Andrew Charles Hine

Andrew was amongst the most supportive of teaching staff in this school, and was ever present at so many endeavours. His words of appreciation and admiration offered inspiration and example, and his impact on this great place and its people was so significant in the relatively short time he was with us. A true legend, and courageous to the end. We miss you. What a service you planned.

I remember Mr. Hine as my deputy housemaster at Oundle. Although we didn't know each other for long, his personality and character rubbed onto every single Graftonian. People say he is strict, but I just think he cares, and he cares a lot about each and every person he knows. I remember spending a morning running with him, and despite the age difference, I was still slower! I also remember that he went out of his way to produce the most perfect revision plan I could ask for in order to help me achieve results that he believed that I could. Looking at the memory wall here only shows what a true character, Mr Hine was. Whilst I am sure he would be heartbroken with what's happened within the house, during the hardest of times, I will remember how he fought his battles and the lessons of strength he has taught me. From the bottom of my heart, I hope Mr Hine, left this world knowing what a true inspiration to many, and whilst it might not offer enough solace for his family, I know, and deservingly so, to be in a better place now. May you rest in peace, Mr Hine. Thank you for the belief and effort you put in me, and I know you will continue looking out for everyone no matter where you are.

I remember Mr. Hine as my Deputy Housemaster. He has a genuine interest in our lives, remembering every little detail we told him, and he quickly became one of my favourite teachers in the school. Thank you, Mr. Hine, for always being there when I needed someone to talk to, and for believing in me when no one else did. Thank you for making me who I am.

I remember Mr Hine as my deputy house master for Grafton House, although he was a little bit strict you can put so much respect towards the guys name. He was the best discipline teacher and respected us.

I am sending all my love and strength to the family today as Andrew is laid to rest. I am deeply sorry for his loss and wish to extend my condolences and prayers especially to Paddy, Jill, Nick and Jeremy. All love from your cousin Charlotte xxx

With a kind heart, Andy touched so many of us in such a positive way. He was a master of style and humour, and having shared many exciting, demanding, challenging, mischievous, humorous and above all, enjoyable times together through flying training and beyond, I know he will be sorely missed.

Our sincerest condolences to Andy's family. Our thoughts are with you.

Dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings Andy

I first had the privilege of meeting Andrew when he became a tutor in Grafton House. I remember vividly one of our early conversations where he briefly mentioned his time in the RAF. I light-heartedly joked that he could have played Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and we shared a good laugh. It was only later that I truly understood the extent of his remarkable achievements in the RAF; he was indeed a superstar. I will always cherish our last Christmas in the chapel together, when I had the chance to hug him and say goodbye. That memory, and so many others, will forever be etched in my heart. Rest in peace, Andrew.

The very last thing I ever expected to do, to was write on your memorial page. It was a total shock to learn of your passing. As your Squadron Warrant Officer, we had a close working relationship. Navigating successfully, the Squadron through the ‘Lean’ process. We all respected your firm leadership which, saw us through some testing times. Your compassion and caring you had for our personnel was nothing less than superb.
Your red trousers and Tweed jacket at Top Tables, introduced a new fashion statement to the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess, from the usual ‘beige’ attire. Your dry sense of humour was refreshing which, I took advantage of when I had you convinced, that you had bent the lamp post outside the Mess, (it had been like that for years), after your very low Battle of Britain flypast for us.
Let us not forget the ‘head shave’ in Al Udeid at Christmas 2007. Your surprise at the ‘Tornado Queens’ video, done by the ‘Linies’; MOD were not amused. Finally, your liking of Jim Reeves, my father’s favourite, and of course, your legendary yodelling.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to your family and friends. With heavy heart, I have to say RIP Boss!

I met Andy at St Andrews and am grateful to have had him as a good friend, college/flat mate for three memorable years and also a very able best man. Andy was described as exceptional in his career with the RAF and this also describes him as a person, being excellent company with a fine sense of humour and a good walking companion in the Chilterns. He was naturally kind and considerate and he will be sorely missed by me and all who had the good fortune to know him. My thoughts are with Alison and Jacqui and all his family for their sad loss.

