Obituaries, Deaths and Funerals

 

I regret to inform you that Judy informed me last night that Clive Learmonth passed away at 12.15 pm on Wednesday 15th May with his family around him. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for some time. I last saw Clive at the retired officers’ dinner at RAF Henlow last month which he was determined to attend. An obituary will appear in the Daily Telegraph shortly giving the following detail:

A service will be held at 3.30 pm on Friday 24th May at:

Haltemprice Crematorium

Main Street

Willerby

Hull

North Humberside

HU10 6NS

Bill Floyd


Tom ADAMS (Membership number 488) has died. Some six weeks earlier his wife Margaret also died. Tom and I had been good friends since 1947. It is a sad loss

Philip Roy SMART

Membership 520


It is my sad duty to inform you of the sad passing of Ex-Sgt Andrew (Andy) Brown RAF Police and RAFPA member. Just had a call from his wife Betty to say that Andy passed away in the Cottage Hospital Peterhead yesterday Friday 26 April 2013. The funeral will be held in Peterhead on Tuesday 7 May. Andy has been a long time sufferer of ME for a number of years and latterly with Cancer.
Rest in Peace Andy you were a great friend of mine in the RAF Police and in civilian life.
Betty can be contacted at her home address which is in the members directory or held by the Webmaster
Ian Christie
 
The funeral of Andrew (Andy) Brown on Tuesday 7 May went very well on a lovely day at Peterhead. Robert (Bob) Farmer
and myself represented the RAF Police Association and a wreath was laid from RAFPA Scotland & NI Branch.
Rest in Peace Andy.
Ian Christie

For those of you who knew her, I heard this week from a very reliable 3rd party who was notified by her Husband Graham that Ex FS Shirley Duckworth passed away at the beginning of April. I'm not certain about the circumstances, but she was apparently awaiting a heart valve replacement, so it is likely that her death was related to her heart condition. Her family held a Memorial Service and Shirley was Cremated 2 weeks ago.
Steve Davies

It has been reported on his Facebook page by his daughter that member Harry "The Hat" Evans died on Friday 12th of April. His death was sudden but she takes solace in knowing that he is finally reunited with his beloved wife Julie.

I have been informed by his son that member Gordon Handsley (Served March 1948 to March 1970) died in January 2013

I have to inform you that on Friday 12th April our friend and colleague Paul Flanagan passed away. Paul was an Ex W.O. who served from 1946 until 1981 and ended up in CIS. He leaves behind his wife Marie and extended family.

Paul was a founding member of the North East Branch and a supporter of the National Association by attending many functions. He will be sadly missed by all.

Paul's funeral service will take place at 11.30am Friday 26th April at St. Mary's RC Church, Hexham, Northumberland, followed by a private cremation for family members only.

Marie has arranged for a buffet after the service at the Bowmount Hotel, which is situated opposite the Church on the main road through the town and all are welcome to attend.

Rowley Coultas (Branch Chairman)
Marie has asked me to express her sincere thanks for all the cards, messages of sympathy and kindness from members of the Association. They have been a big help and support during this sad period for her and her family.

I have also been asked to inform you that Marie has secured the allocation of 5 rooms at the Beaumont Hotel, Hexham, NE46 3LT, for any member who may be attending the funeral service and thinking of staying overnight. The rooms are priced at ?90.00p per night on a B&B basis. Bookings can be made by calling Tel.No. 01434 602331, quoting Block Booking Flanagan Funeral.

Rowley



It is believed that Member Jack C Cross (936) has died. His wife died in January and it is believed that he pre-deceased her

The death on March 12th of RAFPA Member Jeremy George, who served between 1986 to 1994, in America has been reported.


I am the daughter of Jim Graham who served in Bruggen 1962, Scampton 1963, Episkopi 1965-1967, Faldingworth 1968- 1971, Rheindahlen 1971-1974, Lossiemouth 1974-1976, Gutersloh 1976-1977, Wildenrath 1977-1979 and finally West Drayton until he retired in 1981.

