Paul Donnelly
Op Aardvark - SKASaC Force Charity Cycle to the National Memorial Arboretumul's page
Fundraising for Rotary Charity Fundraisers
Story
Back in 2003 I was part of 849 'A' Flt embarked on HMS Ark Royal during Op Telic when on the morning of March 22nd at approximately 0430 I was awoken by my opposite number to be told that 2 of our aircraft had collided in flight and I was required for the crash boat. At first it didn't sink in what had just happened and the scale of the accident. As a Squadron we felt numb to the fact that it was becoming more apparent that the aircrew (7 in total) were unfortunately not returning to the ship and their families. It seems that time has flown by and we are now approaching the 10 year anniversary of this tragic event, the following information is how we as a Force past and present are intending on marking this occasion.
The Commanding Officer of 849 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), would like to commemorate this tragic event and raise both awareness of our lost brethren, and all those members of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) who have made the ultimate sacrifice since World War 1, of which there are no fewer than 6000, and also raise money for three charities –
The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, and the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.
This will be achieved by an organised 400 mile cycle ride, during the harsh British winter, by a group of personnel from the SKASaC force, led by CO 849 NAS, starting at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall on the 18th March 2013 to the NMA, Staffordshire, to arrive at 1300 on Friday 22 March 2013, in order to raise money for the chosen charities and to take part in the unveiling of the newly placed 849 plinth at the FAA memorial.
About the Charities...
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) exist to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS (Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service), and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
We provide a single focus for charities that support Naval Service personnel.
The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial. It commemorates and celebrates those who have given their lives in the service of their country, all who have served and suffered as a result of conflict, and others who, for specific or appropriate reasons, are commemorated here. 16000 names have been added to the memorial wall since WW1.
Fly Navy Heritage Trust exists to enable the Royal Navy Historic Flight to display its iconic Fairey Swordfish, Hawker Sea Fury and Hawker/Armstrong Whitworth Sea Hawk at Air Shows across the United Kingdom and increase public awareness of the glorious heritage of British Naval Aviation.
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