New Zealander - RNZN, RN & RAN (pilot in last two)

[FlyNavy]

Dave,
Is the info about this pilot relevant to this forum? I'm not sure how many others there might be - have just come across this in the "Slipstream" magazine of the RAN FAA Association.



Phil.

[Dave Homewood]

Interesting chap. Sadly NZ's contribution to WWII naval aviation is often overlooked but the FAA Association of NZ does have a good tribute to them at Motat.

[FlyNavy]

Dave, Thanks. Good to know. I'll have to visit one day. I'll have a look online soon.



Phil.

[rubberduck]

Last time I was in NZ I took a ferry ride over Auckland Harbour and walked to the RNZN Museum at the Devonport naval base. There were very generous displays pertaining to NZ Fleet Air Arm pilots, especially Corsair pilots of the British Pacific Fleet 1944-45. I bought a good booklet on the subject from the museum shop, and it was a much better than usual potted history. Maybe they still have some?

[FlyNavy]

WubberDuckie, :-) Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look online?
Phil.

[Dave Homewood]

I forgot about the RNZN Museum. It's so low profile it gets easily forgotten, but when i visited it in 1988 it was a great little museum.

I recall in 1991 during the celebrations for the RNZN's 50th Anniversary it was announced a big purpose built museum was to be built, and be comparible with Wigram and Waiouru museums for the other services. Sadly it never happened - I don't know why. I guess because the Navy is the junior service with so fewer numbers of veterans and people with an interest. If it had happened, maybe they could have preserved a Leander class frigate rather than scuttling them all (apart from Southland).

[kiwichappers]

Another good man to add to the modelling list and a fresh range of aircraft although I am not a big fan of the Fulmar.