15/08/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H3xEnYuwv/
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT MICHELLE GOODMAN FLEW INTO A BASRA KILL ZONE TO SAVE A DYING SOLDIER — AND MADE RAF HISTORY.
At 11.15pm on 1 June 2007, a British position in central Basra came under mortar attack.
Rifleman Stephen Vause was nineteen. He had suffered a devastating head injury, and medics warned he could die within fifteen minutes.
The landing site was surrounded by buildings, cables and masts. Intelligence suggested insurgents could be waiting for a helicopter.
Goodman was captain of the Merlin sent to bring him out.
Flying at very low level on night-vision goggles, she crossed the city as hostile fire struck behind the aircraft.
Then, twenty feet above the ground, rotor wash swallowed the landing site in dust.
She could no longer see the surface.
Guided by Sergeant Steve Thomas, Goodman continued the approach and placed the Merlin close enough for the medical team to reach Stephen quickly.
Four mortar rounds landed around the position while the crew remained on the ground.
Goodman could have lifted away and circled.
But another landing would cost time Stephen did not have.
For around five minutes, she held the helicopter in place under fire as he was loaded aboard.
As the Merlin climbed above the rooftops, further explosions followed. Its warning systems detected a possible missile threat and released defensive flares.
Goodman used the aircraft’s maximum performance to escape.
Fourteen minutes after take-off, Stephen reached the field hospital.
He survived.
His injuries changed his life forever, but years later he was taking on charity challenges and raising money for other wounded veterans.
In 2008, Michelle Goodman became the first woman awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Not for making history.
Not for recognition.
But because, when a young soldier had minutes left, she and her crew went into the fire and brought him home alive.
Her medal marked a first for women in the RAF.
Stephen Vause’s life remains the greater legacy.
Flight Lieutenant Michelle Jayne Goodman DFC — we honour your service, your crew and the life you saved.
Lest We Forget.
