Remembering those we have lost
Roll of Honour
“They shall grow not old as we that are left, grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”
Click on each name to view a brief obituary
SAC 'Mickey' Lapham. Mick was the 'resident rock' on 2624 Sqn in the mid-1980's. Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1990 at the young age of 29yrs.
SAC Graham Daniels: Graham was a popular member of C Flt and always cheerful with a kind word for everyone. He left the RAuxAF in the late 1980's and was sadly killed in an RTC in April 1994.
SAC Jeanette Roberts: Jeanette joined the Squadron in 1983 and proved to be a highly efficient and effective Gunner. She transferred to 4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron where she rose to the rank of Sergeant. She was later diagnosed with cancer and after a long battle, died in 1999.
Flt Lt John Kennedy Ball: John joined the RAF in 1963 and later remustered into the RAF Regiment, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer. He served on loan to the Sultan of Oman's Air Force (SOAF) before returning to the Regiment and being commissioned as a Flight Lieutenant. In 2001 after 38 years service and only months away from retirement, John joined the RAF Yacht 'Minerva' in the Canary Islands for a leg in the Yellowbirds expedition. A storm arose whilst the yacht tried to enter Los Gigantes harbour on 7 March and both John and another airman were swept overboard and drowned. His funeral took place at St Christophers Church, RAF Brize Norton followed by interment at Black Bourton cemetery.
Sqn Ldr Paul Bessant: Paul was commissioned into the RAF Regiment in 1961 and served on a variety of Squadrons over the years. Promoted to Sqn Ldr in 1978, he commanded several regular Regiment Squadrons prior to becoming OC 2624 Sqn in 1989. Paul retired from the RAF in 1991 and became a Practice Manager for a local GP Surgery. He suffered a heart attack and died on 5 May 2005.
FS Pete Rimmer: Pete was a regular SNCO who was posted into 2624 Sqn in 1986 as FS Trg after FS Pat Sweeney was posted to the Regiment Depot on promotion to Warrant Officer. He had a wicked sense of humour and some will remember his lesson on the L2A2 grenade where his quick-fire questions elicited equally quick-fire responses from his audience until he asked the question: "how many grains of explosive does the grenade contain?" Silence was followed by: "don't know, Flight" to which Pete replied: "neither do I!" He joined in all Squadron social activities including fancy-dress parties where he often came dressed as a clown. Pete had battled Parkinsons disease for many years and died in 2011.
AM Sir Alfred Ball KCB DSO DFC: Alfred Henry Wynne Ball had a spectacular career as a Lysander and later a Spitfire pilot during WW2 earning both a DSO and DFC for his leadership and gallantry in the air as well the United States Air Medal. He was later appointed KCB in 1976 and became Deputy Commander of Strike Command. Sir Alfred was appointed as Honorary Air Commodore of 2624 Squadron in the early 1980's and always took a keen interest in the Squadron; and the welfare and activities of its personnel. The Squadron bar was named 'Sir Freddies Bar' in his honour and during visits to the Squadron, he proved himself to be a down-to-earth man who would regale everyone with humorous stories. He married Nan in 1942 and she predeceased him in 2006. Air Marshal Sir Alfred Ball KCB DSO DFC AM(USA) died on 25 January 2012. A link to his obituary is here: Aircrew Remembered.
FS Pete Waters: Pete served for 22 years in the British Army prior to taking up a Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS) appointment on 2624 Squadron in 1986. Initially appointed as a Sergeant, Pete was later promoted to Flight Sergeant and eventually left in 1992. He died of cancer in 2014 and left a widow, Dinah.
SAC Colin 'Westie' West: Colin served on 2624 Sqn during the early to mid-part of the 1990's, often in a FTRS role in the Signals store. A man of dry humour and nicknamed 'Westie' and 'Silverback' due to his grey hair, he was highly regarded as both an effective CP Signaller and member of the Squadron. Colin died of undisclosed causes in 2014.
