Richard 'Dickie' Parker CBE MC

Patrick  Pontet-Piccolomini:

He was my CO 654 Sqn AAC 1964 in Lubbecke, Germany. Completed his service as Brigadier, Director AAC. Really lovely man, and very much a father-figure to the many who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dickie Parker. C.B.E.   M.C.

Dickie first joined the 656 as a newly qualified Air OP pilot in 1946, when the Squadron was in Java and Sumatra. He died on 21st March 99 and was cremated on the 30th.

Amongst the many at the crematorium service were a few pilots who were in the Squadron at that time, namely Michael Cubbage, Bill Eastman, (who was Dickie’s ‘best man’ at his wedding), Russell Matthew and Mike Webb. The many other ex-Servicemen mourners, (generally younger than we four!) reflected the stages of Dickie’s distinguished service career.
In 1947 Dickie returned from 656 to the UK to undergo a flying instructors course (fixed wing) which he passed with top A1 qualifications. Later he gained similar distinction as a rotary wing pilot and instructor.

He returned to 656 as Squadron Commander in 1967/8. After some regimental service he transferred as a founder member to the Army Air Corps and ended his service career as Brigadier Commanding the Army Air School at Middle Wallop.
His imaginative and vigorous advocacy of the offensive capabilities of the helicopters found expression in the present military thinking and practice. Dickie, who like his friends Russell Matthew and Mike Webb, had won the Military Cross when barely out of their teens was awarded the C.B.E on retirement.