mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
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Post by mrjohn on Jul 4, 2017 17:27:50 GMT 12
Hi, the Ashburton Aviation Museum is building a replica of the control tower that was here in 1942.
We have good pictures of the exterior of the building but are still looking for pictures, information and artifacts that we can use to fit out the interior of the tower. Can anyone help us please especially with pictures of the interior a typical WWII control tower. Although there were 50 or so training aircraft here I doubt any had radio and suspect equipment in the tower would have been rather sparse.
Thanks
John
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 4, 2017 20:00:42 GMT 12
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mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
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Post by mrjohn on Jul 4, 2017 20:54:34 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, that is pretty much what we have in mind, some of that equipment we have but no candlestick mics yet.
I note in the first picture that the mast in background looks very much like a Dynes(sp?) pressure tube anemometer mast but there is no sign of the usually accompanied Munro wind direction and wind speed dials.
John
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Post by pjw4118 on Jul 5, 2017 11:26:19 GMT 12
And a well decorated Observer on the phone
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 5, 2017 13:29:56 GMT 12
You're right there Peter. The caption states he was Flight Lieutenant R G Burgess.
Colin Hanson's book "By Such Deeds" lists a
Squadron Leader Robert George Albert Burgess, AE.
NZ403601 & 130347.
Born Whakatane, 21 Dec 1921.
RNZAF 28 Seo 1940 to 24 May 1948
TAF 1 Jan 1949 to 1 Sep 1957
Reserve 2 Sep 1957 to 21 Dec 1976
Navigator, then Air Traffic Control
"Sqn Ldr Burgess completed his first tour in Europe and the Middle East, flying 37 sorties. He then returned to NZ in Mar 1943 for further service. Died Taita, Lower Hutt, 13 Mar 1991."
That row of ribbons looks like a lot more than just the Air Efficiency award though. Did Colin Hanson miss something here?
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Post by isc on Jul 5, 2017 15:02:49 GMT 12
Another essential is the flare pistol, and red and green flares. isc
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Post by davidd on Jul 5, 2017 18:18:13 GMT 12
Dave H,
Most of those medal ribbons will be for campaign stars or similar medals, rather then decorations or awards. Very similar situation still prevails, although it takes an awful long time to get a good swag of them now compared to the days of WW2. Brief details of all the campaign ribbons and medals are covered in Colin Hanson's book, but only the decorations and awards are detailed under the individuals who appear in this volume.
Binoculars were of course standard equipment in control towers in those days, probably still are, although not quite so important as they once were. Something else associated with control towers in WW2 were "Watchkeepers", who had a little hut near the control tower, often "manned" by WAAFs, who had to record the exact time of take off and landing times of all the stations aircraft, which also required the aircraft to be identified. Thus they also had a pair of binoculars which were supposed to be powerful enough for the watchkeeper to read the large "code numbers" painted on training aircraft (often on fuselage as well as underwing). They were not expected to read the aircrafts' (much smaller) serial number, thus the large code numbers. These numbers were also supposed to discourage pupils (and some instructors!) from indulging in unauthorised low flying, buzzing houses and vehicles, etc.
David D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 25, 2017 21:53:13 GMT 12
I just came across this photo again that was sent to me by the late John Scullin in 2007. He wrote ate the time: "Hi Dave this is the Controller Rukuhia 1948 ( someone around your way may recognise him. John S."  |
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mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
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Post by mrjohn on Aug 27, 2017 8:26:31 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, that is a good one!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 14, 2017 0:07:18 GMT 12
How about one of these?  Auckland Weekly News dated 13 October 1937, (Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19371013-45-5) |
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Post by shorty on Sept 14, 2017 8:35:23 GMT 12
That looks like an Emu on his hat badge!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 14, 2017 9:17:11 GMT 12
I think it is the Wellington City Coat of Arms with a Moa on it  |
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