Fl Lt Charles Douglas Fergusson

[longforgan]

looking for information of the above. Charles was with 607 Squadron and was shot down by the Japanese over Burma in I think 1943. His service No NZ404658. His nickname was "Chuck or Chook". If anyone has any info would love to hear it. I have been asked to do a painting.
Don Wilkie

[errolmartyn]

From some notes compiled by Colin Hanson and me. Note correct service number.

FERGUSSON, Flight Lieutenant Charles Douglas.
NZ404858 then 132064. Born Hastings, 14 May 1921. RNZAF 30 Nov 1940 to 16 Aug 1946. Pilot. RNZAF Reserve 28 Aug 1950 to 7 Feb 1957.
To Canada on Awatea 29 Apr 41. Graduated as pilot in Canada.
Shot down 24 Dec 1942 with 607 Sqn RAF (Hurricane during a low-level attack on Magwe, Burma. Intercepted by Japanese fighters and shot down in the ensuing dog-fight with burns to his arms, legs and face. PoW. Imprisoned Rangoon.

Errol

[longforgan]

Thanks Errol that give me a start cheers Don

[richardc]

Hi Don,
I have a little information (video interview, a few photos etc) on Chook. What are you looking for?
Regards, Richard (e: [e-mail])

[carolinefergusson]

I am one of Chook's Granddaughters. Can I assist in any way? :-)

[percyblakeney]

I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING 'CHOOK'S' CAREER FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS ALONG WITH BRYAN CHURCH, MEEANEE, TARADALE, WHO LIVES IN THE DISUSED PETROL STATION AT THE TOP END OF MEEANEE ROAD. 'CHOOK' SPENT MANY HOURS WITH BRYAN UNLOADING HIS HORRIFIC EXPERIENCES AS A P.O.W OF THE JAPS. WE HAVE APPROACHED PETER JACKSON THE FILM DIRECTOR TO SEE IF HE IS INTERESTED IN MAKING A FILM ABOUT 'CHOOK'. TO DATE, GOOD FRIDAY, HE HAS NOT REPLIED. PLAN 'B' IS TO HAVE A DOCUMENTARY MADE BY A SPECIALIST COMPANY IN LONDON, WHO HAVE BEEN APPROACHED AND APPEAR TO BE VERY INTERESTED. OF COURSE, 'CHOOK'S'SONS WILL ALSO HAVE TO AGREE TO THIS. IN ADDITION 'CHOOK'S' STORY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE M.P. FOR HASTINGS WHO IS ALSO THE MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS. FINALLY, IT APPEARS TO ME THAT 'CHOOK' FALLS WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF AN AWARD OF THE GEORGE CROSS; AT THE VERY LEAST THE N.Z. GOVERNMENT SHOULD HONOR HIM IN SOME WAY. 'CHOOK' IS ONLY THE 17TH ALLIED AIRCREW TO SURVIVE WITHOUT A PARACHUTE. BUT HIS SURVIVAL IS UNIQUE BECAUSE HIS 'HURRICANE' DISINTEGRATED.

[Dave Homewood]

Sounds interesting Percy. Keep us up to date on these happenings please.

[joesoap]

Dear A.V.M., We have been endeavouring to contact the Film Director Peter Jackson to see if he is interested in filming 'Chook's' amazing story; but, to date, no response from Mr. Jackson. Plan 'B' is to have a documentary made by a Kiwi outfit in the U.K. They are fascinated by the story and have done quite a bit of research in readiness for filming; including being in contact with the historian of 'Chook's' last Squadron, 607 R.A.F. They will do it at a 'knockdown' price of approx. 30,000 pounds, as they believe that it is a story which is worthy o be told. We are hoping to raise this amount either thru the N.Z. Government or by Public Subscription. The team of four would spend 2 weeks in 'Godzone' interviewing and filming. We did initially approach Lord Ashcroft for funding but he was only interested in the story itself.
'Chook's' saga is unique that of the 17 airmen known to have survived without a parachute he is the only airman to have had his aircraft (Hurricane) disintegrate around him; the others either landed in snow, fir trees, or remained in some section of their doomed aircraft. In addition he survived being beheaded by the intervention of a senior Japanese Officer.

There is a lot more to 'Chook's' story. The Minister for Veteran Affairs has been kept up to date on this ongoing saga.

We would appreciate any advice that you could give, especially re. the funding.

Best Wishes.