Devon mid-air

[sputnik767]

I was told a story the other day at work.
It came from a man that was a RNZAF serviceman in the '50s.

He was telling me how he had the chance to occupy the spare seat on one of 2 Devon's on a formation training flight out of Christchurch.
The story went on that he didn't go as he had a date lined up as soon as he went off duty, she stood him up but the fate was far worse for those on the 2 planes as they collided and all onboard died....
I was trying to find out anymore on this story, dates, aircraft etc but I can't find anything. Have I been spun a yarn??

[shorty]

Nope, it's all true. They were NZ 1810 and NZ 1811 and it was a flypast to mark the end of the Londodn Christchurch Air Race on 15 Oct 53. A total of 7 people were killed. They crashed about 200 yards apart

[FlyNavy]

www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/

"NZ1810 04318 Signals trainer. Assembled by De Havilland in the United Kingdom for a cost of 29,195 pounds 19 shillings. Ferried from United Kingdom to New Zealand by RNZAF crew. BOC with RNZAF at Wigram on 30 September 1952. At the conclusion of a formation flypast to commemorate the end of the London-Christchurch Air Race on Thursday 15 October 1953 was involved in a mid air collision with NZ1811 over Wigram. The Devon crashed into a paddock about 200 yards from NZ1811 and was destroyed. Flight Lieutenant Edwin Ebbett, AC1 Brian Keogh and AC1 Eric Melrose killed and the aircraft was destroyed. Written off books on 30 March 1954.

NZ1811 04321 Signals trainer. Assembled by De Havilland in the United Kingdom for a cost of 29,195 pounds 19 shillings. Ferried from United Kingdom to New Zealand by RNZAF crew. BOC with RNZAF at Wigram on 03 October 1952. At the conclusion of a formation flypast to commemorate the end of the London-Christchurch Air Race on Thursday 15 October 1953 was involved in a mid air collision with NZ1810 over Wigram. The Devon crashed into a paddock about 200 yards from NZ1810 and was destroyed. Flight Lieutenant Erling Zieler, Squadron Leader Sholto Duncan, AC1 William Sharman and AC2 Russell Woodcock killed. Written off books on 30 March 1954."

[sputnik767]

Thanks for the fast replies, great to hear it was true, he was a very lucky man that day...in some ways I would have prefered it to have been a yarn, a sad day in RNZAF history....
That also explains why he was talking about harewood, not Wigrim.

It was an interesting meeting, he was a mechanic, working mainly on the mustangs, unfortunately he doesn't have mustang or merlin in his garden shed... you never know if you don't ask.

[tibor]

What did the investigation conclude caused the accident?

[Dave Homewood]

Note that Sqn Ldr Sholto Duncan was a fighter pilot in WWII and had seen some action in the Pacific so he was a farily experienced pilot. From memory there were four aircraft in the flypast, and they were about to enter the circuit to land (or were in the circuit) when the accident occurred. Very sad.

[baronbeeza]

www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ex-raf-rnzaf-aircraft-control-column-wheel-with

[Dave Homewood]

Why have you put that link in this thread? It shows a control wheel with no information. is it from one of the crashed Devons?

[baronbeeza]

Oh, sorry Dave.
I thought I had the link correct. I will get onto it now.

