Thanks lads, excuse my semi drunken ramblings.
I found out a few hours after my initial post that one of the guys killed was the chap I handed over to.
I was the 230 Sqn Crewman Leader, last year I handed over to Flt Lt Roly Robertson who has paid the ultimate sacrifice "that others may live", he along with the smashing bloke Flt Lt Al Scott are no longer with us.
It's a difficult time for everybody I work with. The difficult part bring we've been here loads in the past and we'll be here again.
My thoughts go to Roly and Scotty's families.
God speed RIP
For Al & Roly.
I do what I do because it is the right thing to do.
I am a Warrior without shield or sword.
I fly because it brings help to those who need it. I am an Aviator and live among a band of brothers who know the meaning of risk. I spend my short time on this earth meeting challenges others seldom face.
My end may come swiftly and violently but I will know I did a worthy thing.
My name will live in the hearts of those who knew me and my epitaph will join an honourable list of those who lived among the clouds and went before.
The sky will be my memorial - on a sunny day with a soft, cool breeze, a stormy day with a sudden gust - I will be there; smiling and watching, loving and longing.
I lived a worthy life.
I was a Warrior.
I was an Aviator.
KME 11 Oct 15
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew --
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Per Ardua Ad Astra.
So sorry to hear that Jez 
