Red Arrows Accident at B/mouth [merged]

[Jigsaw]

I am stuck for words. My heartfelt condolences to his family and his colleagues. A sad loss of someone who had the ability to bring pleasure to many.

RIP Sir, I salute you.

[Cluny]

Very very sad

As what has now become expected of IA - suitable acknowledgement and remembrance has been arranged.

Rest in peace.

Thanks Matt .

Put a picture of a Red Arrow as your desktop picture on your computer in respect of Red 4. I have. Will you?

Done .

[Sploosher]

A very sad day indeed for the pilots family, his fellow `Reds` and the the country.....

My condolences to all concerned...................

at least he will be remembered for doing something he loved..............

[Mags]

I go with what's all said before...............

RIP .... and sincere condolences to the family and the Reds

[Stigish]

First post here in a while..........Slighly emotional still..............couldn't ruin a dear friends 50th Birthday bash:

I witnessed the announcement @ 19:19 on BBC News 24................Gutted, not surprised, amazed, how could this of happened (all my emotions). All our (My family alone and more) condolences go out to Jon's immediate friends, family and crew.
He really touched us only two weeks ago when we were at the "secret location" at Hurn getting all their autographs, when Jon personally made it his responsibility to make sure my 2 little ones had all 9 Reds sign their 2011 Red Arrows posters & postcards. We we're Jon & Zane short of the full 9, when Jon came over and signed our posters. He then immediately took it upon himself to make sure Zane gave us a signature to give us the full set of 9!

We were very taken back by Jon's kindness............

R.I.P. Jon Egging.

I will be putting flowers down at Bournemouth Town Hall and Signing his book of condolences with this very same message today @ 12pm.

Stigish.....................Massive loss...................

[Mayfly]

Stiggy may I ask you as a member of IA, to sign the book of condolence on behalf of IA too?


I have PM'd you.

[34053]

Such a sad time. Sincere condolences to his family and all his friends and colleagues.

PW

[Hungry Haggis]

My family's condolences .

[Kermit]

RIP Red 4
Blue Skies

A very sad day indeed.
heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the Reds.

there is a beautiful poem on the VTTSC forum (under aviation waffle, open to all) that just about sums up Jon s life. Suggest you have a look

[Mayfly]

It's called High Flight and is by John Magee a Canadian pilot killed at RAF Digby in a Spitfire accident at the age on 19 in WWII. He's buried at Scopwick Church in the next village to us. I have a copy of his poem on my wall.

There is another excellent poem called "The Pilot" by Leo Hymas

[Minty4371]

The Pilot

Someday we will know, where the pilots go
When their work on earth is through.
Where the air is clean, and the engines gleam,
And the skies are always blue.
They have flown alone, with the engine's moan,
As they sweat the great beyond,
And they take delight, at the awesome sight
of the world spread far and yon.

Yet not alone, for above the moan, when the earth is out of sight,
As they make their stand, He takes their hand,
and guides them through the night.
How near to God are these men of sod,
Who step near death's last door?
Oh, these men are real, not made of steel,
But He knows who goes before,

And how they live, and love and are beloved,
But their love is most for air.
And with death about, they will still fly out,
And leave their troubles there.
He knows these things, of men with wings,
And He knows they are surely true.
And He will give a hand, to such a man
'Cause He's a pilot too.

— Leo Hymas.

[Kermit]

Thanks Mayfly, no wonder that poem is on your wall, its so beautiful.
And thanks Minty for posting the other one.

Found out yesterday that Jon learned to fly at Wellesbourne, right next door to XM655. He will be sadly missed.

[Stigish]

Hi all. I've just signed the book of condolences on behalf of all of us on iconic. the hatherdest part wasn't signing the book or laying flowers, it was the sight of 8 red arrow pilots and Jons widow signing the book and reading messages left with the flowers. very sombre atmosphere indeed.

[Nickolas]

Thanks for that.

Very sad indeed.

[Mayfly]

Hi all. I've just signed the book of condolences on behalf of all of us on iconic. the hatherdest part wasn't signing the book or laying flowers, it was the sight of 8 red arrow pilots and Jons widow signing the book and reading messages left with the flowers. very sombre atmosphere indeed.

Stiggy I'm sure we all appreciate the difficulty you faced - Thank you on behalf of all IA members.

I can only imagine how heart rendering it must be for Emma and the Reds.

[Lucas1860]

Hi all. I've just signed the book of condolences on behalf of all of us on iconic. the hatherdest part wasn't signing the book or laying flowers, it was the sight of 8 red arrow pilots and Jons widow signing the book and reading messages left with the flowers. very sombre atmosphere indeed.

Well done mate. Thanks for the sign of respect.

Jim.

[Wedgy]

Thanks Stigish.

[Stigish]

Here's some pics I took in Bournemouth today. No Pilots in shots out of respecting their privacy.
It was a very low key and informal visit from the Reds today. All in civilian clothing, not all in one group.
I was moved by Chris Lyndon-Smith (Red 2) who was clearly devastated. I briefly spoke to him in the hallway of the town hall while we were queing to sign the books. It was very difficult to think of much to say, which was probably a good thing. Kirsty arrived alone just as we were leaving. My youngest Daughter Layla went to her and apologised for their loss. She was putting on a brave face until then and gave Layla a hug while shedding a tear.
Admittedly I was a little overcome with all the tributes and the way some people were so upset especially a young disabled man.
Strangley, no one noticed the Reds were there. Easy to miss when not in a red suit I suppose.



If you look closely on the back of the lion, you will see the Red Arrows have been painted flying over the pier. This lion was put there a few months ago as part of the Bournemouth lions that have been dotted around the whole of the BH postcode. Seems very fitting the design on the Lion ended being the centre of the floral tributes.
A nice arrangment in the Gardens, which was luckily preserved after thursdays flash floods:

The remaining 9 Aircraft grounded along with 3 hawks in the standard livery:

My new screen saver signed by Jon himself:

[Cluny]

Thank you Stiggy

[RLN]

Thanks, Stiggy.

[Dan4th]

I think you handled yourself very
well today, and I'm very proud you
were there on our behalf.

Thank You, Stuart.

Dan4th

[Yorkie]

Thanks stiggy. A true gent.

There for all of us that couldn't pay our respects

[Nickolas]

Much appreciated. Thank you.

[Minty4371]

Thank you very much Sir. Appreciated.

[10680]

Thanks for that.

Ken