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Short thread.
OTD in 1968, Vulcan XM604 (IX Sqn) was in the circuit at RAF Cottesmore when a turbine disc departed the No.2 engine. The co pilot, Flying Officer Mike Gillett was ordered to abandon the jet whilst the captain, Flight Lieutenant Peter Tait flew the failing bomber
OTD in 1968, Vulcan XM604 (IX Sqn) was in the circuit at RAF Cottesmore when a turbine disc departed the No.2 engine. The co pilot, Flying Officer Mike Gillett was ordered to abandon the jet whilst the captain, Flight Lieutenant Peter Tait flew the failing bomber
.. so that the four crew in the rear could escape. But finally, he too was forced to eject and only saved when his parachute snagged power lines at 35 feet. Sadly, his crew all perished when the jet crashed at Cows Close farm between Burley and Exton.
The men are not forgotten.
Flying Officer Barry Goodman
Flight Lieutenant Alastair Bennett
Flight Lieutenant Stephen Sumpter
Flying Officer Michael Whelan.
Fourteen years ago, Flt Lt Bennett’s daughter (Sara) contacted an online mil aviation community to learn about her dad.
Flying Officer Barry Goodman
Flight Lieutenant Alastair Bennett
Flight Lieutenant Stephen Sumpter
Flying Officer Michael Whelan.
Fourteen years ago, Flt Lt Bennett’s daughter (Sara) contacted an online mil aviation community to learn about her dad.
As it was (almost) the anniversary, a memorial gathering was arranged in the field and Peter Tait, family of the fallen and friends met to pay their respects. A IX Sqn Tonka was arranged and snotted the crash site at precisely the time the bomber came down (my pics).
It was an emotional day. Men long dead were discussed. Laughter was had, tears and beers flowed and friendships were forged. Seen here, Sara left, and Flt Lt Tait outside The Sun Inn at Cott. The @RoyalAirForce family came together for its own.
