Wing Commander Denis (Nobby) Grey

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Wing Commander Denis (Nobby) Grey, who passed away on the evening of Friday 26th of July 2024. He served on 1 Squadron SOAF, flying Strikemasters between 1971 and 1973 and later served as a member of the SAF Association Committee. Nobby had been ill for several years and his condition had continued to deteriorate in recent months. He passed away peacefully at home and with his family around him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him within the SAF community and well beyond.

Tim Jones writes: 'I served with Nobby when we were both Wg Cdrs (long after Oman) at HQ 38 Gp Upavon. Like most loan service officers, Nobby found peacetime service in the RAF rather tame after the challenges, responsibilities, and camaraderie of service in Oman. He was a strong supporter of the SAF Association and a regular attendee at functions.

Unlike most "Strikies" in the early 70s, he did not have a background in fighter aircraft having been a V bomber pilot and a flying instructor. Consequently he was viewed with some scepticism on arrival by those who had the more traditional background flying RAF and RN ground attack aircraft! But he adapted quickly and made a valuable contribution in many missions in Dhofar. Taller than most 1 Sqn pilots he was also renowned for a party trick of stopping the ceiling fan in the SOAF Salalah bar with his head without scalping himself!' Others were less successful.