Just to let you know that he passed away in September of last year after a long battle with cancer and having been widowed 4 years earlier. He longed to be in touch with Andy Anderson but it would appear from this site that nobody knew of his whereabouts.

Sheila Charlton


26/03/13

I'm sad to report the death yesterday of Memb. No. 1875, John Matthews of Ryde, I o W.

RIP John.
Dave Wardell

I have just been informed by letter that Member No 1987, William Ahearne of  Douglas, Isle of Man passed away on 15th January following a stroke. His wife sent a very sweet letter with a crafted snowdrop attached to it.  Eric

It is with much sadness that I bring the news of the death of Les Ball, ex WO, a very old friend. This morning we had a call from his wife Gwen in NSW, Australia, to say Les had died in hospital on Monday and will be buried in NSW on Friday; they had lived there for 40 odd years.
I first met Les at RAF Llandaff in 50 or 51 and later in the 50,s we attended a P1 course in Netheravon. Invariably we found something amusing, if unintended, coming from instructors and on the row in front were about five corporals whose 'leader' was an incredibly solemn man who disapproved of our lighter-hearted attitude. Rarely was there a day that from the row in front didn't come the admonishment : Give over, act your age, give over ! I believe Les' last posting was Muharraq .
Our sincerest condolences to Gwen and family.
May you Rest in Peace Les.
Paul & Marie Flanagan

I've just been advised of the death a year ago of Memb. 2478 Mr. D. Roberts of Ellesmere, Shropshire.
RIP. Dave W.

From John Cahill on the RAFP group on Facebook:
Sad to announce that Tina Perrett, long time Kennelmaid at both RAF Halton kennels, has sadly passed away having undergone heart surgery. Definitely an eccentric, she will be missed by all who worked with her.

Have only just received some sad news regarding RAFPA Member, 1046 Dorothy Stubbs, who died on the 8th January. During her time in the RAFP, 1952 - 1956, she was known as Dorothy Foulger.
Eric
National & SDB Secretary

Retired Group Captain G A (Bill) Hickey died after an accident in Knaresborough, on 8 January 2013. Bill was born on 23 January 1933 and he retired from the RAF on 1 May 1981. Bill was not a member of the Association.
There will be a Service of Thanksgiving in Ripon Cathedral on 18 January 2013 at 14.00.
May Bill Rest in Peace.
John Walton
It is my sad duty to inform all members of the death of our Branch President George Murgatroyd
George had been ill for some time. George died very peacefully in Birchlands Nursing Home, Haxby on Wednesday 8th January 2013. His funeral will take place at Stockton on the Forest Parish Church on Monday 21st January 2013
Ken Turner
Branch Secretary
NYB
 

Member James Adams unfortunately died on the 19th December .
His funeral is at 1000hrs on Friday, 4th January at Portchester Crematorium.

Member Stephen Lafferty sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (13 Dec) after a long and hard fight against cancer with his wife Margaret and his family round him. The funeral will be held at Maryhill Crematorium, Glasgow at 1400 hours on Wednesday 19 December and afterwards at the Cawder Golf Club, Bishopbriggs
ex-Sgt Mick Parry sadly died in Aberdeen Royal.Infirmary on 28 Nov 12 after a period of illness. Mick retired from the Service as Sgt CI at RAF Kinloss and was well known by many in the Trade, especially in northern Scotland. No funeral details at this time.
I served with Mick at HQ P&SS(RAFG) late 80s / early 90s. RIP Mick & sincere condolences to his family.
Bill Veasey

I have just been informed that Jim Wiseman RAF Police, passed away on the 4th October.This has been passed to me by Bobby Lanfranco from Malta

I have been contacted by Derek Bunney who is the Transport Manager TMW MT at RAF Brize Norton. He informed me that one of his drivers, a Mark Horton, had recently died. His funeral is to be held at 1230hrs on 3rd December,2012 at St Michael's Church, Lyneham. Mark was an RAF Policeman until 2005.
Although he was not a member of our Association his Mother and girl friend have requested that if we can contact any of his ex colleagues they would like them to attend his funeral. Ivan Carey, Wilts Chairman is circulating the news and the Depot may be able to send a representative detail to the funeral.
Eric

I've today (21 Nov 12) been advised of the recent death of Memb. No. 1217 Mr. Bernie Blaikie of Northampton.
No further details at this time.
RIP
Dave W.

