The obituary notice of Richard Michael HUGHES - ELLIS

I knew Richard Hughes-Ellis as Dick Ellis. We met going through operational conversion to the Phantom FGR2 at RAF Coningsby in the 1970s and then we both were posted to 31 Squadron at RAF Bruggen. We became close friends and often we flew together. He was a talented navigator and we flew in all weathers throughout Germany. Although individual sorties all merge into one feeling of great adventure, great satisfaction in operating the magnificent Phantom to the highest standards I do remember a particular mission with Dick, the last mission of a Taceval. Our take-off was held for 17 minutes as an exercise inject which meant our planned time-on-target at Nordhorn Range was very very difficult to make. The weather was poor but having confidence in Dick’s abilities on the ground mapping radar we raced off in the direction of Nordhorn’s entry gate in very murky weather, cutting corners wherever we could. Besides navigation, timing was of equal importance and together we delivered bang on target within 3 seconds of the planned TOT. Successfully completing such a challenge together bonded our friendship.
Dick and I were then posted to 19 Squadron operating out of RAF Wildenrath and he, Vicky, Barbara and I all became great friends. Our lives whirled around flying and socialising. We co-hosted a ‘Be 19 on 19 Sqn’ party that was spoken about for many years. We visited Berlin together and for several years we visited Dick, Vicky, Nia and Sarah at their Welsh home in Criccieth.
Dick was a Welshman, a fiery Welshman with a beard. He was an individual, who once met one would always remember. He put his heart into everything he did and he achieved much. I am so glad I knew and flew with Dick and his passing is a sad moment in my life. Unfortunately we cannot make Dick’s funeral but our thoughts are with him.
Bob and Barbara Burrough