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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2012 22:36:48 GMT 12
I spent a while with one of our few remaining fighter aces Guy Newton (who lives in Aus) a couple of months back and we talked about the incident when he was in training to be an instructor - he was practicing aerobatics and while doing a slow roll the instructor fell out - he was Squadron Leader David Allan (one of the RNZAF's most experienced instructors with 6,000+ hours). The incident is recorded in Errol Martyn's book For Your Tomorrow (Vol 1 - page 71) - it occurred on 12 March 1940 over Mangere.
Guy's memory of it was very good - I would be interested to see if anyone has a photograph of Squadron leader Allan
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Post by Tony on Aug 21, 2012 22:50:06 GMT 12
From the AWM Cenotaph Database (Sorr no picture) Full Name David Malyon Allan Rank Last Held Unknown Squadron Leader Forename(s) David Malyon Surname Allan War World War I, 1914-1918 World War II, 1939-1945 Serial No. NZ2524 Gender Male Date of Birth 15 September 1896 Next of Kin Mrs E.F.C. Allan, of Bosham, Sussex, England Enlistment Address Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand Last Unit Served Royal Air Force Royal New Zealand Air Force, Flying Instructors School Place of Death Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand Date of Death 12 March 1940 Age at Death 44 Year of Death 1940 Cause of Death Killed on active service Cemetery Name Cremated at Waikumete Crematorium, Glen Eden, Auckland, New Zealand Memorial Name Auckland War Memorial Museum, World War 2 Hall of Memories Biographical Notes He was the son of Alan Leslie Allan and Eva Matilda Allan (nee Blythe); husband of Emma Florence Constance Allan, Bosham, Sussex, England. Allan had served with the RNAS and RAF during WWI and was a renowned figure in New Zealand aviation during the 1930's as a flying instructor and display pilot. He received his wings on 14 November 1917. Principal types of aircraft flown by 1919: Avro, Sopwith, and a BE ('British Government Machine') Qualified as a flying instructor during World War I. Further References McGreal, Maurice Eugene. Diaries relating to service in Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, 1937 - 1945. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2004/54., Page 30. Martyn, E. (1998-2008). For Your Tomorrow (Vols. 1-3). Christchurch: Volplane Press. The International Aerial Register and Gazette, 1919, London. Hawkes Bay Aviation Heritage. URL: www.wings.net.nz/index.html Sources Used Auckland Museum. Roll of Honour, Auckland Province, 1939 - 1945. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 93/139. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. URL: www.cwgc.org |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 21, 2012 23:07:48 GMT 12
Dave Allan was CFI at Auckland Aero Club, Mangere, before the war and did a lot of aerobatic displays on weekends to promote aviation. In fact I think he did as much to promote aviation in New Zealand as the likes of Jean Batten and Kingsford Smith - I have talked to a lot of WWII pilots who told me stories of going to see his air displays and being inspired. Some of them even trained under him before the war. He was also in charge of the Auckland (Territorial) Squadron, so did a lot for aviation there too.
I had the pleasure to speak with his son a couple of years ago, who's now deceased. He told me that as well as Dave being killed in an air accident, so was Dave's other son and his grandaughter, both on the Air New Zealand DC-10 that hit Mount Erebus. Three generations lost in unusual air accidents. So sad.
Also I have been told by more than one veteran that Dave being so confident in the air felt he didn't need to wear a seatbelt, and that is the reason for his falling out. It seems rather odd to me if this is the case, such an experienced man with Air Force training would surely have been more safety conscious.
When the accident occurred too, the newspapers were initially given the wrong information about the accident, and printed that John Arkwright was the instructor-student at the time. John told me he was surprised to read that in the afternoon paper, as he'd been in the flight before the one that Guy was on when it happened. The paper retracted this next day.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 21, 2012 23:51:49 GMT 12
Some reports from the Auckland Star on this incident and Dave Allan's sad death:
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 61, 12 March 1940, Page 8
FALL TO DEATH.
D. M. ALLAN KILLED.
MANGERE FATALITY.
'PLANE LANDED SAFELY.
TRAINING COURSE MISHAP.