It is my sad duty to inform you of the sudden death of David Pearce, a member of the Norfolk Branch. David passed away on Thursday 15th of November after a very short illness. He was a keen and well loved member of the Association and will be sadly missed by all. His wife Anne is being well taken care of by their offspring and a representative of the Branch, John Bunbury a very close friend. At this time it is possibly best if no one contacts the family other than by sending sympathy cards but to go through myself for any information you may desire. I have informed Ted Hellewell who is looking after the head office side.
The funeral is planned for Wednesday 28th of November at Loddon Church, Norfolk, and if our presence is accepted I will inform everyone by email.
Yours in friendship,
Robin Knowles
Norfolk Branch Secretary
I am the webmaster of the RAF Forum, I was informed by a colleague that Cameron Montgomery passed away 1st [?] November, we all knew him as Monty or Butch, he will be missed by many.
 
John Cooper
Monty's service career
RAF Police 1957-1969.
RAF Buchan 1957-1959 > Det Raigmore House
RAF Dunholme Lodge 1959-1960 > Adv. Trg. RAF Netheravon
RAF Ayios Nikolaos 1960-1962 > 24 Police Dist. Det.
RAF Spitalgate 1962-1963 > No 3 Police Dist.
HQP&SS(UK) Acton 1963-1966> Det. RAF Steamer Point 1965
RAF Tengah 1966-1967
RAF Western Hill 1967-1968
RAF Valley 1968-1969

The death is reported of Gordon Victor Handsley of  Lincoln who passed away today (2 Nov 12) at approx 0230hrs. at the age of 81yrs. The funeral is on Friday 16 - 11 - 12 at [11.50hrs] Lincoln Crematorium which is situated on Washingborough Road Lincoln.



Alan Whitelaw


Some bad news. Bill Bradley, a member of the RAF Police since the 1950s, died earlier this month at Hinchingbrooke Hospital near Huntingdon. He was at the Police Depot, RAF Netheravon in 1955-56, served in Aden before that, later Germany & others. He was a warrant officer before (I think) given a short service commission.
Other may know more of his service than me.

Bob Hamilton

Just learned a former QPD of 12 years - Pete 'Ming' Watson passed away a couple of weeks ago. Pete and his family were my neighbours in the police houses at the back of Melton Mowbray Police Station for a few years - tough, hard bastard but a gent. RIP Pete, take your seat, there will lots of RAF and Leicestershire Police queueing to buy you a drink.
Gary Preston

I've been advised by his widow, that Memb. No. 1239 Derek Gale passed away last month.
RIP.
Dave W.

Have been informed of the death of Colin F Jones, Memb No 0774, of Bexley Heath, Kent.
Colin died at 0745hrs on Sun 30 Jul 12 in the Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice. He died of liver cancer having been ill for a considerable time. He regularly attended RAFPA meetings and activities until he became too ill to do so. He served as a National serviceman from 1959-61 as a dog handler, spending some time in Cyprus.
Colin's funeral is to take place at St Mary's Church, 346 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, SE13 6LE at 0930hrs (prompt) on Wed 8 Aug 12, (website http://www.lewishamparish.org/) followed by a reception at Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ (01322 526 574). The LHC Branch will be represented at the funeral; other colleagues and friends are welcome. Anyone wishing to attend is requested to contact Gregory Jones, QC (Colin's son) asap at Francis Taylor Building, Temple, EC4Y 7BY on 0207 353 8415.
Condolences have been sent to Jeannette and family from the Branch.
 
