The Association has learned of the death of Capt John Peirce Gunning RN on 6 March 2023.
Taken from the Daily Telegraph:
GUNNING Captain John Peirce RN peacefully at home on 6th March 2023, aged 89. Beloved husband of Jane, adored father to Becca and Katie and much loved grandfather. Service at St Peter’s Church, Petersfield on Tuesday 4th April at 2 p.m.
From References *
Whilst flying Wessex XM 663 of 824 Squadron (intensive flying trials) on 14 April 1959, the clutch freewheel unit failed whilst in the hover, the aircraft hit the ground and rolled to starboard in gusty wind conditions, rotors and tail section broke off, Culdrose.
Lt D J Gingell & Lt J P Gunning.
Whilst Flying Wessex XP146 of 737 Squadron Portland on 17 October 1962, the aircraft suffered a flight control system failure while dunking at night, crashed into the sea 4m off Shambles Light Vessel.
Lt M K Tuson, S/L C L Hodgkinson, Lt J P Gunning & Lt R F Ryan picked up by Chailey.
* Fleet Air Arm Helicopters since 1943 by Lee Howard, Mick Burrow & Eric Myall
From Navy List Research
1985: On loan Service to Oman
1984: As above
1983: Sultanate of Muscat Armed Forces, Muscat
1982: No officer service
1981: Sultanate of Muscat Armed Forces, Muscat
1980: HM KENT Guided Missile Destroyer 5440 tons
1979: As above
1978: Defence Intelligence Staff
1977: As above
1976: HMS NELSON, Queen Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3LS
1975: As above
1974: HMS JUPITER Leander Class
1973: Director of Naval Air Warfare
1972: As above
1971: As above
1970: HMS WISTON, Ton Class Coatal Mineweeper
1969: HMS CHAWTON Coastal Minesweeper
1968: 814 Naval Air Squadron (Squad History: Merlin Mk 1 2003 – 09, Sea King HAS6 1992-2000, HAS5 1982-92, HAS2 & 2A 1977-82, HAS1 1973-77, Wessex HA3 1967-70, HAS1 1961-67, Whirlwind HAS7 1960-61)
1967: HMS SEAHAWK, Royal Naval Air Station, Culdrose, Helston, Cornwall
1966: 815 Naval Air Squadron (Squad History: Lynx HAS8 1994-2009, HAS3 1982-2009, HAS2 1981-88, Wessex HAS1 1961-66, Whirlwind HAS7 1959-60 )