AIRCRAFT CONTROL WHEEL. This control wheel was removed from a crashed aircraft near Wigram, New Zealand's first air force base near Christchurch. It is the pilot's control wheel from a de Havilland Devon aircraft previously from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and then owned by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). From the research I have done, it is highly probably that this came from one of two Devons that crashed at Wigram on 15 October 1953 following at display at Harewood (Christchurch International Airport) for the 1953 England to New Zealand air race presentation ceremony. Seven people (including Squadron Sholto Russell Duncan - a NZ fighter pilot) died in the two aircraft, which were NZ1811 and NZ1810. The following extract is taken from my book "Air-to-Air - The Story Behind the Air-to-Air Combat Claims of the RNZAF", which is also for sale on eBay:
S/L S. R. Duncan, AM(US), mid
Squadron Leader Sholto Russell Duncan (NZ1307 & 130323) was born in Nelson on 19 April 1912 and joined the RNZAF on 5 December 1939. On 6 May 1943, while flying a P-40 with 15 Squadron, he shared in the destruction of an E8N 'Dave' with S/L M. J. Herrick. This was the first Japanese aircraft to be shot down in the Pacific by an RNZAF fighter squadron. On 7 June 1943, he was credited with the destruction of one Zeke.
Following service with 15 Squadron, he was awarded the United States Air Medal on 8 October 1943. The citation for this medal was as follows: For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as member of a flight group in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area from 2 May to 2 June 1943. Flight Lieutenant Duncan took part in numerous escort bombing missions, routine patrols, task force covers and one strafing attack, frequently in the face of concentrated anti-aircraft fire. On one occasion, after intercepting an enemy fighter, he doggedly pursued his target and, closing in dead astern to 50 yards, opened fire. In the ensuing action his deadly stream of fire severed the tail section of the Zero and sent the Japanese aircraft crashing into the sea. His skilful airmanship and determined fighting spirit contributed materially to the success of vital missions.
On 22 February 1944, he was mentioned in despatches: In recognition of distinguished service and devotion to duty. Flight Lieutenant Duncan has throughout two strenuous tours of duty been a flight commander and has shown outstanding courage and ability. He has destroyed one enemy aircraft and successfully engaged in the destruction of enemy barges, during the course of 70 sorties.
After his two tours with 15 Squadron, Duncan completed a third tour with 20 Squadron as a fighter pilot, when he was the Commanding Officer from January to July 1944. His fourth and final tour was on the staff of 1 (Islands) Group, Guadalcanal .
Duncan lost his life, age 41, on 15 October 1953 when he was aboard a Devon (NZ1811) that collided with another Devon (NZ1810) over Wigram aerodrome. The first aircraft, flown by F/Lt Erling William Ziesler, age 30, had led the last section of a 27-aircraft flypast over Harewood International Airport marking the London-Christchurch Air Race prize-giving ceremony. As the formation broke up over Wigram at 3.47 p.m., NZ1811 had its wing struck by the wing of NZ1810 and both aircraft went out of control and struck the ground 200 yards apart. All seven people aboard both aircraft were killed - the highest loss of life incurred by the RNZAF in a single New Zealand accident.

[Richard Wesley]

Just to add to this thread I received an email early last year regarding a memorial to the accident from Ronald A. Fensom.

"Friday, 22 January 2016 9:33 AM

Hello, Richard,
I wonder if I could use your knowledge of aircraft and involvement with MOTAT?
I live in Halswell Christchurch N.Z. I have been involved in my local community and civic affairs for the previous 42 years.
At this time I have brought to the attention of our local Community Board the collision of two Devon aircraft in !953 on the day of the completion of the New Zealand International Air Race. This resulted in the loss of all 7 airmen on approach to Wigram Aerodrome the crash site was in our immediate vicinity and the land has been developed intensively. We already have street names noting the pilots. The next move in collaboration with the City Council is to provide a fitting Memorial close to this site.
One concept is to provide a plaque and park seat informing pedestrians of its history. A column topped with a bronze replica of a Devon aircraft. This would require a pattern generated from a model with up tp 400m/m wing span.
Can you advise me at this early stage where this could be obtained or comments on furthering this initiative?
Ronald A. Fensom Q.S.M.
Chairman ,Halswell Residents Assn."

When I followed up at the end of 2016 the project was still moving forward:

"Thank you for your continued interest in this project.
I have received a quotation for the manufacture of a bronze model with a wingspan of 400m/m as proposed for installation at the crash site.
This will comprise a split fuselage with wall thickness of 6m/m with detailing at cockpit and passenger windows.
Wings and fuselage will be welded with parent metal dressed and polished. A support will have to be designed for security and mounting further down the line.
Next step is to, after presentation to our meeting a concept sketch of the memorial site and then put this proposal to our local community board for approval and funding criteria.
I continue to receive calls from interested associates of the crash victims and their support if any funding is necessary.
Also enquiries are continuing for possible donations from Airforce Clubs, Brevet Club, Military , etc. if required."

I haven't come across any other mention of the project but thought it was worth sharing the information with everyone.

[Richard Wesley]

Article from October 2014:

www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/10578899/Call-for-Wigram-memorial

Call for Wigram memorial

Let's erect a memorial to victims of the air force's worst tragedy within New Zealand, says a Halswell man. MIKE CREAN reports.

The spread of new subdivisions threatens to obliterate the scene of a Christchurch tragedy.

Retired engineer and Halswell community stalwart Ron Fensom wants a decision from the Christchurch City Council on a memorial to victims of the tragedy before housing developments bury the site under concrete.

Seven air force personnel were killed when two planes collided in mid-air near the former RNZAF Wigram air base and crashed, 61 years ago this month.

