489 NZ Squadron

[Dave Homewood]

David Burrowes has asked me to point out that he has placed a lot of information on the Squadron up onto Wikipedia where anyone can view it, and has asked me to post this list of all the public libraries and museums that have a copy available for people to read:

Holland/Norway
Egersund area - not sure of location of book. This is to be located near the crash site of 2 No 489 Squadron Beaufighter aircrew
Flyhistorisk Museum Sola
Lista Light Museum
Norwegian Aviation Museum

Offered to (but did not respond)
Military Aviation Museum, Holland
Royal Norwegian Air Force Museum

I also contacted several individuals and/or organisations in Germany and France - to offer a copy. I received no reply from

Australia
A W M Museum

no response from RAAF Museum

Canada / USA
Canada Aviation Museum

no response from

Canada Museum of Flight
RCAF Museum

New Zealand
RNZAF Museum
Christchurch Public Library
Dunedin Public Library
Wanaka Museum (NZ Fighter Pilots)\
Aviation Heritage - Omaka
Auckland War Memorial Museum
MoTaT
North Shore Brevet Club
RNZAF Whenuapai
Auckland City Museum
Massey University Library
National Library
VANZ
NZ Defence - I understand that some of these were to go to RNZAF Bases


Declined invitation to purchase
Wellington Public Library
Hamilton Public Library


Several also distributed throughout UK - this list is to come. They will include

near 489 Bases at;

Langham (Bluebell pub)
Dallachy (Fochabers)
Banff (Museum of Flight)
Aircrew Association collection (Yorkshire Air Museum)
and I believe at the RAF and I W Museums

Some of these books were donated by 489 Squadron Association, others by 489 Squadron personnel and their families. Several were purchased by the library / museum concerned. I would be grateful if this list could be published on your website, so that those who wish to read a copy of 489's story, can access it.

many thanks

David Burrowes

[Deleted]

I think Errol has summarized the situation well and its not useful to continue the dialogue except that a couple of incorrect statements were made - David states that he didn't promise me a copy of the book (which I was happy to pay for) - perhaps he should reconsider this - he wrote it in an email - which I would be happy to post. Secondly - I did tell him about the opportunity to get a grant from VA but in no way did I ask him to support my application nor did he. I do not understand the necessity for all the lies and approach here.

At the end of the day we are all simply interested in the endeavors of our airmen - we are all keen to honour them in what ever way we can - I personally don't feel that I own any of the information I have collected over the years and am always willing to share it if anyone should ask.

The irony of it is that David does not own any of the information either - he simply gets it from others just like we all do.

I think the air will clear when the new History of 489 currently being written by an experienced historian and author publishes his book in the near future. The success of his other books is an indication that it will professionally prepared and well received.

[davidnzl]

Hullo Larry - Please send me a copy of the email you refer to re the promise of a book (I think that you have my postal and email address). If I overlooked or forgot to honour this promise, I will rectify it by sending you a copy provided you pay $75 (cost at that time to contributors; and which is $20 less than the cost to some libraries) into the Association's Account and send me the prepaid post and packing material. I am disappointed that this email has only just been raised, when it could have done either at the book launch or soon afterwards. It would sorted out at that time

My recollection re providing supporting email (at your request) for your application to VANZ for your bibliography is different - but as I did not keep a copy, I will not pursue this

As you (and others) will see from a posting above, 489's Unofficial History is widely available - and can be viewed at one of these places and probably via interloan.

I agree that I do not own most of the information - This is made very clear in the copyright notice in this volume. Therefore, I cannot release it, in its entireity, to others researchers, authors etc. Permission needs to be obtained, by the author / researcher from the original owners / authors. Never- the-less, I have also sent Dave Homewood other information re 489, which he can post on his website for all to see - if he so wishes. I have also placed information on Wikipedia; and various other websites; and responded to family inquiries; and requests for brief extracts by several researchers.


I look forward to reading the new book you mention - as, in my view, the written record of the deeds of 489 and other Coastal Command Squadrons during World War 2 are sadly lacking.