Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy commando
A former Imperial College London student and Royal Navy officer was among the three service personnel killed in a devastating helicopter crash in Devon on Wednesday (June 3). Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, who held the title of being Britain’s sole active female commando, has been described as an “extraordinary woman” by her family.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter plummeted into a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon, at approximately 3.45am during a routine training exercise, leaving the aircraft completely destroyed, according to the Mirror.
Lieutenant Fisher, from Surrey, lost her life alongside Commander Chris Gayson, 42, from Somerset, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, from Hampshire. All three personnel were stationed at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset.
In a heartfelt tribute, Lieutenant Fisher’s family said: “Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her.”
They added: “We are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”
According to the BBC, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Lieutenant Fisher was undertaking her final flying training assessment at the time of her tragic death, and had been due to receive her Pilot’s Wings this month. The MoD confirmed she had represented England and Great Britain in multiple sports.
A graduate of Imperial College London, she enlisted with the Royal Navy in 2019, reports Surrey Live. During an interval in her aviation training, she became Britain’s sole serving female Royal Navy Commando, and participated in life-saving operations by locating and retrieving vessels while serving as part of the UK’s military response to the Channel migrant crisis, according to the BBC.
The Royal Navy stated that all three “dedicated their lives to service the Royal Navy and their country”. Commander of Joint Aviation Command, Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner RAF, commented: “The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident yesterday is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular. They will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with the families and all those affected.”
Lieutenant Commander Gayson’s family said: “Chris was an extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly. He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.”
Petty Officer Green’s family said: “Losing Owen has left us all devastated. His life was far too short, and our hearts will forever be broken. He was a caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner to Iona, whom he loved and cherished.”
They added: “His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him. We are so proud of him achieving his life’s goal to serve in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman and are grateful for the joy he brought into ours and Iona’s lives. He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever.”
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