As the result of a flying accident at the Mangere Aerodrome this morning Squadron-Leader D. M. Allan was killed. The tragedy occurred at about 10 a.m. At the time he was flying dual with another instructor, who landed the 'plane safely.
The ill-fated pilot fell from the machine after they had been in the air about half a hour. He was dead when picked up. The late Squadron-Leader David M. Allan, who had been officer commanding the instructors' school at Mangere since the outbreak of war, leaves a wife and two sons, one of whom recently left Auckland to take up a commission in the Royal Navy.
With Pilot-Officer Arkwright, Squadron-Leader Allan took off in a Tiger Moth training machine about 9.30 a.m. Pilot-Officer Arkwriglit did not see his companion fall, but when he saw that he was alone, he made back to the aerodrome and landed the machine safely.
Immediately another 'plane, piloted by Flight-Lieutenant Kirkup, took off to locate the field in which Squadron-Leader Allan had fallen. The field was found at a point some two miles from the aerodrome, near Black Bridge, Mangere.
A party from the aerodrome set off to investigate, and in the meantime a St. John ambulance had been summoned from Auckland and an urgent call made to Dr. W. N. Abbot, of Manukau Road. T
he ambulance was forced to leave the road and to make its way across country for some distance, through fields and over rough tracks. However, when the vehicle, which had picked up Dr. Abbot on the way, arrived on the scene it was found that Squadron-Leader Allan was dead. It is thought that he was killed instantly.
Tiger Moth Inspected.
Shortly after the tragedy, two officers from the Hobsonville Air Base flew to Mangere and conducted an inspection of the Tiger Moth. They found that the machine was intact, and that there was no visible evidence to show the cause of the accident. It is not known from what altitude Squadron-Leatler Allan fell. An official inquiry will follow.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 61, 12 March 1940, Page 8
MAYOR'S TRIBUTE.
SYMPATHY OF CITIZENS.
"Auckland citizens will learn with deepest grief of the death of Squadron- Leader Allan," said the Mayor of Auckland. Sir Ernest Davis, this morning.
"We were all proud of him, and admired his bravery, ability, and everything that made him a manly man. Those who knew him best will mourn their loss, and all will join with me in expressing deepest sympathy for his wife and famiilv."
On behalf of the citizens of Auckland Sir Ernest, this morning, sent a telegram of condolence to Mrs. Allan.
An outline of Squadron-Leader Allan's career appears on Page 9.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 61, 12 March 1940, Page 9
SKILFUL PILOT.
SERVED IN LAST WAR.
SQUADRON-LEADER ALLAN.
SHOCK FOR MANY PUPILS
One of the most capable and experienced aviators New Zealand has known. Squadron-Leader Allan was also widely popular throughout the Dominion for his personal qualities as well as universally admired for his prowess and skill as a flyer. He was generally regarded by those competent to judge as New Zealand ace No. 1 in ability to handle an aircraft in any circumstance, and to bring a machine safely to earth where others less qualified might crash. His skill in aerobatics was regarded as uncanny, and all the more admired from the fact that in stunting he never indulged in what trained aviators regarded as foolish risks.
Squadron-Leader Allan's experience, record and reputation were regarded as exceeding those of any other flyer in the New Zealand service. Born at Waipukurau, he left Xew Zealand at an early age, and on the outbreak of the last war in 1914 he was in South America. He immediately joined up, and soon qualified as a pilot with the Royal Naval Air Service at Eastbourne. With the rank of lieutenant, he was engaged in instructional work in machine-gunnery and aerial fighting and he did about 300 hours in dual instruction in Avros and Camels.
Sheep Farming in Hawke's Bay.
Returning to New Zealand after demobilisation, he engaged in sheep farming as manager of a station in Hawke's Bay, and during that period he kept up his aviation practice as a member of the Hawke's Bay Aero Club. Ten years ago he was appointed to the position of instructor for the Auckland Aero Club at Mangere, and in November, 1937, the members tendered him a complimentary dinner to celebrate his completion of 5000 hours' experience in the air. Most of that experience had been in the work of instruction in England and New Zealand, and at that stage he had been responsible for the training of about 170 pilots at Mangere.