Thank you for all you did in Ed Support Andrew, what I saw you do with the pupils was just the tip of the iceberg! It was truly a privilege, and great fun, to have worked alongside you - a great loss to so many. With deepest sympathy to family and friends

I knew Andrew at Oundle, firstly as the SEN teacher of one of my tutees, for whom he was the perfect model of kindness, patience and understanding, coaching him in so many life skills as well as helping with his studies. We met and just talked so many times: he was one of those people you feel you have known all your life because he was interested and cared, and empathised.
It was therefore with great delight that I found myself on his coach when we went to the Somme with the 4th form last summer, and I had the privilege to listen in on some of his lessons. He had taken an inordinate amount of care in preparing recordings to inspire the imaginations of the pupils, and they listened so intently to his gentle authority and empathy with the soldiers whose lives he was describing. His talk to the U6th at their leavers' dinner was again, full of humility, humour and life lessons. He was a truly extra-ordinary teacher and gentleman. We miss him very much.

My first interaction with Andrew was around 9 years ago. Over a period of 10 days or so i had repeated calls from an Oundle unknown number. Messages were left from an Andrew Hine, i eventually returned the calls (poor form on my part) and made a time and date to visit. This is when i first met this persistent gentleman, who knew exactly what he wanted.
Since that time both Matthew and myself had a clear understanding of Andrew on the home front but never knew how much he had achieved in his career before he was a school master at oundle school. We obviously knew there was a career in the RAF but had no idea how much this man had achieved.
8 years after our first call, one Friday afternoon late 2024 we had another call from Andrew wanting to share his health news and of course this was him starting to get his house in order ahead of his departure.
This all makes you wonder why has Andrew been taken from this world so soon?
Our sincerest condolences to Andrews family.
Rest in Peace Andrew Hine

I knew Andy as Mr Hine, as a GCSE history student at Oundle just three years ago. I went on to take history at A Level, and am now studying it at Oxford where I am enjoying the subject ever more - much of this was the work of Mr Hine, who was distinctly inspiring as a teacher. Rigorous in teaching, enlivening in his intellect, and above all kind in his commitment to the success and happiness of all his students, Oundle's pupils will miss him dearly. I will never forget my last lesson with him, which involved his favourite selection of Blackadder scenes and Pavarotti clips, and ended with us all listening to stille nacht; much of the class, including him, were brought to tears.
Even after he stopped teaching me, I wrote a few letters to him to which he was kind enough to respond. I am very sad I shall not be able to write to him again, but I am eternally grateful that he helped instil in me and so many others what will never leave us: a passion.

Andy joined ADStAUAS two years after I did and his mad-cap humour, sence of loyalty and friendship are my lasting impression of him.....not to mention his mildy eccentric country gentleman dress sense. Two memories stick in my mind that still make me laugh. His father turned up unofficially to see him during Summer Camp 1986 at RAF Newton. We all ended up going for a curry in Newark. Andy then suggested that we secretly pay the bill and then do "a runner" to see what his dad would do. We all legged it whilst Senior was left aghast. Of course when he offered to do the honourable thing, he found the bill already settled....and Junior with all his mates laughing like drains on the pavement outside. The second instance was in the same camp. On the night before we left to come home Andy produced the biggest pack of pink toilet roll that I'd ever seen. His idea was to wrap the Mess, the Stn Cdr's house, garage and car inside the garage all with bog roll. We then wrapped all the trees in the stuff all the way to the main gate. I kept bumping into Andy all over the place ans I brought him home from ops on several occasions. He always took time to chat and recall the nonsense we got up to in the past. One of life's true gents, taken too soon. I can just hear Roger Chick up there saying " Now young Hine, you must remember to behave yourself up here". Blue skies old chap.

On behalf of The Haileybury Society I send sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and friends. He was the very best of Old Haileyburians, dedicating his life to service for others.

I was introduced to Andy via my parents when I was an annoying and spotty teenager. He was very gracious toward me and introduced me to my first real taste of banter. I regularly mocked him for his love of a tweed jacket, but he got the last laugh though, as I eventually went on to own a few tweed jackets in later life! A wonderful man that still holds a fond place in my heart and memories 25 years later. Devastated to hear of your passing and sending my love to all of your family.

Such sad news. I worked with Andy at PJHQ J5 he was always professional, but very fair. A lovely man who is now flying the clouds. With fond memories. Cheryl POWriter RN retired.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Andy’s passing . I first met him in 1986 when I joined Scotland's Finest. At first, I was quite intimidated by his teasing - usually about the afront of girls being allowed to join- but I soon came to understand his kindness and appreciate the cheeky sense of humour.
My sincere condolences to all his family for the loss of such a remarkable and unforgettable character

I first met you Andy on a short weapons course at RAF Cranwell in 1992. Little did I know then that professionally you would become my flight commander, squadron commander and even Combined Air Operations Centre Director. More importantly though, you were to become a dear and trusted friend whose company I thoroughly welcomed and with our families subsequently having wonderful memories together.

