Mourners laud Black Hawk pilot

The Australian ^ | 9th December 2006 | Ian Gerard

[naturalman1975]

THE bagpipes that played Amazing Grace had just fallen silent when Black Hawk pilot Mark Bingley's widow, Melissa, stopped following his flag-draped coffin, clutched her baby son tight and waited at the top of the stairs outside the cathedral in which his funeral had just been held.

She looked up to the sky and broke down as four Black Hawks flying in formation swept into view, a tribute to a soldier, husband and father who was described yesterday as a "perfectionist with a gift for flying".

About 400 people filled StJames Cathedral in Townsville, northern Queensland, to say goodbye to Captain Bingley, who was killed on November 29 when the Black Hawk he was flying fell off the HMAS Kanimbla and tumbled into the ocean near Fiji.

Ms Bingley briefly addressed the service, stunning mourners, including survivors of the accident, with her poise and strength.

Lieutenant Colonel Steve Clynk told the packed church that Captain Bingley, 35, of 171 Aviation Squadron, was a highly experienced soldier and flying instructor who represented his country with distinction and impressed his colleagues.

"They told me that he was their pilot of choice and they always enjoyed flying with him," he said. "He strived for and achieved excellence in everything he did."

Captain Bingley's sister Renita told mourners about a hard-working, dedicated and successful pilot and soldier who had served in East Timor, Cambodia and Solomon Islands.

He was awarded the United Nations Medal for service in Cambodia and East Timor, the International Forces East Timor Medal, the Australian Active Service Medal, the Defence Long Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal during a 16-year military career.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

God Bless...........