On January 30, 2025, the Royal Air Force (RAF) held a heartfelt memorial service at RAF Brize Norton to honor the ten servicemen who tragically lost their lives when Hercules XV179 was shot down over Iraq. This event marked the 20th anniversary of the incident, which remains etched in the memories of those who served alongside the brave crew.
The Hercules XV179, designated with the call sign ‘Hilton 22’, was on a routine mission flying from Baghdad to Balad when it was struck by enemy fire. The crash occurred on January 30, 2005, making it the most significant single loss of service personnel for British forces during the Iraq campaign and the RAF’s deadliest incident since World War Two. At the time, the news shocked military personnel across the board.
Geoff Bridgman, a former senior aircraftman and the driving force behind the memorial service, spoke of the emotional weight carried by the community. “We all felt the loss and we all felt the sadness,” he shared, reflecting on the immediate grief felt throughout RAF Lyneham when the news broke. Since 2017, Bridgman has diligently laid wreaths at the Garden of Remembrance at MOD Lyneham to honor his fallen comrades. This year, he organized something particularly special—a flypast to commemorate their sacrifice.
This anniversary gathering drew numerous veterans, officials, and bereaved families to pay their respects. Group Captain Andy McIntyre, who led the ceremony, expressed how deeply the tragedy impacted operational strategies within the force. “For 10 people the questions remain of what could have been—they absolutely will never be forgotten,” he stated during the service.
Among the attendees was Sarah O'Connor, sister of Sgt. Robert O'Connor, one of the victims. She brought along his medals, emphasizing the personal connection and loss felt by family members. Hayley Woodhall, a former RAF technician who served during the Iraq conflict, also recounted her memories of the fateful day. “That was when all our lives changed forever—not just me, all of the families, everybody who worked with them,” she reflected. Woodhall had shared camaraderie with Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, who was among those killed. “I won’t ever let this slip; I will make sure everyone remembers as much as possible,” she vowed, highlighting the collective resolve to honor their memories.
At the service, wreaths were laid by representatives from the RAF, the Australian Air Force, and No. 47 Squadron, signifying international solidarity and remembrance. A plaque dedicated to the Hercules XV179 and its crew has been displayed outside the squadron’s old headquarters at Brize Norton, serving as a continuous reminder of the lives lost.
Bridgman, motivated not by accolades but by necessity, conveyed, “When one hurts, we all hurt; when one grieves, we all grieve.” His tireless efforts to coordinate the commemoration serve as testimony to the deep bonds forged within military ranks, where every loss resonates with those left behind.
The memorial also looked back upon how the crash shaped the operational focus of the Air Mobility Force, with McIntyre noting the lasting influences on their approach today. The tragedy, which remains significant, serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by military personnel abroad.
Attendees expressed their emotions during the ceremonies, which were solemn yet filled with lasting tributes to the fallen. The day underscored the importance of remembrance and honoring those who served and paid the ultimate price—a pain shared not only with families but within the entire military community.
Reflecting on this poignant moment, families, veterans, and serving personnel came together, unified in their commitment to never forget the sacrifices made by Hercules XV179's crew. Their absence continues to be felt, but their legacy lives on through remembrance initiatives led by dedicated individuals like Geoff Bridgman and the enduring spirit of camaraderie among those who serve.
Through continued commemorations and collective grieving, the impact of the January 30, 2005, tragedy on British military history remains vivid. Twenty years on, the stories of these ten servicemen serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made and the enduring connections formed within the armed forces.