Anzac Day 2010 Tragedy
- We Will Remember Them
Anzac Day 2010 will be remembered as an especially tragic day for the New Zealand Defence Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, in particular.
It was with deep and heartfelt regret that the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott confirmed that three members of the NZ Defence Force—Flight Lieutenant Hayden ‘Muddy’ Madsen, Flying Officer Dan Gregory, and Corporal Ben Carson—died as a result of injuries sustained following the crash of an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter.
Helicopter crewman Sergeant Stevin Iain Creeggan was the sole survivor and is in a serious but stable condition in Wellington Hospital. The cause of the crash is currently undergoing a thorough and professional investigation.
The RNZAF No 3 Squadron helicopter was to have taken part in an Anzac Day commemoration flypast, but crashed enroute from Ohakea to Wellington.
CAF, AVM Lintott said, “We remembered those who lost their lives doing their duty at Gallipoli 95 years ago, and now we must add the names of three more who lost their lives in the service of their country.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all Royal New Zealand Air Force and Defence Force Personnel here and around the world are with the families as they try to cope with the terrible news.
“They were all too young, and all with bright futures to look forward to, and now we mourn their loss as we support their loved ones, friends and colleagues.
“I am immensely proud of our young flyers and all those in the Air Force family. Our family is strong and close and we feel this loss keenly.”
Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae and the Prime Minister, Mr John Key cut short their trip in Turkey to return to New Zealand and attend the servicemen’s funerals.
Message of Condolence
Hundreds of messages of condolence and support flooded the family and friends of the three fallen comrades. Heads of state and dignitaries from both New Zealand and Australia were among those who responded to the tragedy:
Crown Representatives
HRH Prince William
“My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of FLTLT Madsen, FGOFF Gregory and CPL Carson, and to their friends and colleagues in the RNZAF.”
Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of NZ, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand
“My wife Susan and I join with all New Zealanders in extending deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.”
New Zealand Government
Prime Minister, Mr John Key
“New Zealand has lost three fine servicemen, representing their country with pride, courage and distinction. Our hearts go out to their families and to the men and women of the RNZAF. New Zealand grieves with you. They are lost but never forgotten.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks faced by Defence Force staff every day.”
Defence Minister, Dr Wayne Mapp
“This is a brutal blow for the victims’ families, the Air Force and indeed the whole Defence community.”
Associate Defence Minister, Heather Roy
“On a day of national remembrance for Kiwis that have lost their lives serving their country, my thoughts are especially with those who lost their loved ones on Anzac Day 2010.”
Australian Government
Australian Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd
“I extend, on behalf of the Australian Government and people, our condolences to the families of the victims, to the service men and women of the New Zealand Defence Forces, and to the Government and people of New Zealand. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
“This tragedy is an especially poignant reminder of the risks that our men and women in uniform continually face on behalf of our two nations and for our freedoms.”
Flight Lieutenant Hayden (Muddy) Peter Madsen—Pilot
RNZAF colleague’s comments
‘Muddy’ will be missed by many for his outgoing and fun-loving nature. ‘Muddy’ loved his job, but at the same time he was a devoted family man and supreme sportsman. ‘Muddy’ was successful in cricket on many levels, including his selection as vice captain of the World Defence XI in 2009. His achievements are something we should all aspire to. We’re proud to have known him and will miss him very much.
RNZAF Record
- Born, 26 January 1977 (33 years)
- Enlisted in the RNZAF serving as an Aircraft Technician, 9 January 1996–31 December 2001.
- Re-enlisted two years later as a pilot trainee, August 2003
- Graduated from 03/07 IOTC as a Pilot Officer, December 2003
- Graduated 04/1 Wings Course as a Flying Officer and was awarded his pilot’s brevet, 26 May 2005.
- Graduated from 05/2 IPCC as a Pilot with No 3 Squadron on the UH-1H Iroquois, 23 June 2006.
- Promoted to FLTLT, 3 September 2007
- Deployed with No 3 Squadron to Timor-Leste, January–April 2008.
- Served as a Pilot with No 3 Squadron on the UH-1H Iroquois.
Honours and Awards
- NZ General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) 23/02/2008
- NZ Operational Service Medal 31/01/2008
Flying Officer Daniel (Dan) Stephen Gregory—Pilot
RNZAF colleague’s comments
Many of us knew Dan by the name ‘Angry’, from the combination of his fluorescent orange hair and easy-going personality. Dan had a huge presence in the Bograt Office, keeping everyone entertained as the self-appointed ‘Morale Officer’. Many of us will remember him by his outstanding efforts organising and dressing up for mess events. Rest in peace mate, you will be sorely missed.
RNZAF Record
- Born, 29 September 1981 (28 years)
- Enlisted in the NZ Army, 1 September 1999, serving as a Rifleman with 2/1 RNZIR
- Deployed with the NZ Army to East Timor (November 2001–May 2002) and Afghanistan (April 2004–Sep 2004)
- Promoted to Lance Corporal, 13 December 2004
- Changed to the Electronic Technician trade (RNZALR), 1 March 2005
- Commenced Initial Officer Training Course as an Officer Cadet with the RNZAF, 4 September 2006
- Graduated from 06/02 IOTC as a Pilot Officer December 2006
- Graduated from 07/1 Wings Course and was awarded his pilot’s brevet, 3 July 2008.
- Graduated from 09/1 IPCC (28 August 2009) and served as a Pilot with No 3 Squadron on the UH-1H Iroquois.
Honours and Awards
- NZ General Service Medal (Afghanistan)—Primary Operational Area 21/04/2004
- NZ Operational Service Medal 12/06/2002
- United Nations Medal—UN Transitional Admin In East Timor 20/02/2002
- East Timor Medal 24/11/2001
Corporal Benjamin (Ben) Andrew Carson—Helicopter Crewman
RNZAF colleague’s comments
Ben was a quiet and hardworking airman, a competitive yet supportive course mate, and a solid, dependable crewman. Adventure sports and adrenaline were his passion. Ben spent as much time as possible with a board strapped to his feet and was the backbone of the Ohakea Board Riders Club. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
RNZAF Record
- Born, 9 May 1984 (25 years)
- Enlisted in the RNZAF, 20 May 2003, and served as an Aircraft Mechanic
- Graduated from Basic and Trade training, 2 July 2004
- Posted to Base Ohakea, initially serving as an Aircraft Mechanic with No. 3 Squadron (July 2004–July 2005), then with Maintenance Support Squadron (July 2005–April 2006). On completion of Advanced Trade Training, served as an Aircraft Technician with No 3 Squadron (November 2006–January 2009)
- Deployed with No 3 Squadron and served as an Aircraft Technician in Timor-Leste (October 2007–January 2008)
- Selected for Helicopter Crewman training, commencing 10 February 2009
- Graduated 09/1 Helicopter Crewman Conversion, 6 August 2009
- Promoted to Corporal and awarded Helicopter Crewman brevet, 7 August 2009
- Served as a Helicopter Crewman with No 3 Squadron on the UH-1H Iroquois.
Honours and Awards
- NZ General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) 24/11/2007
- NZ Operational Service Medal 24/11/2007