The Association has learned of the death of Cdr Rodney Charles O’Connor RN on 13 March 2016. He leaves a widow, Jayne.
Funeral Details
The funeral will take place at 1500 on 29 March at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Plymouth, PL1 4NQ. Donations to the horizonsplymouth.org, the youth sailing charity.”
From Records
Rod was an Observer who served with the following Squadrons:
1966 – 69 893 NAS
1969 – 70 767 NAS
1970 – 72 892 NAS
1972 – 73 767 NAS
1973 – 74 892 NAS
1976 – 78 818 NAS
1980 – FONAC
From References
Whilst flying Phantom XT876 of 767 Squadron on 10 January 1971, suffered loss of control at altitude, entered spin at 31,000ft, crew ejected at 15,000ft 27m NW of St Mawgan, a/c hit sea off Trevose Head, Cornwall. Cdr S Idiens killed, parachute malfunction; Lt R C O’Connor survived.
Whilst flying Phantom XT871 of 892 Squadron on 17 July 1973, suffered a port engine problem on launch from Ark Royal, crashed off bow near Isle of May in Firth of Forth, crew ejected. Lt JC Gunning and Lt RC O’Connor picked up safely by SAR Wessex.