Keith (Sec LHC)

"Following his death in April, the funeral of my Father, Lionel (Leo) Seddon, ISM, ex-RAFP, and a former RAFPA South West Area Branch Treasurer, took place in Plymouth yesterday. He was then laid to rest at Drake Memorial Park. My Mother and all of the family would like to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks for all messages of sympathy received. Thanks are also extended to the Branch members - including the standard bearers - who represented the RAFPA at the funeral".
 

Rob Seddon
It with sadness that I have to report the passing away of Ronnie 'Geordie' Douglas last night (Sunday 01 Jul) in Lincoln County Hospital after his long battle with cancer.  My thoughts are with Vera and the family.

May Geordie Rest In Peace

Fiat Justitia.

Regards

Brian Main

The funeral service for Ronnie Douglas will take place at Lincoln Crematorium on Tue 10th July at 11.50a.m, followed by a wake to celebrate his life at Birchwood Social Club - Birchwood Avenue, Lincoln, LN6 0JE. Ronnie requested that Black and White to be worn. Family flowers only or donations if you wish; to be made payable to Cancer Research, c/o Lincoln Co-op Funeral Services,

12 Portland Street, Lincoln, LN5 7JX.


Yesterday (27 June) I was informed of the death of member John L Bone.  

John a member of the North Yorkshire Branch died after a long battle with Cancer.
Leaving the service as a FS he served in Singapore, Iraq, Cyprus and Germany as well as stations in the United Kingdom.
I have asked John's son to advise me of Funeral arrangements and I will keep you informed.
Allen King
Chairman of North Yorkshire Branch)
 

The son of John L Bone (A member of the North Yorkshire Branch) has informed us that John passed away on the 21 June 2012 after a long fight with Cancer. He served in the RAF Police from 1949 until retiring as a Flight Sergeant I n 1972. John served in Singapore, Iraq, Cyprus and Germany as well as stations in the United Kingdom. His Funeral will be held at Pontefract crematorium on the 10th July at 12 midday and friends and family will gather at The Gaping Goose in Garforth, Leeds afterwards for refreshments.


I've been advised by his widow that Memb. No. 1713, John Cutler passed away on Saturday last. (16th June)
Funeral details not finalised, but probable next Thursday at Semington Crematorium.
RIP

Sorry to report that RAFPA member Reg Drinkwater, former RAFP Sgt SI died on 14 June. He was in his early 80s and had been unwell for quite a long time. He has lived in Gloucester for many years, before and since retirement from the RAF, and the funeral is to be held at Gloucester Crematorium at 11.30am on 3rd July.
 
I knew Reg over many years, first meeting him - encountering might be a better word - in January 1956 as my drill instructor when I joined the RAF as an apprentice (Reg spent many years with the apprentices as a DI in between his time in the police and saw something like 20 entries through their two years of training). He was then the Sgt i/c RAFP at Hereford for several years, followed by several more years as Sgt SI at the Police District in Gloucester (he was a Gloucestershire man, and these postings quite suited him). More recently, he attended apprentice reunions as an honoured guest, something I would never have believed 50 years ago I might one day invite him to do.
He was an uncomplicated, decent, straightforward family man, and had spent many years nursing his wife, who had equally poor health in recent years.
 
Bryan Clark

Sad to report member Ron Sutcliffe died today (Sunday) in Sheffield of cancer.
Ron joined the RAF Police in 1949 and served until 1972.
 
