A Scots war hero who strapped himself to an Apache helicopter during a daring mission to help rescue a fallen comrade in Afghanistan has been reported missing. Former Royal Marine Gary Robinson was last seen at Waverley train station in Edinburgh at around 6am on Saturday, May 13.
Police say concern is growing for the welfare of the 43-year-old, who may have travelled south to the Dorset area where he has connections. Gary was one of four brave volunteers who came under fire from heavily armed Taliban insurgents in January 2007 while strapped to the attack helicopters.
The dangerous mission, dubbed ‘Flight of the Phoenix’, saw the military men successfully retrieve the body of 30-year-old Lance Corporal Matthew Ford of 45 Commando after he was killed in action. Worried pals are now appealing for help to find Gary, from Rosyth, Fife, after extensive police enquiries have been unable to locate him.
Posting on social media, Mark Stephenson wrote: “Gents, there’s a growing concern for Gary’s wellbeing. Most will know him as one of the lads who strapped himself to an apache in 2007.
“He’s been through some tough and dark times recently and really needs the help of his wider family right now. It’s thought he could be in the Dorset area, please keep an eye out.”
Gary faced further heartbreak in October 2008 after his father Stephen, 48, died during a sailing accident. Despite Gary diving into stormy waters and dragging his father to a pier, the former naval officer later passed away in hospital.
Police Scotland say they are continuing to try to find Gary and are asking members of the public for help. Sergeant Alexander Brydon from Dalgety Bay Police Station said, “I am appealing for Gary to get in touch with us.
“His friends and family are extremely concerned and just want him home safe and well. We have a number of police resources and are liaising with our policing counterparts, in trying to locate Gary.
“I am now looking for assistance from the public”. Gary is described as being around 5ft 8in tall, of stocky muscular build, with a close-shaven head and a neatly trimmed beard.
CCTV footage of him at the train station shows him wearing a red polo top, blue jeans and light brown boots. He is also carrying a black backpack.
If you believe you have seen Gary or have any information as to his whereabouts, please contact 101 quoting incident no 3164 of the 12 May, 2023.
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