09/04/2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sergeant Timothy Claridge. The personnel of RAF Boulmer and the wider Air Command and Control Force extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Tim joined the RAF in August 1997 and served across the UK as an Air and Space Ops professional. He deployed on many occasions to places such as Cyprus, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was a specialist in Tactical Data Links and Radar Operations, and laterally served at RAF Waddington, RAF Portreath and RAF Staxton Wold.
The Station Commander of RAF Boulmer, Wing Commander Joe Redhead, said:
‘I first met Sergeant Tim Claridge over twenty five years ago when we were both deployed on operations in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus. From the outset, his professionalism and personable nature stood out, and those qualities helped see many of us through subsequent deployments with Number 1 Air Control Centre to Tallil Airbase in Iraq and later to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.
When I last saw Tim a couple of months ago, whilst he was stationed at Royal Air Force Staxton Wold, even though he had decided to leave the Service, he was still passionate about passing on his deep knowledge of Tactical Data Links and Radar Operations to the next generation. Tim will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, both professionally and personally.’
The Air Command and Control Force Commander, Group Captain Lisa Foy, said:
‘Sergeant Tim Claridge served with distinction and unwavering commitment to ASACS and was held in the highest regard for his quiet professionalism and subject matter expertise. Many will remember him from his time on No 1 Air Control Centre, where he forged everlasting friendships across the ranks and once again demonstrating his unswerving commitment whilst deployed on operations. Sgt Claridge leaves behind a warm and lasting legacy among all who served with him.
Tim will be greatly missed. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time.’
The Wing Commander Kev Wills, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, said:
‘I had the privilege of knowing Sergeant Tim Claridge for almost twenty years, starting with our time on Number 1 Air Control Centre, when we deployed on multiple operations and exercises. We subsequently worked together at the Air & Space Warfare Centre, performing Test & Evaluation on new and updated Air Command and Control Systems. While most recently on XIX Squadron where Tim developed lessons for Tactical Radar Operators to maximise the performance of our latest Air Defence Sensor.
Tim was exceptionally knowledgeable, but more than that, he was a genuinely kind and supportive colleague who gave his time freely to others. He was widely respected for his professionalism and his willingness to share his expertise, and he made a lasting impact on me personally and all those he served with. He will be greatly and sadly missed by all who knew him.’