Fg Off Mike 'Digger' Gardiner: Often known as the 'Time Doctor' due to his civilian occupation as a Time Management consultant, was a popular figure on 2624 Sqn. After previous regular service having served in the first Gulf War and again with 2624 in Afghanistan, Mike was commissioned from the rank of Lance-Corporal. In 2018, he died unexpectedly from a heart attack.
SAC Frank Bradley: Frank was a larger than life character who became the 'resident rock' on 2624 Sqn in the 1990's. He joined the RAF initially as a Paint Sprayer before remustering into the Regiment. In later years after having the left the RAF, Frank and his wife emigrated to Australia. Sadly, Frank contracted cancer and died in 2019.
FS Mick Charlesworth: Mick served for many years in the Parachute Regiment and was present at many of the major skirmishes in the Oman in the 1970's, as well as undertaking several tours in Northern Ireland. In later years, Mick opted for a reservist career and chose 2624 Squadron RAuxAF eventually rising to the rank of Flight Sergeant. He left the Squadron in the late 1980's and worked at the nuclear establishment at Harwell, Oxfordshire. He died of undisclosed causes in 2019 and was cremated. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes were scattered from an aircraft in flight.
FS Dave Lowe: A giant of a man who served on several regular Regiment Squadrons before being posted to 2624 Squadron towards the end of 1997 as FS Trg. Dave had served a number of tours in Northern Ireland, had been an instructor on 14Int and possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience in relation to counter-terrorism operations. As part of his role and in order for Sqn members to gain more experience in counter-terrorism activities, Dave delivered Situational Awareness courses and 9mm LF range practices where Gunners were immediately introduced to a high degree of realism that very quickly honed their skills. Dave transferred from 2624 Sqn around 2001 and later retired from the RAF. He relocated to Portugal but sadly died of lung cancer in 2019.
SAC Russell Reyes: Russell was a popular figure on the Squadron, always having a cheerful countenance and willing spirit. A Gunner who was highly regarded by his seniors and peers alike, as a highly effective and efficient soldier. Russell participated in the Dutch Military Parachute course organised in 2014 by Sqn Ldr Andy Fenton and was awarded his Dutch Parachute wings. Unexpectedly, Russell suffered a brain haemorrhage and died in 2019.
Air Commodore Sir John Graham Bt GCMG: Sir John was a career diplomat having served HM Goverment in HM Ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to NATO (1982-86); Deputy Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1980-82); HM Ambassador to Iran (1979-80); Deputy Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (1977-79); HM Ambassador to Iraq (1974-77); Minister and Head of Chancery, British Embassy, Washington (1972-74)., culminating in his being appointed as a Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George (GCMG). Sir John was appointed as Honorary Air Commodore in the late 1980's and took a keen interest in Squadron activities. Sir John passed away at the age of 93 in 2019.
SAC Charlie Eaglestone: Charlie was a highly respected Gunner who was extremely popular on the Squadron. Known for his quiet yet determined demeanour, Charlie was extremely loyal to his comrades and was without doubt, an integral part of B Flt; a man who could be relied upon to carry out all tasks given to him. 2624 Squadron personnel past and present were shocked to hear that Charlie had passed away in 2021 after a short battle with cancer.
WO Pat Sweeney MBE: Pat joined the Regiment in 1967 and after serving several tours in Northern Ireland, became the FS Trg on 2624 Squadron at its inception in 1982. After serving on various Regiment Squadrons including 2 Sqn, Pat came to 2624 determined to stamp his personality on it. He did so in a variety of ways - funny, serious, professional and above all a father figure to young ab-initio Gunners. Over time, both Pat and the Sqn OC, shaped Squadron members into an effective Auxiliary Regiment unit. One knew when one had received a Sweeney-sized dressing-down but never a man to bear a grudge, he would, later that day, be stood beside you at the bar, telling a funny story. Four years after arriving, he was promoted to Warrant Officer and posted to the RAF Regiment Depot, RAF Catterick in 1986 as WO (Training & Standards). After undertaking tours as a SWO he was appointed MBE and retired from the RAF. Whilst out cycling in December 2021, Pat was found by dog walkers lying beside his mountain bike and later taken to hospital in Middlesborough, where he remained unresponsive and died a few days later. his funeral took place at Catterick cemetery and was attended by hundreds of former colleagues and personal friends.