His wide knowledge and special experience of the handling of machines of various classes in the air was taken advantage of 'by the authorities in the inquiry into the crash of the Lockheed air liner Kotare at Mangere in May, 1938, when Commander C. M. Duthie and Second-Officer J. Peel were killed. Squadron-Leader Allan was appointed a member of the board of inquiry into the causes of that accident.
He remained as chief instructor to the Aero Club until the present war broke out, when Mangere aerodrome, in common with other private aerodromes in the Dominion, was taken over by -the Government, and Mr. Allan automatically placed his services at the command of the Air Force, in which he became Squadron-Leader.
Skill in Aerobatics.
During hifi life as instructor at the Auckland Aero Club, Squadron-Leader D. M. Allan attracted thousands of people during week-ends to witness his feats of aerobatics. His skill in this field of aviation was undoubtedly uncanny. By his exhibitions he brought before the public the methods used in aerial combats. So superb was his execution of aerobatics that the special machine that he flew was never found to be in the least way strained as a result of his evolutions in the air.
With his pupils, among whom were many budding feminine pilots, he was able by his instructional methods to imbue them with complete confidence to enable them to go solo and eventually carve out a successful career in aviation. Many of his pupils are in the Royal Air Force to-day and are held in the highest regards as to their ability.
"Seems Incredible."
"It seems almost incredible," remarked Mr. Spencer R. Mason, a past president of the Auckland Aero Club, on learning of the tragedy. "He was a past master of his art, and I doubt if we shall see his like again." Mr. Mason went on to explain that flying had become so much second nature with Squadron-Leader Allan that it was difficult to imagine his being in a situation which would be beyond his resource. There had been so many of his pupils from whom one had heard-of incidents in which they were convinced that their lives had been saved by the unerring resource of Squadron-Leader Allan when unexpected difficulties arose.
This immunity to panic and air sense for doing the right thing had grown almost to legend about him among his pupils and those who were closely acquainted with his prowess in the air, so that the news of his death in this way was most intensely shocking to all who knew him.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 62, 13 March 1940, Page 8
FELL 3000 FEET.
HARNESS UNDONE.
DEATH OF D. M. ALLAN.
REPORT AT INQUEST. MANGERE TRAGEDY DETAILS.
''When the machine landed the safety harness was found to be undone, but not broken,"' stated the police report to the coroner, at the inquest into the death at Mangere yesterday of Squadron-Leader David Malyon Allan, which was opened before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., city coroner, this morning.
Sergeant S.A. Brown appeared for the police. The report stated that Squadron-Leader Allan was with Pilot-Officer Percival Guy Haig Newton. Pilot-Officer Newton was instructed to go into a slow roll at 3000 ft, and the machine was upside down for about five seconds. When the manoeuvre was completed Newton noticed that the 'plane was not trimmed. He discovered that he was alone, and returned to the aerodrome and landed the machine safely.
Formal evidence of identification was given by Ronald Affleck Kirkup, a flight-lieutenant of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, stationed at Mangere Aerodrome. "I saw Squadron-Leader Allan take off from the tarmac at 9.15 a.m. with Pilot-Officer P. G. H. Newton. He ,was in his usual state of health," said Flight-Lieutenant Kirkup. "At 10.20 I saw his body in a paddock near the Black Bridge, Mangere."
Flight-Lieutenant Kirkup said Squadron-Leader Allan was 44 years old, a married man, and lived at Mangere. He had known him for 11 years. The coroner then adjourned the inquest sine die.
It was officially reported yesterday that the pupil instructor with Squadron-Leader Allan yesterday morning was Pilot-Officer Arkwright, also of the Mangere station, but this was later proved to be incorrect.
Wing-Commander H. B. Burrell, officer commanding the Hobsonville air base, visited the Mangere Aerodrome this morning.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 63, 14 March 1940, Page 8
CITY COUNCIL'S TRIBUTE.
A motion expressing profound regret at the untimely death of Squadron- Leader Allan and extending its deepest sympathy to the family in their sad bereavement was passed at last night's meeting of the City Council, the members standing. In moving the motion the Mayor, Sir Ernest. Davis, said: "We have all read with the deepest regret of the death of a man of whom we were all proud and one whose bravery and contribution to aviation were outstanding."
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 64, 15 March 1940, Page 8
ASHES SCATTERED.
LATE SQUADRON-LEADER.