Fensom says gaining a memorial to them is a time- consuming process but the issue is urgent as residential developments encroach on the area.

The planes crashed near the intersection of Wigram and Awatea roads. It was a rural scene then but is vastly different now. Ngai Tahu's well-advanced Wigram Skies development stands on the former airfield, while the planes crashed on paddocks where machines are turning over land for the new Platinum Grove and Kirkwood developments.

ADVERTISEMENT
The planes were De Havilland Devon short-haul transport aircraft. They were preparing to land at Wigram Aerodrome shortly before 4pm on October 15, 1953.

Flying in formation from the northwest, they made a wide turn to approach the runway from the south. As they broke formation, at 1200-feet altitude, the port (left) wing of one plane struck the starboard (right) wing of the other. The pilots lost control and the planes went into a steep dive. One landed in a horse training paddock, the other against a belt of trees just 20 metres from a house and outbuildings.

It seems the centrifugal force from their turn thrust the planes eastwards, beyond the airfield. They hit the ground about 200 metres apart, approximately 700 metres from the airfield perimeter. The two crew members in each plane, plus all three passengers, were killed. All seven were South Islanders.

The Air Force Museum at Wigram says the death toll from the tragedy remains the highest in a single air force accident in New Zealand.

The Press the next day described the crash sites as "piles of broken and tangled wreckage". The engines were "deeply embedded in the earth under the wreckage". The impact of one plane's crash had spattered mud over the nearby farm house and stables building.

An apprentice jockey had been walking across the paddock to bring in a horse for training. He told The Press he had looked up and seen a plane heading in his direction "with a terrifying noise". He had started running towards the far end of the paddock. Like the horses, he was frightened but unharmed. Other eye witnesses said they saw the planes' wings touch as they peeled off from formation to make their landing. Two aircraft engineers playing cricket on Spreydon Domain said the planes' wings "seemed to crumple after the collision". A man driving sheep on Dunbars Road said the planes "made a thud as they hit the ground".

The air force Devons had been taking part in a 27-plane formation fly-past at Harewood airport. Thousands of spectators had watched them. The fly-past was the final public event in a week of celebrations after completion of the London to Christchurch air race. It followed the presentation of prizes to the race winners.

Spectators at Harewood must have been stunned to learn later that the last and longest of the world's great international air races had been marred by tragedy just minutes after the celebrations had ended.

An air force Court of Inquiry 10 days later found the planes and their pilots had been inadequately prepared for formation flying. It placed blame, too, on the aircraft's sunshield which obstructed the pilot's view of airspace above his plane. The shields were immediately removed from all Devons.

The air force operated a fleet of 30 twin-engined De Havilland Devon monoplanes from 1952 to 1980. Some were based at Wigram for navigation and signals training. The planes also flew on general transport duties and carried VIPs around the country. They were replaced by Fokker Friendships.

Fensom says the victims of the crash deserve to be remembered in the vicinity of the tragedy. He first thought to have streets in the new housing developments at the sites named after the seven airmen. However council procedures for street naming took longer than he expected and he missed the cut-off date.

Fensom is instead considering a monument and plaque beside a proposed walkway and cycleway, close to the crash sites. The council's plan includes a path through the area as part of a network from Halswell to Addington. It includes a setback on each side that would provide plenty of space, Fensom says. He has the backing of the Halswell- Awatea Residents' Association.

The names of the victims would be engraved on a plaque. On NZ1810 were Flight Lieutenant Edwin Ebbett of Geraldine (pilot) and Aircraftmen 1st Class Brian Keogh and Eric Melrose, both of Dunedin. On NZ1811 were Flight Lieutenant Erling Ziesler of Christchurch (pilot), Squadron Leader Sholto Duncan, Nelson, Aircraftman 1st Class William Sharman, Christchurch, and Aircraftman 2nd Class Russell Woodcock, Murchison.

Duncan was a well known and decorated war veteran, having flown fighter aircraft in the Pacific during World War II, from 1943 to 1945.

The only Christchurch air tragedy comparable to the Devons' collision is the crash of a civil airline's Piper Chieftain on approach to Christchurch Airport at Harewood 50 years later. The pilot and seven passengers were killed in the 2003 crash. Two passengers survived.

[Richard Wesley]

Update that I received from Ron:

"Just a note to inform you of progress with the proposed air crash site memorial.

I attended a site meeting a couple of weeks ago . The site has been selected adjacent to a crewman street name and on the banks of the Heathcote River Headwater reserve.The area is to be part of piecemeal development of landscaping as the neighboring infill development is concluded.

