*_ash_* Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 In 1954 I was a young sailor doing training at the Naval Air Electrical School at Worrthy Down near Winchester. I was hitching into town when I was picked up by a Jaguar XK. The driver was Mike Hawthorn on his way to Southampton. He asked me if I wanted to go there. I told him I was sorry because my girl friend was in Winchester. He was a nice guy. You met him? Wasn't it that very XK that he died in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampster Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 As an armorer, his responsibility was for the ejectors seat pistols. As an Armourer one of his responsibilities would have been for the entire Escape system, that being the Ejection seat and the MDC explosive that effectively cuts up the canopy amongst other bits.. Quite ironic that ejection seats being something intended to save life are one of the most dangerous things on a modern military aircraft. A sad loss for the number 1 ambassadors of the Royal Air Force, and the UK as a whole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2's Company Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 We watched them at Cromer Carnival, they were fantastic! RIP to the poor pilot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buck Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 As an Armourer one of his responsibilities would have been for the entire Escape system, that being the Ejection seat and the MDC explosive that effectively cuts up the canopy amongst other bits.. Quite ironic that ejection seats being something intended to save life are one of the most dangerous things on a modern military aircraft. A sad loss for the number 1 ambassadors of the Royal Air Force, and the UK as a whole. I kind of isolated the pistol as the most dangerous part of the whole thing. I frequently took a ride in a sea venom, and always felt vulnerable when the pin was taken out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upinwath Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I've found a video of the crash. The turn wasn't very tight and there were no other aircraft close enough to be any risk to the downed pilot. It's unlikely such an experienced aviator would crash in that manner without mechanical fault in his aeroplane. The more reports I read, the more it sounds like he risked himself to make sure his Hawk came down as safely as possible. RIP http://www.1video.com/upvideo_video.aspx?vid=o_rAoyDTSkea1xIyUmWglw&moPage=1&sr=0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upinwath Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I'm both angry and shocked to see some posters on other forums actually applauding this brave man's demise. What sort of sick idiot could do that sort of stuff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadingNorth Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 I'm both angry and shocked to see some posters on other forums actually applauding this brave man's demise. What sort of sick idiot could do that sort of stuff? I'm not surprised that you find it abhorrent; but I'm surprised that you find it surprising. There are trolls everywhere, and some people will take any opportunity, however tenuous, to attack the British armed forces. Thankfully, it doesn't happen here much, and even when it does the moderators are quick to stamp on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matsalleh Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 This thread jogged my memory of an Aussie team all crashing. http://aerobaticteams.net/files/redsales.pdf Always a shocking thing when anyone dies before their time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan2011 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Terrible News RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorkerSWFC Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I was only in Bournemouth last weekend watching Swfc, and the locals were really looking forward to this air show, shocking news RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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