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Post by mikey51 on Jan 1, 2012 20:29:31 GMT 12
Dave, how would you go about this ? I visited my old mother in a Wellington Rest Home over Xmas and New Year only to discover that the man in the room next door has two very well preserved and accurate log books in a drawer recording his piloting of all his flying missions, about 39 to 48. Walrus, Singapores, Harvards and Cats. All wartime missions recorded, mostly about 5 Squadron assisting 6 Squadron. Have mentioned some of this info to Jenny Scott. My problem is, how can you preserve the history without being considered an intruder. You can probably understand that he is of frail mind. Have briefly made contact with one of his daughters who may help. Any ideas ?. Cheers. Mike.
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Post by Andy Wright on Jan 2, 2012 9:32:34 GMT 12
Mike, do you have access to a laptop and mobile scanner (running off USB for example)? If the daughter and/or the man himself agrees you can scan the logbooks, read them at your leisure and perhaps formulate a list of questions for a follow-up visit.
I used to arrange an interview and turn up armed with the above and a Sony mini-disc recorder and would then ask permission to use it. If any photos were brought out I'd then ask if it was okay to scan them. Doing everything 'onsite' means there's no risk to the documentation.
Of course, Jenny Scott and Dave would be better for advice as they've done a lot more of this than me.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 2, 2012 10:10:25 GMT 12
The best way I have found is to use a decent quality digital camera. It is quick, easy and the result is as good as scanning but nowhere near the hassle, time taken and danger of damaging the book. I always use my camera to copy logbooks. You can then keep them on a PC or disc, etc, and sharing pages with other researchers is easy via email, etc.
I am very interested to know the man's name. When I began my research I was told with some authority there were only three men still alive who had flown in the Singapores. In my research I have found and interviewed eight who were then still with us! They were:
Dr George Hitchcock (captain, pilot) DECEASED
Arthur Strother (Flight Mechanic)
Maitland Jennins (pilot who flew them only as operational training before Catalina)
Roy 'Sam' Gibbs (Flight Mechanic) - had Alzheimers
Malcolm Fry (Observer)
Fred Taylor (Flight Mechanic)
Geoff Fisken (third pilot on No. 205 Squadron in the same aircraft) DECEASED
Malcolm 'Robbie' Robinson (Flight Mechanic)
Is your man on that list or is he another new one to add to the list? Cheers.
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Post by mikey51 on Jan 3, 2012 20:41:36 GMT 12
Dave his name is Maurice von Tunzelman. Jenny Scott has other logbooks identifying him. Maybe you could have a chat with her. I am a part time No 6 Squadron researcher, but am wary about how I obtain info under these circumstances. I think I'll just see if I can get the daughters co-operation, it's info I would hate to see lost. then again, it might be best if Jenny goes to see him when she comes over here around the end of March. Thanks, for ideas, I'll advise of any developments.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 3, 2012 22:45:29 GMT 12
I have heard of him from somewhere, but not sure where. Someone may have given me his name at some stage. I didn't know he'd flown the Singapore though.
I would be guessing his path would have been like Maitland Jennins, where he converted to the Walrus, then went onto the Singapore purely for a few training flights and then onto the Catalina. Apparently the Singapores had been withdrawn from patrols but they kept one for use as an operational trainer for a bit, then it became just a taxi-ing trainer before its demise.
My advice is please talk with his daughter. You never know if he'll still be around by the time Jenny gets here. I hope he is though.
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Post by mikey51 on Jan 7, 2012 17:44:16 GMT 12
Your knowlege is greater than mine Dave, I don't know anything about who flew Singapores and who didn't. HOWEVER, great news received today ! My gentle approaches to the daughter I met, has resulted in a second daughter coming down from Tauranga with a lot more documents and photos, my mother, although of unstable mind, is the liason officer ! I hope to go to the rest home tomorrow to see what has been left there to view, some co-operation has been obviously offered as they have asked me for Jenny Scotts e-mail address. It takes a little time to get the best evidence, no doubt you have learnt this yourself. Cheers Mate, Mike, Wellington.
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Post by Luther Moore on Jan 7, 2012 20:15:21 GMT 12
Wow, how exciting! Do you plan on scanning all the stuff?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 7, 2012 20:31:23 GMT 12
Great stuff Mike. Yes, these thjings take time. Your's is a quick result! I have sometimes pursued leads for six months or more.
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Post by mikey51 on Jan 13, 2012 17:40:28 GMT 12
Struck the jackpot today Dave, As well as the log books, a six inch high pile of original photos, docs, even original RNZAF Solomon Islands flying maps in pristine condition, the best collection I have ever seen. From what I saw quickly about 38 to the mid 50's. How do I e mail or PM you so you can tell me how to deal with it ? The owner is looking a bit shaky but the second daughter I just met is very co-operative, she's the historian of the family, wants to share but understandably is taking it slowly with people she doesn't know too well, like me. Cheers. Mike.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 13, 2012 17:50:53 GMT 12
Great stuff Mike. My email is dave_daasnz@hotmail.com
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Post by mikey51 on Jan 13, 2012 18:37:35 GMT 12
E Mailing. Mike.
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Post by thomarse on Jan 17, 2012 13:59:21 GMT 12
I've just found this thread. There are only 5 von Tunzelmans in Whitepages - 1 in Auckland and 4 in the Deep South.
One of those 4 is the well-known John von Tunzelman ("John von") who has been in and around aviation almost as long as I have. There has to be a fair chance he's related.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 17, 2012 18:00:47 GMT 12
Did you send that email Mike? I don't recall receiving it.
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Post by jenniferscott on Jan 21, 2023 19:43:56 GMT 12
The best way I have found is to use a decent quality digital camera. It is quick, easy and the result is as good as scanning but nowhere near the hassle, time taken and danger of damaging the book. I always use my camera to copy logbooks. You can then keep them on a PC or disc, etc, and sharing pages with other researchers is easy via email, etc. I am very interested to know the man's name. When I began my research I was told with some authority there were only three men still alive who had flown in the Singapores. In my research I have found and interviewed eight who were then still with us! They were: Dr George Hitchcock (captain, pilot) DECEASED Arthur Strother (Flight Mechanic) Maitland Jennins (pilot who flew them only as operational training before Catalina) Roy 'Sam' Gibbs (Flight Mechanic) - had Alzheimers Malcolm Fry (Observer) Fred Taylor (Flight Mechanic) Geoff Fisken (third pilot on No. 205 Squadron in the same aircraft) DECEASED Malcolm 'Robbie' Robinson (Flight Mechanic) Is your man on that list or is he another new one to add to the list? Cheers. |
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