Cliff started his flying career in the Air Training Corps where he undertook gliding training. He subsequently joined the Navy and graduated from the RN College in Dartmouth and then undertook helicopter training which was to become his raison d’etre.
He spent several years flying helicopters in the Sultan of Oman’s air Force for which he was decorated by the Sultan for his work there.
After that he undertook Search and Rescue which became full time, working out of Aberdeen and Lerwick, Shetland.
In 2000 Cliff transferred to the CHC operated SAR unit in Shannon, Ireland, flying an S61 on many missions on the western Atlantic coast. He is fondly remembered by the crews as one of the base’s many great characters. He has been attributed many wonderful quotes and the aroma of his wonderful cooking has still not been surpassed.
After eight years of night missions and rescues Cliff moved to warmer climes and took up a position in Oman flying an AS332 for SOAF, however in 2013, on a routine medical it was shown that he had an illness which proved terminal and therefore terminated the career he was born to and loved so dearly.
He was kind, generous and gentle and would help anyone who need it if it was within his remit. He is desperately missed by his wife Geraldine and friends.