I admired the strength and values in your leadership, always intent in doing the right thing and in a collegiate manner with no underhand politics. Only you though could have the audacity as weapons leader to take a ‘few days off’ with the navigator weapons instructor during the squadron’s standards evaluation. The reason was to watch Manchester United in the Champions League Final in Barcelona yet you knew that you had ensured we were well prepared so it was worth the risk.

Above all, you truly cared about people which was so apparent to those who really knew you. Your sense of addressing injustices was remarkable. Thank you for the help and comfort during my loss a few years ago. I am so sad that you have also left us too early and my heart goes out to Alison, Jacqui, Charles, Jessica and Harry.

Say hi to ‘Lasher’ and please exchange banter as you both did so frequently.

I have been putting this off as it brings about finality and demands acceptance. No more catching up with Andy, no more shared confidences and no more banter!

When Boss Park & I taxied out on my first flight on ADStAUAS at Leuchars, he said that I would make some really good friends on my time with the squadron. I agreed with a “Yes. Sir, I already have” but he followed it up with a clarification that he meant they would become meaningful, life-long friends. How true that statement was.

At the time that I blagged my way onto “Scotland’s Finest” in 1984, I firmly believed that the RAF rank system went something along the lines of Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader then God. To find that one of the squadron member’s father was, therefore, God’s boss unnerved me a tad but I got on with the important tasks such as taking advantage of the discounted bar prices at Leuchars and committing the Bulldog checklist to memory. I was shocked to find out much later that this person was Andy, who by now was already one of my good friends with whom I was well practiced at exchanging banter. That scenario alone was a big lesson in life for me. I have subsequently had many!

Both being at St. Andrews, we met at such a respected seat of learning and yet I suspect he learned little of value from me in the following years of friendship. I, on the other hand, learned a number of things such as what Debretts is, that tweed really only works at a point to point or a shoot and that there are idiots and lovely people at both ends of the social spectrum! Naturally, I followed Andy’s career with interest and a degree of vicarious pride and, he, in return, rolled his eyes and asked what I was going to do next that could shock the world!

He was, of course, easy to wind up. I will never forget his face when he had spent half an hour in the company of my date for the RAF Marham summer ball prior to my arrival from Yorkshire. Knowing his distaste for the local accent, she had agreed to pretend to be the most Norfolk accented oik possible. He could simply see his career going down in flames and all because of “NA”. She was, however, extremely well bred and well accented and so all was well but one never wishes to miss an opportunity.

The choice of him being my best man was not a difficult one - or as he put it “NA, you get to treat me as if I am your ADC. Use it well - It won’t happen again!”. As expected, he carried out that duty with his inevitable skill, diligence and cheeky good humour and the day went without too many hitches.

Much has already been said of Andy’s kindness and simple awareness of what matters to people, irrespective of rank. That he was such a close friend to me is testament to his charitable side and he was of immense help to me throughout our friendship but particularly through my late wife’s illness and ultimate departure.

There are so many lovely memories and much that I will miss but no regrets – except perhaps one:

Whilst living in Switzerland, I flew over to go hillwalking with my son in Knoydart, the most remote part of the UK. I fell and injured my cruciate ligament, it turned out later. I should, of course, have called mountain rescue but I firstly doubted whether my medical insurance would cover a helicopter and secondly I guessed it might originate from RAF Lossiemouth and I simply couldn’t put Andy, as Station Commander, through the inevitable ribbing for “flying in his mates”. I walked on despite huge pain but I do wish now that I had gone for the helicopter option just to see how he dealt with it. It would have been quite a story for us to reminisce about now!

Andy was the “rock of sense” in my life giving sage advice when asked, and sometimes before being asked and he was surprisingly open minded albeit easily shockable. I feel a huge sense of loss but it is nothing compared to that of Alison, Jacqui, Charles, Harry & Jessica. I also know how difficult it must be for Sir Paddy and Lady Hine outliving an offspring. That loss must, at least in the future, if not now, be mixed with a huge sense of pride of having had such a pearl of a human being as husband, father or son. I know that I feel extremely privileged to have been able to consider him a friend.

