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 December 2024 onwards are posted below.
For previous listings please click the appropriate link above
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-
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-
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-
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 -
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-
John loved playing long-
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 -
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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