FLIGHT OVER THE GULF
Tliis afternoon the ashes of the late Squadron Leader David Malyon Allan, who lost his lite at Mangere on Tuesday, were scattered from an aeroplane from the Hobsonville Air Base. which flew over the Hauraki Gulf.
The ceremony was performed by Wing Commander H.B. Burrell, senior Air Force officer at Auckland, while the machine was piloted by Flight Lieutenant A. V. Jury, of Hoibsonville.
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Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1940, Page 9
APPEAL FOR FUNDS.
SQUADRON-LEADER ALLAN. AID FOR DEPENDENTS.
An appeal has been launched by the Auckland Aero Club for financial aid for the dependents of the late Squadron-Leader D. M. Allan. A circular which has been sent to club members by Mr. L. W. Swan says the list has been opened by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, with a subscription of £25.
Squadron-Leader Allan left two son, the elder of whom has just begun a course at Dartmouth Naval College, while the younger sits in July for a naval entrance examination. Scarcely any financial resources were left to complete the boys' education and to provide for the widow.
In making the appeal, the circular emphasises the service rendered to New Zealand aviation by Squadron-Leader Allan. Many of those now serving in the Air Force were pupils of his, and the majority of pilots who were now acting as instructors received their instructional course from him.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 22, 2012 0:05:24 GMT 12
Here are a couple of photos from the Firth collection showing Dave Allan, he was pretty tall by the look of it!  Dave Allan on the left, and R.J. Copley (known as Cop) on the right)  And a group from the Auckland Aero Club on an outing to hastings, stopped here in Taupo - their names are written on it but with more detail they are, left to right: Tony Firth Bloomfield Hewett - I assume this is the famous Jim Hewett? Dave Allan E. Boucher Cop - this is R.J. Copley, seated Pat Saunders Phil Seabrook The others must be locals come for a look. |
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 22, 2012 0:41:38 GMT 12
‘Bloomfield’ is New Zealander and ex-RFC/RAF pilot William Swanson Reid Bloomfield.
‘Pat’ Saunders may well be ex-RFC/RAF pilot Alfred William Saunders, holder of New Zealand ‘B’ Licence No. 27 and who was killed in Moth accident near Te Awamutu on 22 May 1930.
Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 22, 2012 0:45:41 GMT 12
From my For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services since 1915 (Volume One: Fates 1915-1942) :
Tue 12 Mar 1940
New Zealand
Dual instruction
Flying Instructors School, RNZAF (Mangere)
Tiger Moth II NZ724 - took off at 0915 with Act Plt Off P G H Newton in the front cockpit. During slow rolls at 0930 over Black Ridge at 2800 feet, 2 miles from the airfield, the instructor’s Sutton harness fastener accidentally disengaged, causing him to fall to his death into a paddock about 100 yards on the eastern side of the main highway. It was some moments before Newton realised his instructor was no longer present, after which he promptly returned to Mangere to report. Flt Lt R A Kirkup of the School then began an aerial search, quickly spotting the missing airman’s body on the ground at 1020. The body was later cremated at Auckland. Steps were taken to modify the flange on the control stick of Tiger Moth aircraft to avoid a reoccurrence - the safety cord for the fastener pin having apparently been fouled by the stick when the instructor ‘checked forward.’
Pilot Instr: (NZ2524) Sqn Ldr David Malyon ALLAN, RNZAF - Age 43. Approx. 6000hrs.
Allan, who served with the RNAS and RAF in the First World War, was a much revered figure in New Zealand aviation throughout the 1930s, as a flying instructor and display pilot. Attendance at his funeral on the 14th included some 400 members of the RNZAF. At the time of his death service numbers had not yet been assigned to officers of the RNZAF. NZ2524 was a posthumous allocation made at war’s end.