“Herbert”, “NA” aka Neil Armstrong

We were deeply saddened to receive news about the death of Andrew, a true and loyal friend for so many years.
We offer our sincere condolences to Alison, Jacqui, Charles, Jessica, Harry and other members of the Hine family.
I first met Andrew in June 1989 when we were assigned to the same Flight at RAF Cranwell for Initial Officer Training; little did I know that he would have such a deep and lasting impact on my life. We quickly became good buddies which led to a life-long friendship, sharing so many good times. Whilst super-smart and serious he also had a great sense of humour, making mischief being a sizeable component of this. Through him I blind-dated a girl who a few years later became my wife. She got to know Andrew and we got to know Jacqui, we all became good friends. The girls became our respective wives and mothers to our respective children, we saw each other often, visiting and taking holidays together at Andrew’s family villa in the Algarve; such fond memories for us all.
Andrew was a lover of the great outdoors and despite his hectic schedule over the years we were able to do several hill-walking breaks in the UK, always a good man to have along as he was a far better navigator than me. Other adventures took us to Morocco in 2009 where we spent a tough week in the Atlas Mountains, Andy relishing the physical challenge this presented. I recall coming off the 4000m peak and him spying a waterfall at which he was unable to resist stripping off and enjoying a very cold shower ! This chimes with a tale he once told me that whilst back-packing in New Zealand he did a bungee jump, naked on his birthday !
A further and most memorable adventure saw us visiting South Africa in 2017 where we covered 4000km in 3 weeks. Andrew was a most agreeable ‘travel buddy’ as we explored the Drakensburg, safari parks and many iconic sites across Kwazulu Natal and Eswatini. Being a historian seeing him immersing himself in tours of Zulu battlefields was seeing a man in his element – such great memories. I well remember the look of alarm when I told him the last 2 nights in Johannesburg would be at a backpackers hostel in Soweto. We went, it was a special experience, great memories are made of such things.
Andrew was a great friend to me for 35 years, a fellow adventurer, sincere, loyal, good company and so very modest. He was also a great friend to my wife Hilary, visiting us and trotting out old anecdotes of times gone by and laughing uproariously – we will miss him greatly, as will so many.

Paul & Hilary Crosby

I knew Andrew as a valued colleague at Oundle School. I first came across him when he was providing additional support in History for my stepson, and was initially struck by his modesty, and his warm and personable demeanour. He went the extra mile for my stepson, staying late with him on a couple of evenings, and his mother and I were grateful to Andrew for providing such needed support. One evening when I picked up my stepson, I found out that their conversation had drifted to the topic of football, and that they had enjoyed playful banter owing to my stepson being an avid City fan, and Andrew recounting his experience of the 1999 Champions’ League final on the halfway line!

I valued our regular chats when we came across one another on the school campus. The last time I saw Andrew was in The Rectory Farm café just before Christmas, and he took such interest in asking my 5-year-old what she was hoping Santa would bring. Utterly selfless. An inspiring man whom I am pleased to have known.

One of the first encounters with Andy was listening to him address a group of officers from his quarters at Wildenrath. He was, with their help, hoping to form an Officers' Club at Wildenrath as an alternative to travelling to the mess at Bruggen.

His leadership qualities were very evident then and he certainly didn't disappoint throughout his distinguished career.

During the setting up of the Officers' Club and our love of running we became good friends and it was an honour and a privilege to be his invited guest when he dined out from 17th squadron. I was also very fortunate to be invited to Northolt to celebrate his life's service to the Royal Air Force.

Andy has certainty left an array of fantastic memories with so many people. He was courageous , intelligent, a meticulous planner but most of all he never took himself too seriously and was always on the same level as the people he was with.

Finally I've included a photo of Andy, myself and a couple of friends when we were a combined raffle prize of cook, butler, wine waiter and dishwasher (me) at Wildenrath.

The world would certainly be a better place if it was filled with more Andy Hines.

God bless.
Chris Waugh

I first met Andy at RAF Cranwell in 1989, when we were cadets undergoing IOT, and was then a few courses behind him through flying training before eventually meeting again at RAF Valley. The night before Andy was to receive his wings (with his father as the Reviewing Officer) he came to my room and asked for my advice.

We sat down with a drink and Andy told me that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue with his RAF career as he had always wanted to become a school teacher. I recall that we talked about how he had got to this point in his life, what the options were, his obvious sense of duty and drive to excel, and whether to follow his head or his heart. Hopefully I was a source of support to him at such a challenging time, but I can remember watching him walk across the car park at the front of the Officers Mess on his way to speak to the Station Commander and really having no idea whether he was going to graduate or withdraw.

