On the evening of Thursday 15 May a devastating fire began in Hangar 79, a Grade II Listed Type-A hangar built in 1926-’27 to house up to 12 De Havilland DH9A aircraft at RAF Bicester.
Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and close friend of the site Dave Chester were killed tackling the blaze and will forever be remembered as heroes.
Two more firefighters suffered injuries among the 10 fire crews that attended the fire, containing it to the hangar. Daniel Geoghegan, Bicester Motion CEO, paid tribute on 16 May, praising “the incredible and brave emergency services who worked tirelessly.”
Investigations into the incident continue, with the full assistance and cooperation of Bicester Motion.
Two fundraising pages are currently open organised by Bicester Rugby Club for The Fire Fighters Charity and a Go Fund Me in aid of Dave Chester by Tiggy Atkinson of Pendine.
“We are profoundly grateful for their bravery,” added Dan on 22 May, a week on from the tragedy. The sacrifices made will never be forgotten.
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