RAF WINCHMAN TO RECEIVE GALLANTRY AWARD

8 May 2006 10:00 PM

The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy will be presented this evening, Monday 8 May, to Royal Air Force helicopter winchman Master Aircrewman (MACR) Nicholas Petch by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the Air League's Annual Awards Ceremony which takes place at St James's Palace, Westminster.

On 13 March 2005 MACR Petch was a member of the Sea King helicopter crew of Rescue 128, part of the RAF's 202 Squadron SAR detachment at Leconfield, East Yorkshire.

His crew were scrambled to the coast at Scarborough to rescue a mother and two children who had been swept from the sea wall by a massive wave and 2 others had entered the water in an attempt to save them. His selfless bravery and courage despite treacherous seas which repeatedly took him underwater he press ahead with his rescue attempt despite the imminent danger to his own life.

Group Captain Steve Garden, RAF Search and Rescue Force Commander said, "I am absolutely delighted to hear that this prestigious award has gone to Master Aircrewman Nick Petch. His relaxed,
self-deprecating manner belies a man who, by his actions, displayed exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger.

"With his repeated courageous actions in the face of great personal danger, MACR Petch has superbly upheld the gallant traditions of both his Squadron and his Service. Knowing Nick, he is probably asking himself, 'Why me?' a typical reaction from a consummate professional who, along with all other winchmen, daily place the needs and safety of others ahead of their own. This is an exceptionally well-deserved award and one of which Nick should be justifiably proud."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Master Aircrewman Nick Petch joined the RAF in 1987 and became an Air Signaller in 1990. He transferred to Search and Rescue in 2001 and, after a tour on 22 Sqn, joined 202 Sqn as a Winchman in September 2004. He is currently serving on 84 Sqn, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.

2. Photographs of the actual incident off the Scarborough coast in March 2005 are available from freelance photographer Tony Bartholomew on 07802 400651.

3. The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy is sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Breitling UK, and was established to further the memory of Coastguard winchman Billy Deacon who died while on duty with his Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) SAR helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles in 1997. It is awarded to Winch Operators/Winchmen from the Coastguard, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy for meritorious service during SAR helicopter operations from UK SAR bases.

4. The Air League was founded in 1909 to promote air-mindedness and established the Air Defence Cadet Corps in 1938. It was adopted in 1941 by the Royal Air Force as the Air Training Corps, an youth organisation which fosters social and civic community
responsibilities as well as an interest in aviation. More details can be found on www.airleague.co.uk