Andy was a great guy, a super pilot and an excellent officer, but I’ll bet he was a wonderful teacher! Blue skies my old friend.

My deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.

Murph

I was deeply saddened to hear that we had lost Andy. He taught me a lot when he was my Squadron boss on II (AC), which was the first time I met him, but after that our paths regularly crossed and we stayed in touch. He was a great pilot, and a talented leader, and his high standards both in the air and on the ground were both respected and feared. My longer than regulation sideburns were a particular issue for him, and I had to keep a lip balm in both pockets of my flying suit so I had a reason for my hands to be in them. I fondly remember some of us changing into jeans, ‘The Devils Cloth’, during the admin break of his dining-out night. He wasn’t impressed. His pronunciation of ‘QWI-N’ used to regularly annoy me - more F3 than GR4 - and he knew it and played on it. We kept in touch and I last saw him when we arranged to meet in London for lunch, which turned out to be the day after the late Queen passed away. Ironically by then I was a civvie and my sideburns were shortened to regulation length and so still a talking point. He refused to call me Matt to the very end, instead it was always ‘ah, now then Matthew’. I found it hard to call him Andy, often defaulting back to ‘Sir’ like the old days.

Rest in Peace Andy. My thoughts are with your family.

Second to None.

I had the pleasure to work alongside Andy for several years at Baines and continued to seek his sage counselling afterwards. I loved his wry humour, occasional wickedness and well considered opinion on whatever might he the issue.

Andy I am sure will be missed for all of that and more. I am so glad he eventually discovered not to live to work and spent his last years giving back to teaching and realising whilst he could change the world he personally didn't have to. Instead the ones he has mentored can continue it in his name, improving safety and defence in general.

Fair winds and blue skies Andy, one last pass through the lakes on your way to the maker!

Such sad news. I only knew Andy for a very short while only but always found him to be very approachable and humble whilst being quiet yet considered. Andy never spoke of his military achievements which says a heck of a lot and it is with great sadness to hear of his passing.

With love to Andy's family, we wish you amazing memories of his life.

Fair winds Andy.

I’ll always remember when Andy first joined Baines Simmons and was paired with me for his second week. The first morning, as we talked about our time in the military, he was technically still serving as he was on resettlement leave, he turned to me (an ex-ranker) and said, ‘That’s all behind us now. I need to learn from you, what's next?’

From that moment, I knew I’d be working with someone grounded, humble, and a genuinely nice guy.

Andy was my boss on ii(ac)Sqn and since he was a Man U fan and I a gooner, we often talked football. He was the best boss I ever had in 31 years service and I am proud to say we became friends, exchanging birthday wishes each year. An amazing man, extremely thoughtful, driven, kind, steely and a true leader. He once asked me whether the Sqn should deploy to Cyprus or Lossiemouth for a summer detachment (what would "the lads" prefer). Given he had only £100,000 to fund it, I advised we best pack our jumpers and golf clubs, not our beach wear!
A fantastic man, he will be sorely missed by all that new him or anyone that his life touched. RIP Andy.

Truly saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. He worked for me in MOD in the DEC DTA equipment capability area in the early 2000s as my SO1 research package officer. A true gentleman, an outstanding officer, confronted with working amongst a collection of MOD’s best ‘nerds’. Andy took it in his stride of course, even if he found this strange breed of unruly colleagues a new challenge. He was excellent in helping bring some order to the scene, with his charm, direct but urbane manner and, when you knew him well, a mischievous twinkly sense of fun and humour. It was great to see him rise further and then change direction to academia. A great man and a privilege to have worked with him and shared his company. Blue skies Andy.

Saddened to learn this. Andy was very kind and supportive during my time in the Air Staff and on multiple occasions thereafter. I’ll never forget the sharp intellect, precision and generous guidance he provided. He brightened rooms, through force of personality. We both toyed after the RAF with education, so the connections continued. Oh and the ties….
Thoughts with all those he touched.

It was my honour to know Andy. When I was a brand new QFI and flew with my first student (16 August 1990, Church Fenton, Tucano ZF170, 0.55 Formation) - guess who it was? Well he was clearly better than me and nothing changed in the future. As so often in the RAF, friendships remain, often at range, but we did still meet and I enjoyed every moment of that time. I was proud to be present when he was dined out of the Service. Now he has 'Put out his hand, and touched the face of God'. We will all miss a great guy.