May Ron Rest in Peace.
Regards
John Walton
 
Ron Sutcliffe's funeral will take place at 14.40, on Tuesday 19 June 2012, at Herringthorpe Crematorium, Rotherham S65 3NN phone number 01709 850344 . Family flowers only.
Ron's daughter Anne may be contacted for further details through:- anne2oliver@btinternet.com Yorkshire South Branch Secretary Lynne Williamson is the main point of contact. email: skippy007@talktalk.net
 

News just in advising that SWAB member Graham J J Paxton has died. Graham served in the old RAFP SIB from November 1946 to May 1949, mainly in Germany.
Graham was a highly qualified and very experienced Chartered Accountant and acted as the SWAB Auditor for 12 years. Financially speaking he was of great assistance to the Branch in general and our Treasurers in particular.
During the last 18 months, Graham has been confined to his home in Paignton. A few months ago, his severe lack of mobility forced him to move into a nursing home.
 
May Graham Rest in Peace.
John Walton
 
 
Graham Paxton's funeral will take place at 11.30, on Monday 25 June, at Launceston Central Methodist Church. Family flowers only. Donations in aid of Torbay Life Boat.
 

It is with deep sadness that I have to inform you that on Monday the 21st May 2012, Geoff Phillips, membership number 0317 RAFPA, passed away suddenly. I had a phone call from his son Arran on Tuesday morning telling me this, not know at this stage as to the cause of his sudden death, but apparently his wife Amy returned home from work that day to find him dead.

His son is remaining in contact with me and will let me know as to the cause of Geoff?s death and to the date of his funeral, should anybody be interested in attending. He has also requested I try and let him have a short history of Geoff?s service life within the RAF Police. I only knew him for a very short while, whilst we were station at RAF Fairford, between 1969 and 1971. I did know that he was a dog man and did a tour stationed at Khormaksar and another in Gan, but that was only word of mouth from him. Are there any members that can help me compile a little story fairly quickly for the benefit of his family. Perhaps you could provide me with his date of joining the RAF and his discharge date. I do know that when he left the RAF he joined the Surrey Police.

I shall do my level best to get down to Aldershot with my wife on the day of his funeral.

Take real good care down there.

Regards,

Tony Batchelor.

 

Stewart McArdle
I now have details of Geoff Phillips funeral arrangements.

Thursday 7th June 2012 at 1330 hrs Aldershot Crem

The wake will be held in the Princess Royal Pub in Runford

Unfortunately, as a result of sending out our quarterly newsletter, we have been notified of the passing of a NW Branch member.

Member 0591 - Mr A Dunn, of Rochdale, Lancashire.

Unfortunately I have no further information. May he Rest in Peace.

Paul Donovan


Funeral of Cpl Brent J McCarthy on 31st May 2012

Held at St Nicholas Church, Codsall,Wolverhampton.

Grey skies and rain did not deter the large number of people who gathered together to celebrate the life of Brent, in this small village church of St Nicholas. There was standing room only, as everyone was in their place by 3pm ready for the service at 3.30pm. In the interim, the RAF Quartet played, and a screen displayed a pictorial sequence of events in Brent?s life.

Among the large assembly of Brent?s family and friends were also representatives from the military. Air Vice Marshal Oborn, AOC 2GP: Air Commodore Nick Bray, Air Officer RAF Police; Group Captain Mark Sexton, Provost Marshal; personnel from RAF Police, RAF Regiment, RMP?s, the Welsh Guards, and HM Prison Service. The RAFPA were represented by Bill Veazey, Ted & Gill Hellewell, John Brookes, Peter Cook, Brian  Lawrence and Trevor Marklew.

The service was taken by Padre Martin Sheldon and Padre Nick Heron of the RAF, together with the Vicar of St Nicholas, Reverend Simon Whitcombe.

Brent?s father, John McCarthy,  gave a very loving tribute to his son and this was echoed by several family members and friends.

After the service, the coffin was borne by six RAF Police personnel out of the Church to the graveyard where the internment took place, followed by three volleys of shots fired by a section from the Queens Colour Squadron, RAF Regiment.

At 5pm, a fly past by a single Hercules aircraft flew over the church in a salute.

.

