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.
Death notices received from January 2026 are posted below.
For previous listings please click the appropriate link above
6 January 2026
From: Matthew Browning
Cliff Kitchen
Very sad to have to let you know that Cliff Kitchen, a Sgt Firefighter, passed away in December 2025 aged 75. I worked with Cliff at Marham, a really nice guy. He had Parkinson's and Alzheimer's when he passed.
May he Rest in Peace
RIP Cliff
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28 January 2026
From: Dave Kirk
Mem No 1081 Michael Branch
I just heard the sad news that ex AFDFS Firefighter Mike Branch died recently at his home in Driffield, East Yorkshire. Mike served at Wattisham and Fylingdales before retiring as a Sub Officer.
RIP Mike
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7 February 2026
From: Jack Sharp
Mem No 821 Brent Inglis MBE
I have the sad duty to inform you that ex WO Brent Inglis passed away yesterday 6 February 2026. Brent joined the RAF in 1976 and served as a fireman for 35 years, retiring as a Warrant Officer. He completed several operational tours of the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq, and his many postings included:
- Brize Norton
- Cranwell
- Finningley
- Bishops Court
- Laarbruch
- St Mawgan
- Waddington
- Manston
- Akrotiri
Brent was a keen rugby player and would later play a pivotal role as the Team Manager for the RAF Colts Rugby Union team. Brent’s favourite pastime was fishing; he loved the challenge of landing the “Big One”. He also helped out in the local community with elderly folk. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to the RAF and his community work, Brent was awarded an MBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours list.
In retirement, he continued his charity work and took every opportunity to go fishing.
Brent had a short illness that was bravely borne, he was a private man who dealt with his terminal illness very stoically.
He will be sadly missed by family, friends, and all that had the pleasure of meeting him.
RIP Brent
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18 February 2026
From: Jenny Holmes (Terry’s daughter)
Warrant Officer Terence Holmes RVM, BEM, PJK
t is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Warrant Officer Terence Holmes, known to family and friends as Terry — a highly respected veteran of the Royal Air Force whose distinguished career spanned nearly four decades of dedicated service.
Terry joined the RAF in 1955, embarking on a lifelong commitment to duty, professionalism, and public service. A specialist RAF Fireman, he quickly earned a reputation for calm leadership and technical excellence.
In 1965, Terry was selected for The Queen’s Flight, undertaking helicopter support duties as a Fireman. His outstanding performance led to a second selection in 1973, where he assumed responsibility for helicopter support operations, reflecting the trust placed in him at the highest levels.
In 1979, Terry was posted to Brunei, where he was seconded to the Sultan of Brunei Armed Forces. For five years, he served with distinction as Fire Advisor to the Sultan’s Armed Forces, providing expert guidance and leadership in developing fire and emergency services capability.
Returning to the UK in 1984, Terry was posted to RAF Brize Norton, followed by an overseas posting in 1988 to RAF Wildenrath.
In 1989, Terry was assigned to RAF Kinloss, during which time he undertook a six-
Terry retired from the Royal Air Force in 1992, concluding an exemplary career marked by leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to those he served alongside.
Throughout his service, Terry was recognised with numerous honours and medals, reflecting both his operational contributions and long, faithful service. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for his integrity, generosity of spirit, and deep camaraderie with fellow servicemen and women.
He passed away from cancer peacefully in Ely, Cambridgeshire, surrounded by family.
Terry will be remembered with great respect and affection by his loved ones, colleagues, and the wider RAF and fire service communities.
Blue skies and tailwinds.
RIP Terry
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