This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-15964672
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Funeral for RAF Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Sean Cunningham | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Sean Cunningham at Coventry Cathedral. | |
Flt Lt Cunningham, 35, was killed when he was ejected from his Hawk T1 aircraft while on the runway at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire on 8 November. | Flt Lt Cunningham, 35, was killed when he was ejected from his Hawk T1 aircraft while on the runway at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire on 8 November. |
An independent inquiry is being carried out to establish the circumstances of the incident. | An independent inquiry is being carried out to establish the circumstances of the incident. |
It followed the death in August of Flt Lt Jon Egging in a crash near Bournemouth. | It followed the death in August of Flt Lt Jon Egging in a crash near Bournemouth. |
Book of condolence | Book of condolence |
Squadron Leader Jim Turner, the officer commanding the RAF aerobatic team, addressed about 800 mourners, including fellow RAF colleagues and members of the public. | |
He said he had only known Flt Lt Cunningham for four weeks but "took to him instantly." | |
He said: "Sean was a man who accomplished great things in his 35 years. | |
"Flying with the Red Arrows represented for Sean, as it does for all of us lucky enough to tread this hallowed path, the pinnacle of his flying career. | |
"His love of the job was obvious to see. His sense of excitement would grow as the time approached to go flying." | |
He described Flt Lt Cunningham as "charming, professional and dedicated" and said he always had a smile on his face. | |
The Reverend Colin Weir (Squadron Leader), from RAF Cosford, read a tribute on behalf of the family which described him as a "wonderful brother" of whom they were immensely proud. | |
A private family cremation followed the funeral. | |
A book of condolence has also been opened at RAF Scampton and via the Red Arrows website. | A book of condolence has also been opened at RAF Scampton and via the Red Arrows website. |
Iraq duty | |
Last month, Red Arrows enthusiasts gathered near RAF Waddington to lay flowers in memory of the pilot. | Last month, Red Arrows enthusiasts gathered near RAF Waddington to lay flowers in memory of the pilot. |
Flt Lt Cunningham joined the Red Arrows in September 2010 and had flown Red 3 through the 2011 display season. | Flt Lt Cunningham joined the Red Arrows in September 2010 and had flown Red 3 through the 2011 display season. |
He was educated at Ernesford Grange School in Coventry after moving to the UK from South Africa, aged nine. | He was educated at Ernesford Grange School in Coventry after moving to the UK from South Africa, aged nine. |
He qualified for his private pilot licence at the age of 17 before studying at Nottingham Trent University. | |
In 2000 he joined the RAF and went on to fly Tornado GR4s with the 617 Dambusters Squadron. | |
He took part in several operational tours of Iraq before qualifying as a tactics and pilot instructor. |