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.
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
21
st 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