It was a rare privilege to consider Andy as a friend and colleague. I was shocked and saddened by learning of his passing today. He supported and facilitated my first opportunity into civilian employment when I left the RAF in 2016 and for this, I will be forever grateful. A truly inspirational leader and society will be poorer by his absence. God Bless and rest well Andy

A superb pilot, the consummate officer, a lovely man and one like so many who became a friend during my 30 plus years in the Service. It is with great sadness I write this as he had so much to offer to so many and I will miss his great dry wit.

Very sad news at the passing of Andy but seeking solace that I had the pleasure of meeting him. He was a total professional throughout the time we worked together on the Tornado Force and in the hallowed halls of MOD. But it is Andy as a person that provokes the fondest memories. He'd look after everyone guiding and mentoring his team with a wisdom that few people achieve and with a cheeky sense of humour when needed. Taken too soon

I have struggled for a week or more to find the words.
Hineley burst into my life in my second year at St Andrews. A mutual friend dragged him into my flat and announced “This is Andy! He needs another flatmate! You’ll like him!” She was right on all three counts and I moved into 28 Lade Braes the next term. Thus began a brilliant year of mayhem & madness (some of which has been shared here by Cari & Stig Depla) and Hineley and I became the best of friends. We drifted apart post uni, but could always pick up that friendship at the drop of a hat. I recall photographing him for the St As magazine out at Leuchars, acting as his agony aunt on countless doomed romances and - most clearly - accompanying him to see Top Gun about a dozen times. One night he turned up at the cinema in checked pyjamas, slippers & an Arthur Dent style dressing gown as he thought he had flu and couldn’t be bothered to get dressed!
To the Cognac of Romance, I am so glad you were a part of my life, love from The Countess

Much has been said about Andy being a stickler for standards, and I routinely failed to meet expectations in terms of denim, product and hands in pockets. That said, beneath that stern exterior was a heart of gold, carefully nurturing, shaping and humouring a better way. Taken too soon, and leaving a hole in so many lives, Andy was one of a kind. I, like many others, are all the better for being a small part of his world - thank you Andy…blue skies.

I am so sad to hear of Andy’s death. He was a junior pilot on 17(F) when I first met him and my Stn Cdr at Lossie during my tour there as a WO. An absolute gentleman who I loved working for and with over the years. I spent many happy hours chatting with him about a raft of subjects and he was so clear in his advice and support. He was without doubt the finest gentleman I ever served with. RIP buddy

Andy Hine was above all a true gentleman who always made the time to listen and support wherever he could. He supported me when as OC Tornado Maintenance School and the officer responsible for manning within the Tornado GR Force when the service went through some difficult times. A nicer man you couldn’t hope to meet, taken much too soon.

Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Andy. A huge character who left a lasting impression of warmth, kindness and joy on everyone along the way.

Our paths crossed infrequently after UAS times but they were always memorable.

The world is a poorer place without him. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

I only found out about Andy today. He was a great man. After the funeral of Sgt John Longstaff he sent each of us pallbearers a personal letter thanking us for our efforts. It is still a cherished memory.
The world is a poorer place without him.
Blue skies Andy

I think ‘mischief’ best describes most of my early memories with Andy on ADStAUAS. Our all too infrequent chats in recent years, less mischievous, but always sharing a laugh about life’s twists and turns…and inevitably me valuing his wisdom.
That drink at The Open in ‘27 will be raised to you Andy!
Sending love to Alison, Jacqui, Charles, Jessica, Harry and all the family.

So sad to hear about Andy's passing. We got to know him well during the building and memorial service day for the airfield memorial at II(AC) Squadrons wartime airfield of RAF Sawbridgeworth back in 2007. He was really enthusiastic about this airfield having a memorial at last and made us all welcome with a stay over visit to RAF Marham for the weekend for II(AC) Squadrons 75th Anniversary. Blue Skies Andy.
Hertfordshire Airfields Memorial Group

Andy Hine ,young keeen Tornado Pilot & Tria-Athlete on 17(F) Sqn 1994-97 ish, I was one of the Sqn Operations Staff who helped planning missions, ATC information and supplied aircrew with stats etc for Log Books. A lovely competent man & fine officer who I had known also when Andrew was a small boy; babysitting at Paddy’s home at RAF Wildenrath for the family with my girlfriend.

It is a testament to Andrew that so many have written so much about his character, humour, humility but above all zest for life and knowledge. Always good humoured. Always well principled. Always polite and always willing to support and help others. Such fantastic traits for a (second) career in teaching. The courage and fortitude Andrew displayed once he had fallen ill was nothing short of extraordinary, and his strength a true inspiration. Go well dear Andrew.

together in the same syndicate at Staff College, I have the best memories of his modesty (remarkable given his cloth and job), professionalism and warmth. A great loss and my sincere condolences.

