Posted 4-7-2005 at 11:01 PM

A memorial service has been held at Pearce Air Force Base, on the outskirts of Perth, for the men and women who died in last Saturday's crash of a Navy helicopter on the Indonesian island of Nias.

Friends, family and colleagues, some weeping openly, gathered outside the base hospital to remember those killed.

In particular, they remembered Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy, who was based there.

Mourners were encouraged to lay wreaths and individual poppies at a makeshift altar in a ceremony that included the Last Post and moving reminiscences of a man described as an inspiration, a deep soul and a friend to all.

As a sign of respect for Squadron Leader McCarthy a fly-past was planned but cancelled because of smog.

Fly-pasts are normally reserved for air crew only.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1340294.htm