The Association has learned of the death of Cdr Brian Grant Skinner RN on 16 October 2022 aged 85.
From Records
Brian served in the Fleet Air Arm from 1961 to 1988.
1961 – Flying training RAF Linton on Ouse
1961/62 – Helicopter pilot training with Bristow Helicopters
1962 – 771 NAS RNAS Culdrose
1962/64 – 845 NAS embarked HMS Albion during Indonesian confrontation in Borneo
1965/66 – SAR Flight RNAS Brawdy
1966/67 – 829 NAS embarked HMS Sirius
1967/69 – Senior Pilot 829 NAS RNAS Portland
1979/71 – Staff Pilot with Admiral’s staff, Far East Fleet, Singapore
*26.7.71/26.2.73 – Commanding Officer 829 NAS (RNAS Portland)
*11.4.73/14.10.74 – Commanding Officer 848 NAS (RNAS Yeovilton and embarked HMS Bulwark)
*12.2.75/17.12.75 – Commanding Officer 846 NAS (RNAS Yeovilton)
1976 – Naval Staff Course
1977 – Director General Naval Manpower & Training
1978/80 – Staff of FONAC
1981/88 – Various Ministry of Defence appointments
From References **
Whilst flying Westland Wasp XT437 of Sirius Flight on 25 October 1966, the aircraft suffered a fuel pump failure and conducted an emergency landing on board Sirius off Portland Bill.
Brian was editor of the book: Voices of the Fleet Air Arm During the Borneo Confrontation 1962 to 1966. Eye Witness Accounts from those who were there.
*The Squadrons and Units of the Fleet Air Arm by Theo Ballance, Lee Howard & Ray Sturtivant
** Fleet Air Arm Helicopters since 1943 by Lee Howard, Mick Burrow & Eric Myall.