 
The RAF Police NCO killed in Afghanistan has been named as Cpl Brent McCarthy
 
Corporal Brent John McCarthy

Corporal McCarthy was born into a Service family on 18 February 1987 in Hannover Germany. At a very young age he returned to the Midlands of England where he attended Lilleshall Primary School and Orleton Park School in nearby Wellington. He was staunchly proud of the area and apart from the early years of his life, Priorslee, Telford was where he called home.

Following school he worked in a number of jobs before committing himself to a Service life with the Royal Air Force in August 2008. Following his training at RAF Halton and the Defence College of Policing and Guarding at Southwick Park he began his career within the Royal Air Force Police. He was a man of many talents and diverse interests including football, playing drums in a band and representing the RAF at hockey.

He was assigned to RAF Brize Norton in July 2009 where he volunteered to deploy with 174 Provost Company, 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police as part of the Theatre Provost Group. During his pre-deployment training Corporal McCarthy showed an aptitude for mentoring and was a natural choice to embed with the Welsh Guards as part of the Police Mentoring Advisory Group.

Corporal McCarthy leaves behind his father John, mother Sarah, sister Jodie, his partner Sarah and his niece Miajay and nephew Kyron.

Corporal McCarthy's family have paid the following tribute:

"Brent was a loving sensitive young man. He excelled at sport and had the whole world in front of him. He loved his family dearly and will always be a hero to his niece Miajay. Brent will be sadly missed not only by us but also by his loving partner Sarah and her devoted family. Life will never be the same for any of us. We will love you always. God bless."

Lieutenant Colonel Dino Bossi, Commanding Officer, Police Mentoring and Advisory Group, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:

"Corporal Brent McCarthy came to 1st Battalion Welsh Guards during our training for Operation HERRICK 16. Over a six-month period before the tour began he lived and operated with the men who he was to support in Afghanistan.

"His intelligence, ready wit and his desire to muck in and take part in all aspects of communal life meant that he fitted seamlessly into an extremely tight team. Corporal McCarthy was extremely popular and hugely respected among the men with whom he lived and fought - not always an easy trick for a military policeman from another Service, but one he achieved with ease and some style.

"Ever to the fore and sharing danger and discomfort, his light-hearted approach to life, easy going nature and cool professionalism made him a natural advisor to the Afghan National Police. On 12th May, alongside his comrade Lance Corporal Lee Davies, he was taken from us suddenly and violently.

"All of us in the Police Mentoring and Advisor Group, whether Welsh Guards, Royal Military Police or RAF are devastated by his loss but resolved to press on in the memory of his sacrifice. To his family we extend our heartfelt sympathies and the knowledge that he will always be remembered among us."

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Potts, Commanding Officer, Combined Force Lashkar Gah, said:

"Corporal Brent McCarthy was doing a difficult and dangerous job and he did it well. He was a fine ambassador for The Royal Air Force and we will remember him for his professionalism, physical toughness, but above all, for his unbeatable smile and sense of humour."

Major Greg Sangster, Commanding Officer, Theatre Provost Group, said:

"It is difficult to put into words what the loss of Corporal McCarthy means to both our unit in Afghanistan and his RAF Police colleagues back in the UK.

"But our grief will pale in comparison to that felt by his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Corporal McCarthy exuded enthusiasm and ability; he was a young man who was trying to make a difference, mentoring his Afghan Police colleagues in very challenging conditions.

"Both his unit and those Afghans he mentored are better for having known this talented policeman."

Squadron Leader Carl Jeffery, Officer Commanding 7 (Royal Air Force Police) Squadron, Royal Air Force Brize Norton, said:

"Cpl Brent McCarthy was fiercely loyal and courageous, exemplifying the character of the Royal Air Force Police. Cpl McCarthy was a young man with huge potential: intelligent, determined and extremely capable, he was a highly popular figure within his Flight and was firmly on the path to great success in his career.