I arrived at II (AC) Sqn in 2006 and worked in the Admin Office directly for Andy Hine. He demanded alot from myself and my team, both at home and overseas. He always made sure our efforts never went unnoticed and made his appreciation known. I prided myself in going above and beyond for my boss and this gave me good grounding for a sucessful career to date. I am so very saddened by this news. I know Tanya Moncur, my admin Sgt at the time who also passed a few years ago will be pleased to say hello. Andy had us in at 2am before deploying on operations writing his Christmas cards which we were happy to do for him!

Andy and I started St Andrews in the same year of 1984 and from the word go cut quite a dash roaring around the streets in his little MGB. He was a lovely chap; suave and self deprecating in equal measure and was a great university friend. A wicked sense of humour, the twinkliest eyes ever and I still remember our riotous trip to an RAF ball in Aberdeen fondly.
We caught up occasionally over the years which was lovely and I am sad that this did not happen more often.
Biggles, as I used to call him, will be greatly missed.

Andy was my Squadron Commander when I served my second tour on II(AC) Sqn.

I always found him serious regarding his duties but he was always fair, and a gentleman.

Once I had a particularly dodgy experience when Paragliding and asked him if he'd take my civilian Paragliding Instructor flying in one of the Squadron Tornado's so he could see how fast things happen in a fast jet at low level.

He promptly agreed and I know my Paragliding Instructor still talks about it to everyone, including his students, explaining why informing agencies about your Paragliding sessions is extremely important to RAF Aircrews.

He was one of the people who encouraged me to pursue a posting to C17's as an Aircraft Ground Engineer (AGE), a posting I thoroughly enjoyed which saw me flying as part of a crew on operations in many conflict zones.

I will always be grateful to him for the experiences that his encouragement gave me.

Fly free with Gods speed Sir.

I saw Andy's obituary today in the Telegraph, saddened to see a man exactly my age taken far too young.; such an engaging and warm smile. It then dawned on my that this was Andy who I was at St. Andrew's with, I remember a hugely enthusiastic, somewhat larger than life character loved by many and uncompromisingly good fun. He was always destined for the RAF and clearly loved it.

A life well spend. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dear Andrew,

It was a pleasure to meet you at Oundle School. The grace and class with which you conducted yourself was an example to us all. The bravery that you faced the ultimate challenge remains a testimony to your character.

See you on the other other side, old chap.

Nathan

I last heard from Andrew in January. We share not only a connection through Oundle School, but the RAF, which my husband and daughter both serve. I sent Andrew a photograph of my daughter recently graduating from RAF Halton. Andrew knew her Graduating Officer and was pleased to hear all about the day we had. In the too short a time I knew Andrew, we shared many happy memories of the RAF, and of his academic research interests. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Blue skies, dear Andrew.

Mr Hine was the best teacher I have ever had and truly believed in everyone that he taught. He was committed to guiding us and saw potential where most did not going beyond the call of duty to help me and many others.
His individual attention to every one of us and his unwavering commitment to help is something we did not appreciate enough and one of the many reasons the Oundle community will miss such a kind man.
Thank you for all you did for us sir.

We were all blessed by Andrew's presence at Oundle School - the humble, dedicated, diligent man we met did not at first reveal the tremendous individual he was. He never made show of his exceptional military career but as we came to know Andrew, his outstanding character and understated quality became apparent. He would always seek to help, always give a straight answer and was always generous towards those he worked with. At Oundle, he was a leader by example, demonstrating the strong fundamental qualities that made him such an excellent person and an example to all of our school community, pupils and staff.

Rarely can so much have been achieved over such a short time in a second career. A role model and inspiration to boys and a very good and loyal friend to colleagues, Andrew loved people, conversations and was particularly suited to the cut and thrust of life in a boys' boarding House, enjoying as he did the company of the young. Such an able and accomplished man, he had that invaluable quality in a schoolmaster of never having fully grown up himself! In another life he would have been the very best of boarding House Masters. Funny, self-deprecating, humble and (far too) modest, Andrew was a huge hit from day one in School House and the place is so much more dull without him and that mischievous and impish sense of humour. I will miss those breakfasts in the Greedy Piglet Andrew and Xmas dinner in House will never be the same without you.
A true gentleman and one of the good guys, taken way too soon

I have known Andrew for over 35 years and selfishly and optimistically was hoping for a further 35.

