Derek 'Del' Downey

From John McMillan:
I have tonight found out that a former REME aircraft Technician called Derek “Del” Downey passed away in October 2008. I had the honour of serving with him in Aldergrove.

University of Leicester:

The University has learnt with the utmost regret of the death of Derek Downey on Monday 27 October 2008. Derek was a very popular and talented 2nd Year Contemporary History Student in the School of Historical Studies. He was very committed to his work and research, as shown by his successful funding application for research on the Battle of the Somme in France and Belgium, and in the voluntary work that he undertook for the Stanley Burton Centre for Holocaust Studies. He was a keen historian with ambitions to attain a high class degree and continue his studies with postgraduate research.

Derek was 37 years old; he had served in the Army for 12 years with postings in Northern Ireland, Germany, Brunei and Great Britain alongside deployments to Norway, Denmark, Spain, Bosnia and Croatia. He then joined the Police and served in Londonderry for six years.

Derek’s popularity and commitment were demonstrated in his election to the Staff-Student Committee by his fellow students. His contribution to the activities of the School and University was outstanding, and staff and students alike mourn a great loss.