FighterControl

All,

Today is the 25th anniversary of the crash at Fairford that killed Capt David Hawkens.

As many of you know, there is a room in the Community Cenre on base that is dedicated to 'Hawk', with his portrait and two other display boards.

Now, in a very nice gesture, local resident and enthusiast Si Blick has funded and erected a memorial plaque just outside the base, at the Dunfield gate, next to the field where the jet ended up.

Well done, Si!

Chris Pocock
www.dragonladytoday.com
www.dragonladyhistory.com

RIP

Nice gesture, respect.

I've seen it - a very nice gesture by Si. Hopefully it will not go un-noticed by the 9thRW and he gets some official recognition for it.

Indeed, we remember.

We remember Hawkens who chose to fly a dangerous aircraft and fly in a place where humans don’t belong. An officer who flew alone and unafraid.

We remember those who choose to put themselves in harm’s way to give those like Hawkens a chance when things don’t go to plan.

We remember how the U-2 community constantly recognises the human cost of learning some of the lessons which make its world safer.

I believe this photo was taken at Fairford in mid-August 1995 and I'm sure it's how Hawkens would want us to remember him. It's how I remembered him when I took a moment earlier this morning at that quiet area of the airfield to reflect on that day, I'm sure we'll all try to do the same when we're next in the area.

To good in life, to be forgotten in death.

Excellent thoughts and tribute, well done.
Time has gone so swiftly.
I'll be sure to pay respects next time I'm over that way.

I have made the pilots in the 9th Wing aware of this memorial. And for those of you that know the Heritage Room at Beale, they gathered there yesterday afternoon to remember him.

UKdragon wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 29, 2020 5:30 pm

I have made the pilots in the 9th Wing aware of this memorial. And for those of you that know the Heritage Room at Beale, they gathered there yesterday afternoon to remember him.

Great stuff Chris. I know Fairford's first 99ERS/CC told me they spent some time over at that area when they arrived last year - he said that memory still remains close to them today.

Not just those who are outside the fence (obviously)

Mission bird on Friday 28th had a special marking

Mission bird 28-08-2020 by Dave Hooker, on Flickr

And a close-up, sorry the enlargement on the image is quite extreme as I sadly didn't notice it at the time

Mission bird marking by Dave Hooker, on Flickr

RIP