The loss of five RAAF personnel in a training flight crash in 1991 was commemorated at Richmond RAAF Base memorial gardens on Saturday, October 29.
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The 25th anniversary ceremony for the loss of a Boeing 707 operated by 33 Squadron included relatives of those killed in the crash, which occurred off Woodside Beach off the Gippsland coast of Victoria.
Onboard were aircraft captain Squadron Leader Mark Lewin, co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Tim Ellis, third pilot Flight Lieutenant Mark Duncan, flight engineer Warrant Officer Jon Fawcett and loadmaster Warrant Officer Al Gwynne.
The crash occurred during a flight from Richmond RAAF Base to Avalon airport in Victoria. The subsequent investigation attributed the crash to a demonstration of asymmetric flight which resulted “in a sudden and violent departure from controlled flight”.
Richmond RAAF Base Air Commodore Stan Clark was on TV news the night of the accident as Richmond personnel struggled to accept the news of the accident.
“It’s the first fatal accident in Airlift Group or the transport force since 1961,” he said. “That’s 30 years of accident-free flying.”
It was reported at the time that all five crew members were married, and one had just become a father to twins.
All Saints Chapel at RAAF Base Richmond was packed to capacity for the commemorative service last weekend to remember the five Richmond-based aircrew.
The Commander of Air Mobility Group, AIRCDRE Richard Lennon CSG welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged the Dharug people, the traditional custodians of the RAAF Base land.
Richmond Padre, Chaplain Yogananda Juste-Constant conducted the service and was assisted by former Padres Dr Murray Earle and Royce Thompson. Former long time Richmond Chaplain Cameron Smith was also in attendance as was former Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown.
The main address was delivered by AIRCDRE Richard Lennon CSG.
At the conclusion of the service the crowd moved out into the memorial garden for the laying of wreaths, the Ode, Last Post and Reveille.
During the laying of wreaths Tomas Hamilton sang "Five Bright Stars", a song he composed 25 years ago to honour the loss of a close friend in the accident, WOFF Jon Fawcett.
Jon's widow, Sandy, was present at the service, as was another crew member's widow, Debbie Gwynne. The body of her husband, WOFF Al Gwynne was never located.
At the conclusion of the service AIRCDRE Richard Lennon CSG invited those present to lunch at the Officer's Mess.
