A special memorial service was held in Pembrokeshire this month to honour a member of the RAF who tragically fell from a Chinook helicopter to his death 30 years ago.

On September 22, 1996, a tragic incident occurred that sadly took the life of 7 Squadron Crewman Sergeant Michael Charles Patton, commonly known as ‘Mick’.

Sergeant Patton, tumbled out of a giant Chinook when its front doorway suddenly flew open on a night exercise above the National Park beauty spot of Bosherston in Pembrokeshire.

He was 29 years old at the time.

7 Squadron Crewman Sergeant Michael Charles Patton, commonly known as ‘Mick’.
7 Squadron Crewman Sergeant Michael Charles Patton, commonly known as ‘Mick’. (DL)

Sergeant Patton was an exceptionally dedicated and highly respected member of the Royal Air Force.

He completed his specialist training on 240 Squadron Operational Conversion Unit qualifying as a Chinook Air Loadmaster before serving operationally with 78 Squadron.

Recognised for his talent and skill, Mick was selected to join 7 Squadron Special Forces Flight, based at RAF Odiham.

Here, he flew extensively in support of Special Forces, executing highly sensitive and demanding missions.

During routine tasking at Castlemartin ranges in Pembrokeshire, Mick was tragically killed.

A memorial plaque was placed on an ancient Cairn which sits in the vicinity of Mick's last flight and is tended to by dedicated friends and family.

This well worn plaque was discovered by Simon Shorten of Penally in recent times, whilst carrying out his survey duties for NRW. He retrieved and renovated it and replaced it for the ceremony.

The memorial includes current serving members of the RAF and past.

A Chinook from Odiham to Broadhaven South was deployed to arrive for ceremony that included a wreath laying and words of remembrance led by Sgt Benjamin Hawes.

A touching memorial service took place in Pembrokeshire to honour Sergeant Mick Patton, an esteemed RAF member tragically lost 30 years ago.
A touching memorial service took place in Pembrokeshire to honour Sergeant Mick Patton, an esteemed RAF member tragically lost 30 years ago. (DL)

Mick’s loss sent shockwaves through the Squadron, and his service is also commemorated on a silver plaque outside the main aircrew office.

Sergeant Patton's legacy continues to be remembered at a dedicated memorial tree and plaque located at Newark Cemetery. His logbooks proudly sit in the Newark Air Museum standing as a permanent historical record of a special forces crewman's operational life.

Blue skies and fair tailwinds Sergeant.