And from Vol Three (Biographies & Appendices):
ALLAN, Squadron Leader David Malyon,
NZ2524* (39402 in RNAS/RAF, no No. in NZAF/TAF); b Hatuma, Waipukurau 15 Sep 96; left NZ 'at an early age'; Weymouth Coll, Dorset, England; sheep farmer - at Tierra del Fuego, Chile (prior RNAS); sheep farmer in Hawkes Bay (prior NZAF); resided Falkland Islands, UK & Chile, then to UK again e.1917. RNAS [merged into RAF 1.4.18] Crystal Palace as Pilot u/t & Comm 13 May 17, Chingford 16 Jun 17, Cranwell 29 Sep 17, Pilots Badge 14 Nov 17, Freiston [redesignated Sch of Aerial Gunnery Bomb Dropping 1.4.18, then Sch of Aerial Gunnery & Fighting 6.5.18] 14 Nov 17 [aerial gunnery instr from 2 Dec] 2 Sch of Special Flying 13 May 18, 204 TDS as instr 28 May 18, 62 Trg Sqn [redesignated 42 TDS 15.7.18] as instr 11 Jun 18, 2 Fighting Sch 21 Oct 18, 41TDS as instr 1 Jan 19, demobilised 15 Mar 19; rtd to NZ 1919; NZAF [redesignated TAF c.Aug 37] 3 Mar 29, [also civil flying: Hawkes Bay & East Coast Aero Club as assistant instr 1929, 'B' Licence 18 Nov 29, Auckland Aero Club as CFI from late 29/e.30], 1(AC)Sqn (nil a/c) 1 Sep 30, Auckland Territorial Sqn [redesignated Auckland GR Sqn 4.9.39] (Baffin/Vincent) as CO 15 Sep 38; mob RNZAF & to FIS (Tiger Moth) as CO 1 Oct 39, kaa 12 Mar 40. Auckland (Waikumete) Crematorium - Screen wall (ashes scattered over the Hauraki Gulf). Son of Alan Leslie & Eva Matilda Allan (née Blythe); h of Emma Florence Constance Allan (née Ogilvie), Bosham, Sussex, England. Note: * NZ2525 allotted posthumously at war's end.
Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 22, 2012 10:46:38 GMT 12
Thanks for that extra info on Bloomfield and Saunders, Errol.
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Post by davidd on Aug 23, 2012 11:49:35 GMT 12
That "Hewett" certainly looks EXACTLY like the famous James Duff (Jim) Hewett, not to be confused with his son of same name who was killed on last day of 1941 whilst flying an Oxford at Woodbourne. Speaking of fathers and sons, I would wildly guess that the E Boucher in same photo COULD be Ernest Robert BOUCHER, father of Hilliard Ernest, the latter being killed flying a P-40 out of Ohakea on 13th Feb 1945. Incidentally Boucher the younger was flying a P-40N with minimal instrumentation (as discussed on another thread on this site), and attempted to climb through many thousands of feet of solid cloud, but eventually lost control and spun into some sandhills. The lack of these instruments was specifically mentioned in the accident file, and his skill at managing without them for instrument flying was also touched upon, but the wisdom of attempting this in fighter-type aircraft (inherently and deliberately only marginally stable) was questioned. Errol C, any comment on whether Boucher the elder was a pilot in 1930?
David D
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Post by davidd on Aug 23, 2012 12:19:35 GMT 12
Almost forgot that I was going to comment on the photos of Dave Allan (frequently misreported as Dave Allen in some documents), these were great to see. It certainly gives a better picture of the man to see him at his full height - his size was frequently mentioned in historical accounts. There is also quite a nice little "head and shoulders" portrait of Dave Allan in "Wingspread" by Leo White (opposite page 81), also smiling! Also glad to see that Errol has provided additional details of his fate, and pointing out that it was probably his own "checking forward" movement on the control column that led to the safety pin for the Sutton harness being unintentionally withdrawn that resulted in his own death. Of course this did not prove that this was the actual cause, but was thought highly likely. I have also heard about his allegedly foolhardy habit of doing aerobatics without fastening his harness, and this may have also been mentioned at the RNZAF enquiry into his death, but nevertheless DHNZ Modification No. 101 dated 17 April 1940 would seem to have been the result of this incident ("Modification to handgrip of control column - removal of flange by turning on lathe".) I cannot find my original notes which were copied from a newspaper, but it is my recollection that Allan indicated to Newton that he would demonstrate the slow roll, then Newton would perform one - Newton had probably already completed some during his earlier training. My memory of the Newton's account continued with fact that the slow roll ceased about half way through, whereupon the aircraft commenced to slow down and wallow. Newton apparently thought that this was Allan's signal for him to take over, so he completed the roll, then looked round to find that he was now alone. However I read that a very long time ago, so may have some of the details wrong. If anybody can add anything to allow removal of some of my "might have", "believed" and "perhaps" comments I would be grateful.
