RAF Lyneham veteran holds memorial for 10 men shot down over Iraq

A retired Royal Air Force veteran organized a memorial service to commemorate the 10 military personnel who died 20 years ago when their aircraft was shot down over Iraq. Former Senior Aircraftman Geoff Bridgeman also arranged a flypast to honor the crew of Hercules XV179.

The aircraft, based at RAF Lyneham near Chippenham in Wiltshire, was attacked by enemy fire on January 30, 2005, while flying from Baghdad to Balad, killing all 10 people on board. Mr. Bridgeman, who was at the base at the time, said upon hearing the news, "We all felt the loss and the grief." He added that the tragedy had left "the whole base in mourning."

Mr. Bridgeman has worked tirelessly to ensure that those who died are not forgotten. Since 2017, the 71-year-old has laid a wreath at the Ministry of Defence memorial garden in Lyneham each year to commemorate them. He shared this with friends at the Chippenham Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, some of whom have also begun joining the annual commemorations. But for the 20th anniversary, Mr. Bridgeman wanted to do something more special.

On Thursday morning, a flypast and memorial service was held at the memorial garden, "to remember those who lost their lives and to respect the memories of those who are living." Veterans, serving personnel, and their loved ones attended the ceremony. Sarah O'Connor attended the service to remember her brother, Sergeant Robert O'Connor, who died in the incident. Her children also brought his medals.

Mr. Bridgeman added, "They ask me, 'Why are you doing this, Geoff?' I'm not doing it for an MBE or any kind of recognition – I'm doing it because it has to be done." He also added that when the news came, "it feels like yesterday." He said, "Whether it's the Army, Navy, or Air Force, we are one. When one hurts, we all hurt; when one grieves, we all grieve."