On meeting he was a fresh-faced cadet at Cranwell where my job was to keep the chocolate biscuit box full for anxious students in need of some homely comforts. I made him, unusually for Andrew, brightly coloured waistcoats and of course a bow tie to set off his beloved tweeds.

In later years I ribbed him about lining up the tins in the cupboard, having no idea how to defrost a deep freeze, insisting on washing the dishes before they went into the dishwasher and being the only person I know who barbecues in Portugal wearing a scarf! Im fond of a scarf myself Andrew, but you took it to its ultimate level!

Andrew loved my cooking, and I loved cooking for him. I have never seen anyone who could eat so many boiled eggs for breakfast and then follow that up with porridge, and maybe a home-made muffin or two. On one occasion we had a dessert that was made for 12, consumed by 4 with, “Mr Sweet Tooth” leading the way for seconds or was it thirds.

Andrew was the best ever house guest, on leaving his bed looked tidier than before he slept in it. The visit was always followed up by a beautifully crafted thank you note, I wish I had kept them all.

Andrew left me a gift in the form of Alison. It is rare in your 60’s to make a new true friend but that’s what Alison is to me. I intend to honour his wishes.

I will miss you beautiful Andrew but honoured to be your friend.
The lesson is hold close all who are dear to us.

From the moment I met Andrew—it was at a dining-in night at RAF Bruggen in 1992—it was evident he was cut from a different cloth. I already knew who he was—his arrival on 17(F) Squadron had been much anticipated—and I was delighted to learn he’d be seated opposite me.

I was the Squadron Intelligence Officer and used to take a lot of banter from the aircrew, but Andrew was different. He was decent, kind, modest, down-to-earth, and entirely without ego. It was so unexpected. He was in a league of his own. He took a genuine interest in me and my role on the Squadron and was simply delightful. He quickly became my mentor and friend.

He encouraged me to join him running the RAF Bruggen 10km road race that year (photo below) which turned out to be a lot of fun.

I left the RAF a couple of years after we met, but our friendship spanned over three decades and four continents. We met up many times over the years and always caught up on each other’s life stories. On one occasion, we enjoyed a fabulous few days on a road trip in Utah and hiked a couple of national parks.

Only Andrew could scold someone with a "bloody fool" and still deliver it with his wry smile and a twinkle in his eye.

Andrew was a true friend—loyal, of the highest integrity, a confidant, and a wise sage. He was a giant amongst his peers, and the world is a lesser place without him. I cherished his friendship and I will miss him enormously.

Heartfelt condolences to Jacqui, Alison, Jessica, Charles, Harry Hine, and the Hine family. ❤️

Thanks Andy - I will always remember our times on both 17(F) Sqn and XIII Sqn when I was in your 4 ship policing Iraq in the late 1990s. Your dedication and work ethic was admirable. Also, your sporting prowess was way better than I first gave you credit for - but those red shorts are up way too high :-) ( it was Bruggen - 17 Sqn officers football team 1993). Blue skies my friend and one day I hope to meet up somewhere on the piste or on some football pitch. Fondest regards - Kev

It is with the deepest of sadness that I bid you farewell my dear, dear friend. I remember first meeting you at Cranwell when you, as a cadet, not only did the ‘baby-sitting’ for our Beardie puppy, Rory, but also took the greatest of delight teaching me, as DS, the finer points of leadership. Since then you have been a constant in our lives, not only at Lossie when you managed to get me airborne a couple of times in the boot of one of your jets, but also at Douneside in 2018 when we were privileged to be with you and Alison on that very special December day.

We cannot believe you are gone from this earthly world Andrew, and Janice and I will miss you more than we can possibly say.

It has been a privilege and an honour being part of your life. Not only an amazing friend, but an officer of the highest quality and unquestionably one of the great leaders of your generation. You will be missed by all who knew you and all whose lives you touched. Blue Skies my dear friend and Auf Wiedersehen until we do, truly, see each other again.

Dear Andy,

It feels like yesterday we were young and full of hope at St Andrews—everything ahead of us, the world wide open. I’m deeply grateful for your friendship, and even more so that we managed to stay connected through all these years.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in making sure I heard your news. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more, couldn’t give you more time here with us. It breaks my heart to know I won’t see you again in this life.

But I look forward to seeing you again on the other side.

Your Friend,
Melissa





Photo: Andy 1987