We have decided not to include a bronze model of the aircraft due to concerns of vandalism and cost.

The site will be set on a stone chip base with a park seat and a large bolder from a port hills road earthquake repair and will show a summary of events leading up to the tragedy , the crew names and an illustration of a Devon.

Further details are to be followed up but a tentative dedication will be held March / April 2018"

[phil]

Jun 26, 2008 17:27:33 GMT 12 FlyNavy said:

www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/

"NZ1810 04318 Signals trainer. Assembled by De Havilland in the United Kingdom for a cost of 29,195 pounds 19 shillings. Ferried from United Kingdom to New Zealand by RNZAF crew. BOC with RNZAF at Wigram on 30 September 1952. At the conclusion of a formation flypast to commemorate the end of the London-Christchurch Air Race on Thursday 15 October 1953 was involved in a mid air collision with NZ1811 over Wigram. The Devon crashed into a paddock about 200 yards from NZ1811 and was destroyed. Flight Lieutenant Edwin Ebbett, AC1 Brian Keogh and AC1 Eric Melrose killed and the aircraft was destroyed. Written off books on 30 March 1954.

NZ1811 04321 Signals trainer. Assembled by De Havilland in the United Kingdom for a cost of 29,195 pounds 19 shillings. Ferried from United Kingdom to New Zealand by RNZAF crew. BOC with RNZAF at Wigram on 03 October 1952. At the conclusion of a formation flypast to commemorate the end of the London-Christchurch Air Race on Thursday 15 October 1953 was involved in a mid air collision with NZ1810 over Wigram. The Devon crashed into a paddock about 200 yards from NZ1810 and was destroyed. Flight Lieutenant Erling Zieler, Squadron Leader Sholto Duncan, AC1 William Sharman and AC2 Russell Woodcock killed. Written off books on 30 March 1954."

I think that should be Flight Lieutenant Ziesler.

He is mentioned in 'Too Young to Die' by Bryan Cox. He flew with 14 SQN in Japan, and if my memory serves me he also flew with 16 SQN in the Pacific during WW2.

[errolmartyn]

On board NZ1811:

ZIESLER, Flight Lieutenant Erling William.
70147 (prev NZ4213969); b Timaru 14 May 23; Wanganui Collegiate; farmer - E A Hall, Bellwood, Timaru. NZ Army/TF 13½ mths; RNZAF Levin as Aircrafthand (ADU) 31 Oct 42, Taieri 4 Dec 42, Ashburton 9 Dec 42, Milson 2 Apr 43, remust as Aircrew u/t & ITW 29 Apr 43, remust as Airman Pilot u/t 24 Jun 43, 2EFTS 26 Jun 43, 1SFTS 28 Aug 43, Pilots Badge [wef 1.11.43] & Comm 23 Dec 43, OSI 31 Dec 43, CFS 15 Jan 44, 2EFTS (Tiger Moth) as FI 14 Mar 44, 3EFTS (Tiger Moth) as FI 19 Aug 44 [att CFS for Harvard conv 21 Oct-13 Nov], 2OTU (P-40) 25 Nov 44, CCU (Corsair) 5 Feb 45, 16 Sqn (Corsair) 12 Mar 45, with Sqn to Pacific 1 Apr 45, rtd with Sqn to NZ 23 Jun 45, with Sqn to Pacific 13 Aug 45, rtd with Sqn to NZ 4 Nov 45, 14 Sqn (Corsair) 1 Dec 45, emb with Sqn on light fleet HMS Glory for Japan 8 Mar 46, arr 26 Mar 46, SSComm 1 Apr 46, rtd to NZ 21 Apr 47, SSComm 1 Apr 47, 41 Sqn (Dakota) 30 May 47, Whenuapai for admin duties 6 Jun 47 [Adj from 27 Jun, att Army Sch Trentham 4-10 Feb 48], CFS (various a/c types) 13 Aug 48, NRW as Adjutant of 1 (Auckland) Sqn TAF (Harvard) 27 Oct 48 [att Air Dept 12-17 Dec 49, att Ohakea 14 Jan-18 Feb 50], Whenuapai 10 Jun 50 [att Wigram T/S 15 Jun-18 Jul], HQ Unit 18 Aug 50, SDL & to UK 1 Sep 50, London HQ 6 Oct 50, att 7FTS RAF (various a/c types) by 14 Sep 51, att CFS RAF (various a/c types) by 28 Aug 52, rtd to NZ 8 Nov 52, CFS (various a/c types) as FI 21 Nov 52, kaa 15 Oct 53 (Devon). Chch (Ruru Lawn) Cemetery - 133.133. Son of Erling & Daisy Frances Ziesler (née Dailey); h of Florence Eileane Ziesler (née Hoadley) & f of 2s & 1d, Chch.

