On 11th February 1985, the Band of the Royal Air Force Germany was travelling by coach when it collided with an aviation tanker on the autobahn in Langenbruck, Germany.
Based at Royal Air Force Rheindahlen, the Band was heading to an engagement at the RAF Winter Survival School in Bavaria. The devastating accident resulted in 21 people losing their lives: 19 RAF Musicians, a RAF Policeman and the civilian coach driver.
On the evening of Monday 10th February, the Band of the RAF Regiment performed a musical tribute at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the RAF. The programme of music was associated with the Band of the RAF Germany and included Summon the Heroes by John Williams, Königgrätzer Marsch by Johann Peifke, and Elegy on the Royal Air Force March Past by former Principal Director of Music (RAF), Wing Commander (ret’d) Barrie Hingley. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the tribute which was led by the venerable Dr (Air Vice-Marshal) Giles Legood, Chaplain-in-Chief (RAF).
The Book of Remembrance was displayed inside the entrance of the church, laid open on the page with the names of those who died in the accident. In front of the Band throughout the performance, a drumstack made up of the original drums from the Band of the RAF Germany was exhibited.
The following morning, on the 40th anniversary of the accident, memorial services were held at RAF Northolt and RAF Cranwell where the families, friends, survivors of the accident, and serving personnel gathered to remember those who died. These commemorations took place in memorial gardens which are maintained by RAF musicians. Each garden has a monument inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives. During the services, the Last Post was sounded, followed by the laying of floral tributes around each monument, accompanied by music from the RAF bands.
“On the 40th Anniversary of this devastating accident, RAF Music is truly honoured to share musical tributes with the families of those who lost their lives. The tragic event that took the lives of 21 people in Langenbruck, Germany on 11th February 1985 will be forever in our thoughts.”
Wing Commander Murray
Principal Director of Music (RAF)
This year at RAF Northolt, guests included Reverend (Wing Commander ret’d) Andrews who led the funeral service of six RAF Musicians at Rheindahlen Military Cemetery in 1985, and Wing Commander (ret’d) Meyer, who was Officer Commanding Admin at RAF Rheindahlen at the time of the accident. Also present was Flight Lieutenant (ret’d) Wyver, who was the Adjutant of the Winter Survival School in Bad Kohlgrub. He helped set up a field hospital in a local hotel, comforted the survivors throughout the night and organised two Puma helicopters to fly the injured to hospital. Reverend (Wing Commander) Andrews donated his Admin Order, order of service and notes for the funerals, including the prayers and readings, which he had kept safe all these years. In 2023, Flight Lieutenant Wyver donated his ceremonial sword which has been mounted and is on display in the band room.