"Cpl McCarthy fully embraced all aspects of Service life, whether representing the RAF playing Hockey or getting his mates together for a beer, he was always a prominent figure who will be sorely missed by his friends, his colleagues and all those who had the honour of serving with him.

"Dynamic and with an enormous sense of fun, Cpl McCarthy's infectious enthusiasm could be relied upon to cheer those who were down, to inspire those who were lost and to comfort those in despair. It is great testament to Cpl McCarthy's character that despite a few brief years in the Service, he can claim so many friends amongst his Trade, his Station and the RAF as a whole.

"Cpl McCarthy's family and friends should take great comfort in the knowledge that Brent was an exemplary policeman of whom they should be proud."

"Dynamic and with an enormous sense of fun, Cpl McCarthy's infectious enthusiasm could be relied upon to cheer those who were down, to inspire those who were lost and to comfort those in despair."

Squadron Leader Carl Jeffery


Captain Rob Bird, Second-in-Command, B Squadron, The King's Royal Hussars, Combined Force Lashkar Gah, said:

"On behalf of B Squadron, The King's Royal Hussars, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of Corporal McCarthy. An extraordinary character, he had become exceptionally close to a large number of the Squadron over the last few weeks.

"He maintained an unfaltering sense of duty throughout his time with the Police Advisory Team. Utterly professional, he was an exemplary airman who was absolutely committed to the task his unit had been set with the Afghan Uniformed Police, who as we, are deeply saddened by his death. Our thoughts are with Corporal McCarthy's family at this most difficult time."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Daniel Stephens, Company Sergeant Major, Theatre Provost Group, said:

"Having worked previously with the RAF Police, Corporal McCarthy surpassed my already high regard for the commitment, dedication and capability of those RAF Policemen who volunteer to undertake this most difficult of roles alongside their Army brethren.

"In the short time that I came to know Corporal McCarthy he showed courage, grit and leadership far beyond his years. His personality endeared him to all those around him and he embodied the very spirit of our motto, leading by example. I am truly honoured to have served with him and regrettably humbled by his sacrifice.

"I am saddened beyond words at the loss for his family and loved ones who have my most heartfelt thoughts."

Staff Sergeant Terrance Ferguson, Platoon Staff Sergeant, Theatre Provost Group, said:

"Coming from the same town of Telford there was an immediate connection between Corporal McCarthy and me. His sharp sense of humour and enthusiasm for a bit of banter was always welcomed and was a breath of fresh air.

"During his time under my command he acted with the utmost professionalism, respect and embodied all of the qualities of an outstanding Service Policeman. At this very difficult time I would like to extend my condolences to his family and loved ones and my thoughts are with them. Rest in peace my friend."

Sergeant Rob Heath, Second-in-Command, Police Advisory Team, Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:

"Corporal 'Mac' McCarthy was a true professional in every respect. He joined our Police Advisory Team a few months before our deployment. It was as if he had always been with us as he immediately got on with everyone.

"He was an excellent ambassador for his unit as his skills and knowledge on police work seemed endless. He was very intelligent and loved his job. All who knew Mac will be feeling a great sadness right now none more so than his family.

"Our thoughts go out to you all. The Welsh Guards his extended family will remember him forever. Rest in Peace Mac, gone but never forgotten."

Corporal Kriss Gray, RAF Police, Afghan Police Mentor, Theatre Provost Group, said:

"Having known Corporal Brent McCarthy for some time now, both as a friend and a close work colleague, this comes as a massive shock, to those who served with him and the Service police as a whole.

"Corporal McCarthy always put others before himself and had the strongest love for his family and would always go out of his way to see a smile on others faces before his own. I had the honour to have served with him and I am also very privileged to have been his friend.

"My thoughts go out to his girlfriend and family at this time; he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Lance Corporal Tim Bennett, Adjutant General's Corps (Royal Military Police), Afghan Police Mentor, Theatre Provost Group, said:

"Although I have only had the pleasure of knowing Corporal Brent 'Mac' McCarthy since the start of our training last year and having lived and worked so closely together here, I feel l got to know him very well.