David D
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 23, 2012 13:40:17 GMT 12
That "Hewett" certainly looks EXACTLY like the famous James Duff (Jim) Hewett, not to be confused with his son of same name who was killed on last day of 1941 whilst flying an Oxford at Woodbourne. Speaking of fathers and sons, I would wildly guess that the E Boucher in same photo COULD be Ernest Robert BOUCHER, father of Hilliard Ernest, the latter being killed flying a P-40 out of Ohakea on 13th Feb 1945. Incidentally Boucher the younger was flying a P-40N with minimal instrumentation (as discussed on another thread on this site), and attempted to climb through many thousands of feet of solid cloud, but eventually lost control and spun into some sandhills. The lack of these instruments was specifically mentioned in the accident file, and his skill at managing without them for instrument flying was also touched upon, but the wisdom of attempting this in fighter-type aircraft (inherently and deliberately only marginally stable) was questioned. Errol C, any comment on whether Boucher the elder was a pilot in 1930? David D David, Yes, Boucher father and son confirmed in my Vol Three bio of the latter. Errol (of the M not C variety!) |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 23, 2012 13:47:55 GMT 12
Something I have often wondered about this case is did the modification that David mentioned get filtered through other Air Forces too that used the Tiger moth as a safety precaution? Or did only RNZAF DH82's get the mod?
I also think that had Allan lived what he may have gone onto in the RNZAF during the war. Would he have perhaps lead a bomber reconnaissance squadron overseas? Or would his skills as an instructor kept him school-bound like a few other well known pre-war CFI types? I think his experience would have even been welcome in the fighter squadrons, but his age may have restricted this.
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 30, 2012 13:21:59 GMT 12
That "Hewett" certainly looks EXACTLY like the famous James Duff (Jim) Hewett, not to be confused with his son of same name who was killed on last day of 1941 whilst flying an Oxford at Woodbourne. Speaking of fathers and sons, I would wildly guess that the E Boucher in same photo COULD be Ernest Robert BOUCHER, father of Hilliard Ernest, the latter being killed flying a P-40 out of Ohakea on 13th Feb 1945. Incidentally Boucher the younger was flying a P-40N with minimal instrumentation (as discussed on another thread on this site), and attempted to climb through many thousands of feet of solid cloud, but eventually lost control and spun into some sandhills. The lack of these instruments was specifically mentioned in the accident file, and his skill at managing without them for instrument flying was also touched upon, but the wisdom of attempting this in fighter-type aircraft (inherently and deliberately only marginally stable) was questioned. Errol C, any comment on whether Boucher the elder was a pilot in 1930? David D David, Yes, Boucher father and son confirmed in my Vol Three bio of the latter. Errol (of the M not C variety!) A little more on Boucher senior: Ernie Boucher obtained his “A” licence (with the Wellington Aero Club?) in 1930. According to the following report in New Zealand Wings of 5 September 1936, there was at least one trophy in his name (does it still survive, one wonders?): “ Boucher Endorsed Aerobatic Competition. – This is to be held on Saturday. August 1st, and at the moment of going to press, indications favour a number of entries. The competition is in aerobatics for "A" endorsed pilots, the trophy having been presented by the late E. R. Boucher. In the evening of the competition, the monthly dance is to be held in the club house.” Ernie Boucher was killed in the crash of Moth ZK-AAL at Red Rock Creek on 17 March 1934. Errol |
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Post by shamus on Sept 5, 2012 18:17:24 GMT 12
Sqn.Ldr. Allans ashes were scattered from Vincent, NZ340 North East of Rangitoto.
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Post by thomarse on Oct 4, 2012 11:15:19 GMT 12
When I first started work as a teenager at General Motors NZ Limited, P G H (Guy) Newton was a senior manager in an engineering division - IIRC, Frigidaire as it then was.
Again IIRC he was transferred to GM-Holdens in a similar capacity - that would have been mid to late 60s.
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