DUNCAN, Squadron Leader Sholto Russell, mid, Air Medal (US).
130032 (prev NZ1307); b Nelson 19 Apr 12; Nelson Coll (1st XV, Athletic & Gym Champ) & Canty Univ Coll; brewer - J R Dodson & Son, Nelson (1939) & brewer - Nelson Breweries Ltd, Nelson (1949). Marlborough Aero Club c.Sep 33, 'A' Licence 26 Mar 34, winner of 'Boys Cup' Sth Is Pageant 21 Mar 37, 'B' Licence 25 Jan 39, [flew 170 hrs prior RNZAF]; RNZAF Mangere/FIS as Pilot u/t & Comm 5 Dec 39, Pilots Badge 8 Feb 40, GTS for special cse 12 Feb 40, 1EFTS (Tiger Moth) as FI 15 Mar 40, 3EFTS (Tiger Moth) as FI 6 Aug 40, 1EFTS (Tiger Moth) as FI 23 Mar 41, 11FOTS (P-40) 16 May 42, 16 Sqn (P-40) 15 Jul 42, 15 Sqn (P-40) 12 Oct 42, with Sqn to Pacific 23 Oct 42, inj in t/off acc 21 Jan 43, rtd with Sqn to NZ 16 Jun 43, with Sqn to Pacific 3 Sep 43, rtd with Sqn to NZ 9 Nov 43, 2OTU (Harvard/P-40) as FI 10 Dec 43, 20 Sqn (P-40; Corsair on arr Pacific) as CO 25 Jan 44, with Sqn to Pacific 25 Apr 44, rtd with Sqn to NZ 29 Jun 44, [flew 167 ops in Pacific], FGS (P-40) 12 Aug 44, 1PD(T) 15 Sep 44, to Pacific for HQ 1 (Islands) Gp 22 Sep 44, COMZEAIRTAF 15 Jun 45, Guadalcanal, BDTP 22 Jun 45, rtd to NZ & PRP 23 Jun 45, 2PD/S&W Sec 25 Jun 45, [1CD?]/4S&W Sec 3 Jul 45, CNEP 17 Aug 45, Res 17 Oct 45; SRW [merged into SARRC Aug 52] 1 Jan 49 [annual trg attachments: CRW 19-27 Mar 50, Woodbourne 11-24 Sep 51, Whenuapai 3-17 May 52, Wigram 3 Oct 53-death], kaa 15 Oct 53 (Devon). Cremated at Nelson. Son of Henry Richard & Eugenie Duncan (née Hayter), Nelson; h of Sheila Ursula Duncan (née Philpott). Note: credited with 1 e/a dest. [OHR, BSD & phot. TWN 1.12.43 & 1.3.44].

SHARMAN, Aircraftman 1st Class William Henry.
76121 (1383784 in RAFVR); b West Ham, Essex, England 21 Mar 20; ed primary sch only; ship's clerk - National Dock Labour Board, London (prior RNZAF). RAFVR [at?] as Aircrafthand (Flight Mechanic) 17 Jan 41, mob 9 Apr 41, [postings wanting], remust as Fitter IIE 8 Jan 42, Res 1 Jan 46 - served in UK to 18 Jun 44, Europe to 3 Dec 45 thence UK [attained LAC rank]; RNZAF London HQ as Engine Fitter 25 Apr 52, to NZ, arr 4 May 52, Wigram T/S 7 May 52, Wigram 4 Jun 52, kaa 15 Oct 53 (Devon). Chch (Ruru Lawn) Cemetery - 1A.132 Son of George Fredrick & Harriet Sharman (née Flood), Stratford, London, England; h of Aircraftwoman Muriel Sharman (née Hepplewhite), WAAF, Riccarton, Chch.

WOODCOCK, Aircraftman 2nd Class Russell.
75331; b Murchison 30 Jan 33; ed 4 yrs secondary; student. RNZAF Wigram/GSTS as Electrical Mechanic u/t 25 Jan 50, remust as Radio Mechanic u/t 5 May 50, Wigram 7 Jan 52, kaa 15 Oct 53 (Devon). Murchison Cemetery - Plot 882. Son of William & Laura May Woodcock (née Norris), Murchison.