"Brent and I were told early on that we would be Police Mentors within a Police Advisory Team with the Welsh Guards.

"We conducted all of our training with the team working really well and building very close friendships with the boys. There was always banter about the amount of time 'Paradigm' Mac spent using welfare facilities and he used to check the incoming mail at least three times a day! Funny thing is, he rarely came back empty handed.

"Brent will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family and girlfriend at this sad time."

Lance Corporal Kyle Williams, Combat Medical Technician, Police Advisory Team, Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:

"Although Mac wasn't attached to us for long, he was well and truly one of the boys. He loved the banter and also loved working with the infantry. He often said how lucky he felt to be doing this job and how envious the RAF Regiment would be at him for being so far forward!

"Mac, you were one of the boys and we will always remember you."

Guardsman Jo Price, Police Advisory Team, Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said:

"I did not have the pleasure of meeting Corporal McCarthy until he was attached to us just over a month ago. In the short time that I got to spend with Mac we developed a very close bond, both out on patrol and in the Patrol Base chilling out.

"Mac was a tremendous man, with a heart of gold and loved by everyone. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. I, and the rest of the Team will ensure that we finish the job that we and Mac came out here to undertake. He will forever be in our thoughts." 


Mark Henry's funeral will be held at St Giles Church, Balderton, Newark, NG24 3NN on Monday 28th May at 1300 followed by a private committal at the Sherwood Forest Crematorium.

Family flowers only but donations to "Help the Heroes" through the funeral directors - E. Gill and Sons Ltd, 55 Albert Street, Newark-On-Trent, NG24 4BQ

I have just received news that Mark Henry (ex Sgt (CI)  RAF Waddington) has died over the weekend (12 May )

Michael Hall

After he 'retired' from regular service Mark joined 3 Sqn RAF Police Auxiliary as a Sgt and deployed to Op HERRICK with an 'Auggie' Section as their I/C responsible for ATSy for 6 months. My Det to HERRICK covered most of the last 4 months of his time in Theatre. He was a good bloke and looked after his Section really well.
At this very, very sad time for the RAFP both serving and retired, it would be a shame if Mark's passing to higher service went un-noticed. Sincere condolences to Mark's family and close friends. RIP mate.

Bill Veasey

Funeral of

Mark John Robert Henry.

Ex Sgt. R.A.F.Police

26 June 1963- 12 May 2012

The funeral of ex Sgt Mark Henry took place at 13.00 today 28th May 2012  at St Giles Church, Balderton, Notts.

A Guard of Honour made up of members of the Royal Air Force Police Association from the East Midland Branch and members of the local RAFA lined the route into the church and also paid their respects as the cort?ge left for the Crematorium.

Over 200 people crowded into the church to pay their respects to Sgt Henry who had served in Air Sea Rescue until it disbanded. He then transferred into the RAFP and later joined the RAFP (Aux). His final employment was with the Ambulance Service. Personnel from all his various employments were in the large congregation

 

 


It is with great sadness we of London Home Counties Branch confirm the death of one of our members. Despite a serious and debilitating illness John Ewens No.0225, was an active member of the Branch and the Association joining in as many of the activities and meetings the able bodied members. He will be sorely missed.

The funeral for John will be held on 16th May 2012 at 1300hrs at St Johns Church, Church Road, St Johns, Woking, GU21 7QN.   

A map can be found on www.stjohnswoking.org.uk.

This will be followed by private family burial at Chobham.

Cards of condolence may be sent to John's widow, Mrs Sylvia Ewens, (address held by Webmaster - please request).

Donations may be made to either The British Lung Foundation or Woking Hospice. The undertaker is Alan Greenwoood, 66 Send Road, Send

  The wake will take place at Woking Football club, Kingsfield Stadium, Westfield Ave, Woking. GU22 9AA




Obituaries, Deaths and Funerals Page 2