SAC Gary Cunningham: Gary served as a regular Survival Equipment Fitter in the RAF, spending 3 years at RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland before leaving and joining 2624 Sqn as an Auxiliary Gunner. Joining C Flt, Gary, made his mark as a 6ft 4in Scotsman who was voluble in his support for Hibernian football club and in support of the Flight for whom he would not endure any criticism. He left the Squadron in 1993 due to external work pressures but always maintained contact with his former friends and colleagues, attending an Association AGM at 2624 HQ in 2017. Sadly, Gary was admitted to hospital in 2022 with heart issues and passed away shortly after saying that he felt 'only marginally better than Meatloaf'. The American singer Meatloaf, had died the previous day.
Sgt Mohammed Kibria 'Genghis' Khan: Kib served for 12 years in the RAF Regiment, reaching the rank of Sergeant. His last regular posting was 19 Sqn before leaving and joining 2624 Sqn as an Auxiliary. During his time of 2624, he was highly respected as a knowledgeable and professional SNCO who had a fun side to him. He eventually joined the Metropolitan Police whilst also serving as an Auxiliary, demonstrating his depth of committment to both his civilian employment and HM Armed Forces. In 2003 when 501 Sqn was mobilised for the Iraq War, 'Genghis' as he was universally known, commanded one of the first CIT Teams to be deployed to the Middle East. In later life, Kib began to experience a severe illness which was later diagnosed as a brain tumour. Sadly, He died in 2022 with his funeral being attended by many friends and former colleagues from 2624 Sqn.
Sqn Ldr Andy Thayne: Andy originally joined the RAF as a Survival Equipment Fitter rising to the rank of Corporal. He later commissioned into the RAF Regiment where he served as a UN Observer in Iraq and arrived on 2624 Sqn in 1997, taking up the post of Adjutant. Three years later he was promoted to Sqn Ldr and served in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Towards the end of his career, Andy was Head of RAF Pipes & Drums before succumbing to prostate cancer in 2022.
Cpl Bernie 'Smudge' Smith: Bernie was one of the known characters on 2624 Squadron. He joined in 1987 and by 1991, was promoted to Corporal and joined the recruit training team. A senior civil servant in his civilian life, Bernie balanced his occupation with his duties on the Squadron and could always be found encouraging and inspiring those who he trained. He left the Squadron in the mid-1990's and news of his death reached the Association in 2023. His funeral was well attended by Association members.
FS Melvin 'Baz' Baskerville: Baz was part of the inaugral intake in 1982 and was eventually appointed as OIC C Flt. A quiet man and a good friend to all ranks in his flight, the Association learned that he had passed away from Motor Neurone Disease on 27 November 2024. a large number of Association members attended his funeral, demonstrating the high regard in which he was held.
Cpl Allan 'Big Hack' Hacker: Big Hack joined 2624 Sqn in 1983 and served on B Flt. A larger-than-life character who left an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to meet him. A keen member of the Squadron and a first-class soldier, Big Hack was eventually promoted to Corporal in 1986 and was renowned for his dry sense of humour, his loud, commanding voice and common sense by the bucket-load. He left the Squadron in 1988 and was later diagnosed with Multiple-Sclerosis. Fighting to the end, Big Hack passed away on 9 July 2025, aged 63. 
SAC Kevin 'Jack' Wright: Kev joined 2624 Sqn on one of their earliest intakes in 1982/3. A quiet yet friendly man, 'Jack' was a stalwart of A Flight. In 1996, he transferred to 4624 Squadron and remustered as an Air Movements Operator, serving at Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2005.
Sadly, Kev died on 16 November 2025 aged 65yrs.
