Historic Antartica pics

[Dave Homewood]

Re-invigorating this ancient thread, I had an email today from Roger Billey, with the following information and photograph. Thanks Roger:

"Regarding this aircraft - my late brother John Billey took a photo on the ice which shows the plane still in flames, and the ID clearly visible on the tail section. which I would be happy to share. I am guessing it was when he wintered over at Byrd Station, or his next trip after; which would put it sometime between 1971 - 1974?

Unfortunately, I do not remember any of the details he shared with me. I apologize for the photo quality as it was scanned from an Ektachrome slide - I hope to invest in some new technology to get higher quality digitals. My late brother wintered over 5 times on the ice.



Info on my late brother: He also wintered over at Siple, South Pole, and Palmer

Billey Bluff
'''Billey Bluff''' {coor dm|75|32|S|140|2|W|} is a rocky coastal bluff 4 nautical miles (7 km) southwest of [[Mount Langway]] in the west part of Ickes Mountains, Marie Byrd Land. Mapped by United States Geological Survey (USGS) from surveys and U.S. Navy air photos, 1959-65. Named by Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) for John P. Billey, ionospheric physicist, Scientific Leader at Byrd Station, 1971."

[Dave Homewood]

By the way, Roger adds about John: "He worked for Stanford University under the auspices of the National Science Foundation.". Here is another shot John Billey took, which is Roger's favourite. Great photo of an Antarctic sunrise.

[Dave Homewood]

Here's another great photo from Roger Billey from his late brother John's collection. I hope people are enjoying seeing these rare Antarctic Hercules photos:

[flyjoe180]

Very 'cool' Antarctic photo Dave, thanks

[Dave Homewood]

Here's the last one from Roger:

[dakman]

Thanks for the pics Dave wonder ir there might be more
R4d shots out there too from the Antartic days ?

[Tony]

Summer Support 1980-81, I was one of the first two RNZAF Fire-fighters that were attached to the USN in support of Operation Deep freeze.

Served at Mactown (McMurdo) in the Firehouse before heading out to Willies for crashcrew duties.

I never considered my photos to be historic but I guess they are 30 years old. Better hunt them out for you all.

Thoughts? Wow!
Even after all these years memories are still fresh in my mind.
The BEST deployment I ever did.
I'll write up my perspective as well for you.

Loved what is in here so far......

[dakman]

Macfire your pics and experiences would be great to see ,
here .