Sergeant Simon Carter was born in Huddersfield in 1972 and, from the age of 6, started his musical journey learning to play the piano and trumpet. He excelled on both instruments and quickly gained a reputation in the Yorkshire region for his musicianship, particularly on trumpet. This led to his successful audition and acceptance into the prestigious Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, aged 9, where he continued to shine.
Following in his older brother, Daz’s, footsteps, Simon joined the Royal Air Force as a musician in 1991. He served as a regular musician for 31 years, rising to the rank of Flight Sergeant before joining the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force as a reservist (Sergeant) in 2022.
Simon was an extremely talented trumpet player, but later transferred to French Horn – an instrument on which he equally mastered. He was a role model to all personnel within RAF Music Services for his professional excellence, both as a multi-instrumentalist, and as a Drum Major.
During his stellar career, Simon served at RAF Uxbridge, RAF Cranwell and RAF Northolt. At each unit, his endearing inter-personal qualities, professional acumen, and sense of humour ensured he left an indelible mark on the intimate military communities of which he was a part. A proud Yorkshireman and keen sportsman, Simon regularly represented all these stations at cricket, making a valuable contribution to their successes.
However, Simon will be always remembered for his outstanding contribution in his role of Drum Major. Widely recognised as one of the most outstanding Drum Majors that RAF Music Services has ever seen, he was immaculate in everything he did ceremonially. He was the obvious choice to record the RAF Music Services training video, designed to assist future Drum Majors. He had an innate ability to share knowledge, be generous with his time and support, be patient and understanding, while delivering everything with an enormous amount of fun and humour. He was the role model that all Drum Majors aspired to emulate.
Simon had many career highlights, including performing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He appeared in several overseas military tattoos, the ‘RAF 100’ Parade in London, numerous RAF Officer graduation parades – several with royal attendance – and Public Duties at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Holyrood Palace.
He loved nothing more than teaching people within RAF Music Services. Personnel arriving in the band after basic training, would be greeted by Simon, who offered them an initial helping hand to encourage and advise them. Therefore, when Simon left regular service in 2022, it was a natural choice for him to join the team at Lincolnshire Music Services, where his mentoring skills and teaching prowess continued to flourish.
Simon tragically lost his life in an off-duty motorcycle accident in Lincolnshire on 12 April 2025. He was a loving and loyal son, brother to Daz, husband to Vicky and dad to Lucy. He has left a true legacy, which will be difficult to match. He will be missed by his family, friends and all his colleagues, both in RAF Music Services and the wider music circles in which he was involved.
Squadron Leader Ted Sellers