Wing Commander Paul (Curly) Hirst

We regret to report the death of Wg Cmdr Curly Hirst on Tuesday 24th January 2024, peacefully in his sleep. Curly was 91 years old.

He was CSOAF from 1970 - 73 and Air Attache to the British Embassy in Muscat from 1976 to 1979. He presided over a period of significant expansion to Oman's Air Force with the addition of Bell 205 and 206 helicopters and strikemaster jet aircraft. He was well liked and respected by all and was a regular attender for many years at SAF Association events. Both he and his wife, Margaret, shared particularly happy memories of their years in Oman.

Curly Hirst with HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said and Gen Tim Creasey

For the last 10 years he and Margaret, have lived in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Funeral Arrangements

The funeral will be on Wednesday 14th February at St Mary the Virgin church, Northwood Park, Cowes, Isle of Wight at 2pm. There will be tea and prosecco in the neighbouring church hall afterwards. The church is a 10 minute walk from the terminal of the 'Red Jet' ferry service from Southampton to Cowes.