Jon Buckler

We are sad to report the passing of Jon Buckler of 92 Entry (B Sqn) in December 2024.

After the OCU at Chivenor, Jon was posted to 8 Sqn in Bahrain (Hunters). From 1971 to 1974, as a QFI at Linton he was in the Linton Gin/Blades Formation Aerobatic Team. He was then flying Harriers with 1 Sqn (Wittering) and IV Sqn (Gütersloh.) It was with 1 Sqn when, on the 9th April 1975, the Harrier’s engine main bearing failed and the aircraft crashed near Ditton Priors in Shropshire.  Jon ejected at 3000 feet while the aircraft was in a slightly nose up attitude and he sustained minor MDC spatter injuries above eyebrows and bruising on the back of his left hand.

From 1988 to1990 , Jon was OC 20 Sqn (Tornado) at Laarbruch. In  August 1990 Tornados from the TWCU at Honington and 20 Sqn were involved in a midair collision off Spurn Head.  Jon was command ejected by his navigator and was the sole survivor of the accident.

From 1994to 1995  Jon was Wg Cdr Operations on in the 5th Allied Tactical Air Force HQ on Operation DENY FLIGHT (patrolling of Bosnian airspace ) with the addition of NATO airstrikes in support of UNPROFOR (June 1993 to July 1995) as well as a limited air offensive against the Bosnian Serbs with Operation DELIBERATE FORCE in August and September of 1995.

He died in Spain where he lived and was cremated on 15 December 2024.