On board NZ1810:

EBBETT, Flight Lieutenant Edwin Pattison Booth, AFC.
70098 (prev NZ421029); b Nelson 14 Apr 14; Hastings HS; plumber/electrician - John McPherson, plumber, Hastings. RNZAF Levin/ITW as Airman Pilot u/t 7 Feb 42, 2EFTS 4 Apr 42, 1SFTS 12 Jun 42, Pilots Badge [wef 2.9.42] & Comm 28 Nov 42, CFS 5 Dec 42, Harewood 5 Feb 43, 1SFTS (Oxford) as FI 10 Feb 43, 1PD 30 Oct 44, CFS 14 Nov 44, SoN&R (Anson) 6 Jan 45, STF (Walrus) 17 Mar 45, ACP 12 May 45, OTP 23 May 45, to Pacific for 3OTU (Catalina) 24 May 45, 6 Sqn (Catalina) 30 Jun 45, 5 Sqn (Catalina) 6 Sep 45 [with numerous short term att to 5 Sqn Det in NZ & leave], SSComm 1 Apr 47, rtd to NZ & PTS 19 Nov 48, Wigram T/S 22 Nov 48, FTS (Oxford, Devon) as FI 1 Apr 49 [to UK & ferry of Devon to NZ 22 Sep-24 Dec 52 (departed UK 29 Nov)], CFS (Devon) 30 Jul 53, kaa 15 Oct 53. St Anne's Churchyard, Pleasant Valley, Geraldine. Son of Edwin & Margaret Ebbett (née Waters); h of Lilian Charlotte Ebbett (née Woods) & f of 1 child. [BSD].

KEOGH, Aircraftman 2nd Class Brian James.
920969; b Naseby 24 Sep 32; 3 yrs secondary; carpenter - H J Hamilton, Milton. ATC 3 yrs; TAF (for CMT service) Taieri as Airframe Assistant u/t 8 Sep 51, remust as Airframe Assistant & to SRW [merged into SARRC Aug 52] 15 Dec 51 [att Wigram for annual trg 3-20 Nov 52 & 28 Sep 53-death], kaa 15 Oct 53 (Devon). Fairfax Cemetery. Plots 17-18, Milton. Son of James William & Elsie Keogh (née Withington), Milton.

MELROSE, Aircraftman 2nd Class Eric.
920454; b Dunedin 12 May 32; Dunedin TColl; apprentice motor mechanic - Sutherland Motors, Kaitangata. TAF (for CMT service) Taieri as Engine Assistant u/t 8 Sep 51, SRW [merged into SARRC Aug 52] 15 Dec 51 [att Wigram for annual trg 6-24 Oct 52 & 28 Sep 53-death], kaa 15 Oct 53 (Devon). Dunedin (Anderson's Bay) Cemetery - 93.221. Son of Gavin Emslie & Evelyn Douglas Melrose, Mornington, Dunedin.

My late friend military historian Bryant Haigh was serving at Wigram as a member of the TAF as part of his CMT service at the time and turned down the offer of a ride on one of the Devons, presumably his place was taken by either Keogh or Melrose. Such is the random way in which Fate fills its appointment book.

Errol

[davidd]

Re the quote in baronbeezer's post, ignore the bit about these aircraft having been previously owned by RAF, this is entirely erroneous, they were built to RNZAF specification and delivered directly to NZ from the UK. I think most Board members here will be fully aware of this fact, but thought I should point out fact for others not so well informed.
David D

[baronbeeza]

Dec 21, 2017 6:58:46 GMT 12 davidd said:

Re the quote in baronbeezer's post, ignore the bit about these aircraft having been previously owned by RAF, this is entirely erroneous, they were built to RNZAF specification and delivered directly to NZ from the UK. I think most Board members here will be fully aware of this fact, but thought I should point out fact for others not so well informed.
David D

I will edit that out David, it was just a cut and paste of the Trademe advert.

[skyhawkdon]

There is already a memorial seat in the new Wigram development to the victims of this accident. Once I get back from holidays I will take a photo and post here. I wonder if the organisers of this new memorial know this?

[johnnyfalcon]

Seems like an appropriate location too

[skyhawkdon]

This is the wee memorial seat on Bennington Way in Wigram that I mentioned.

IMG_9104 by Don Simms, on Flickr

IMG_9105 by Don Simms, on Flickr

IMG_9106 by Don Simms, on Flickr

[johnnyfalcon]

Well done Ewen!