60 years ago RAF MR was a truly ‘ad hoc’ affair; relying on the response to a station Tannoy by an assortment of poorly equipped, often untrained men who could rely solely on good leadership to get them through the next few hours. Many searches had little to go on, few of the volunteers could read a map and their clothing of standard issue boots, gas capes and battledress makes the mind boggle. Yet somehow they overcame all of these problems to rescue/ recover many British and Allied aircrew. Fortunately that same spirit still applies; last year saw the 50th Anniversary of the Beinn Eighe search and in that same year the MRS carried out not only its Everest Expedition but also one of the most hazardous and extended search and PCM operations ever.
As if this were not enough evidence of the teams’ all-weather capabilities the MRS underwent a far more meticulous cross-examination in the High Court at Liverpool. On 4th March 1995 a Stafford troop, Michael Chalk, was severely injured during an avalanche on Red Tarn in the Lake District (see OtH No 3 page 40 et seq). Sadly his injuries were so extensive that he was invalided out of the RAF. I have no idea of the settlement made but suffice to say that his family felt it necessary to seek further redress and had to resort to a claim of negligence against effectively the entire MRS structure, its policies[1], its training and its SOPs. Both the MoD and the Prosecution had expert, independent witnesses and a variety of MRS personnel, past and present, found themselves in the witness box in December 2001. The hearing lasted five days and in March this year a Draft Judgement was issued. It is of necessity complex and may be summarised by quoting from paragraph 98 which is the main conclusion.
“I am satisfied on the evidence that the accident happened in the area above the small buttress described by Mr Storm and that neither the decision to climb the Red Tarn face, nor the choice of climb upon that face, was negligent. I am also satisfied that the claimant was competent to undergo the climb, that it was proper for it to be undertaken unroped, and that Mr Storm gave proper supervision throughout. I must therefore conclude that the claimant is unable to recover damages in respect of this tragic accident.”
We have all experienced ABIs, attended courses and doubtless occasionally cursed the bureaucracy and repetition. Perhaps we did not get the Grade of Pass-or Fail- we felt that we deserved, but this was the Inspection to end all Inspections. Apparently just about every aspect of a Troop’s life, training, equipment, peers and instructors was dissected and examined and was found to be without fault. We all knew and appreciated that but, despite the inherently sad underlying cause, the MRS was completely and honourably exonerated.
So, as we approach the 60th Anniversary of the award of Des Graham’s MBE, the first of so many honours to be awarded to the MRS, we can look back with pride and a sense of achievement of having been in some small way a part of what is truly a first class all-weather MRS.
A VIEW FROM THE SERVICE
This quiet operational period has allowed the MRS to work on improving some of the support issues within the MRS including logistics support, communications and MT. I have had some excellent ideas from the Teams and the HQ on how we can improve the support to the MRS. Please keep your ideas coming. Hopefully, this year we will see the new C3 vehicle and 4-tonner replacement. Furthermore, work has already started on procuring a new management radio and on how the MRS can best use the TETRA emergency service communication system.
A few congratulations, welcomes and thanks are in order. Firstly to FS ‘Heavy’ Whalley being awarded his MBE for his outstanding contribution to Mountain Rescue. I think everyone in the MRS would join me in saying that the award is fully deserved. Congratulations to Sgt John Ritchie on receiving a CinC’s commendation for his sterling efforts with the Leeming MRT. In November last year the MRS welcomed FS Kenny Kenworthy back into the fold replacing FS Al Sylvester as Team Leader at RAF Kinloss. Thanks to FS Al ‘Billy Whizz’ Sylvester for his leadership, drive and enthusiasm throughout his tour as Team Leader. Finally I would like to thank Cpl Mike Potts, the Editor of the MRS Newsletter, and to all those who have contributed to the last issue.
Keep up the good work and spread the word that the MRS is always looking for volunteers. I hope you have happy and safe days on the hill.
Sqn Ldr Shane Spence, SO2 MRS
A VIEW FROM THE HILL
After the pride of last year’s OtH recording the exploits of Ted Atkins and his crew on Everest, this is a sad editorial to write. John Hinde is dead.
It hardly seems possible, but he has gone; one of the great team leaders. Goodbye, John, and our sincerest condolences, Betty and the family. His son Neil has written a moving eulogy which is reproduced in these pages.
But then Everest has not gone away. After last year’s blow-by-blow account - an apt term, perhaps, given the winds experienced on the North Face - we now have Ted Atkins and Brian Kirkpatrick with more thoughtful recollections of their experiences.
Many were surprised and disappointed that a recent MoD decision has again left a mark against the names of the two pilots of the Chinook which crashed on the Mull of Kintyre a few years ago. In this context, it is interesting to read Arthur Helsby’s first contribution, in which he describes a callout to almost the same spot long ago. The similarities between the two crashes set him thinking.
This issue of OtH moves the journal into a new era - we are dipping a toe, ever so gingerly, into the world of colour. It costs us more, so I hope you like it.
Finally, a heartfelt “thank you” to Pat Donovan. His cartoons have been keeping us amused for eight years now, and this year he has given us a double bonus. He has provided not just one cartoon for the cover, but a whole clutch of them, so I just grabbed them and ran before he could change his mind. Furthermore, technology has now allowed us to reproduce his oil painting ‘Everest’ in full colour instead of the pallid monochrome we had last year (see centre pages).
Have a good year.
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS!
Our Association has a total of 289 members. Since last year’s OtH, 21 new members have joined. I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing them a very warm welcome and we look forward to meeting them at future reunions.
The introduction of the SO mandate has proved popular, with 89 (31%) of members taking advantage of this facility. In January 2002, the ex-Life Members (total 74) will be required to pay annual membership fees. I am hopeful that many will adopt this method of payment.
48% (139) of the membership are in receipt of their new style membership card. To minimise on unnecessary expense, the card is not issued automatically nor annually. For those of you not in receipt of a membership card, please let me know if you want one.
An up to date membership list is available for members. Any inaccuracies or amendments should be addressed to the Mem Sec.
Isn’t it easy to overlook renewing your membership? Reproduced below are the Post Codes of members who have yet to renew. Personally, I do not believe in “naming and shaming” but if you do see your post code listed, don’t put if off any longer, you know you want to!
KA13 6QJ LL12 8DT LL26 0BP LL57 4TN MK13 0AU NG2 5EE
SK13 9RH SN2 2LX ST16 3XL TS22 5DZ TW9 3NW USA!
And finally….
If you have any queries/questions regarding the status of your membership, please feel free to contact me.
Paul le Bon
[1] As the accident happened less than a month after I handed over as ILR all of those policies and procedures had been endorsed by me so I had more than a passing interest in the outcome.