A year ago today...

It was a year ago today that Red 4, of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team - otherwise more popularly known simply as The Red Arrows - crashed into fields near the village of Throop, after returning to Bournemouth International Airport, having just displayed in front of an estimated crowd of 300,000 on the town's seafront. The pilot was killed. I had photographed the performance, and found it difficult to comprehend as the news of the disaster began to filter through the crowds. After all, these guys don't make mistakes, do they?

Although pilot error is not suspected at all, I am still having difficulty in finding any report of the MOD's findings into the incident, and therefore assume their investigations are still ongoing.

The site itself (right) has started to become overgrown as the summer grasses take a hold and nature heals the scar, but at the time of my visit several kind souls have visited the little stone cairn that marks the spot, and have left fresh-cut flowers and a message as a tribute.

Hand written, the message on the card reads:

One year ago today, on 20 Aug. 2011, you lost your life, and we remember you, every time we pass this monument.

A Throop resident

A permanent memorial to Flt Lt Jon Egging, designed by local school children, is due to be unveiled on Bournemouth's East Cliff to coincide with the opening of this years Air Festival at the end of the month.


12-24mm f/4G AF-S Nikkor. 1/250 second at f/8. - 0.67 EV compensation. ISO 200


© 2012