of RAF&DFSA, Tony was a very respected member of the trade. He was my first Sgt at Odiham and taught me everything I know.

RIP Tony.

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26 January 2025

From: Dave Kirk

Mem No 739 Tam McCrorie

IIt is with deepest sadness that I have to pass on the news that Tom McCrorie, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday 24th of January.  Tam had a long period of service during which his postings included Ballykelly, Butterworth, Brize Norton, Wildenrath, Bruggen and Kinloss.  On retirement he stayed in Forres and as many ex-Kinloss firemen do, became a bus driver for Stagecoach, maintaining close links with the RAF community in the area. He was also an active member of our association, attending several reunions and making a number of contributions to Flashpoint.  I have always considered him to be a good friend and will miss his long phone calls reminiscing about our time in the mob.

Tam’ funeral service will be at Tom Ross & Sons Chapel, Orchard Road, Forres on Friday 14th February at 12 Noon then on to Clovenside Cemetry for the burial.  All donations to the Fire Fighters Charity.

RIP Tam

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24 February 2025

From: Allan Brookes

Mem No 721 John Sanders

Its with great sadness that i have to announce John Sanders died suddenly yesterday.  

I first met John in 1973 when he took over as I/C of our crew in Gan.  John didn't need to shout or chase us to get the jobs done, he just quietly instructed us and because he wasn't on our backs,  everyone just got on with the work.  He did not believe in just sitting around, and during the slow times we would be found sorting conch shells into sizes - small ones were feet; medium ones were heads; large ones were the bodies,  and you fastened 1 body, 1 head, 4 feet with pipe cleaners and a blob or two  of araldite and hey presto - a tortoise!

There were two DP1's which were rotting away due to coral and under John's guidance,  we cleaned the water and foam tanks removing the coral from everywhere we could. We took the cab back down to metal and pulled off the lockers and rear bodywork and threw it away,  and before long we had a stripped-down version of a DP1 which was much faster than the original due to it being so light.  

John loved playing long-alley skittles with his crew, and he was a good player, but his talent (which he encouraged us to emulate) was barracking and harassing the opposition!

In the 1990's I met up again with John at the RAF&DFSA reunions, and our two families soon became firm friends as we both had motorhomes and went on many rallies including the RIAT shows - flying the flag for the RAF&DFSA by providing free fire cover for Kempsford Campsite.  We also spent many a happy hour with a gang of us saving and restoring old RAF Fire Tenders  belonging to our association at RAF Barkston Heath.

The last time Marilyn and I saw John and Brenda was just before last Christmas and they were both in good health and fine spirits, so John's death has come as an almighty shock.  I will really miss him.

RIP John

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15 March 2025

From: Steven Kenyon

Mem No 239 David Kenyon

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of my father,  David Kenyon. Association member 239 and former Flash Point editor. Passing peacefully at the age of 85 in his care home in Leeds.

RIP Dave

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1 April 2025

From: Paul Curtis

Dave Sutton

Gents, it’s with sadness I can inform you that Dave Sutton who worked with us in the late 80s early 90s has passed away. Rest in peace dear friend. Keep me a seat at the table with you and Johnny P.

Dave's funeral will be held at Anfield crematorium at 13:20pm on the 22nd April. We will then head to the farmers pub on Longmoor Lane, for the wake to celebrate his life and give him the best send off we can.

RIP Dave

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22 April 2025

From: Dave Jenner

Paul Townsend

 I sadly have to report the passing of Sgt Paul Townsend. He died on 2nd February at the age of 85. I only found out a few days ago.  Paul's career spanned 30 odd years, retiring in 1985.  I was lucky to have him as my boss in the late 70's at RAF Upavon. He was a very keen sportsman well know for his achievements at running, rugby and football.  He was a real character and a great boss who was well respected and liked enormously.

RIP Paul, you will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered.

RIP Dave

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