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Post by smithy on Sept 5, 2006 20:30:05 GMT 12
As for the Macchi's - unofficially the Air Force would love to be able to use them again for advanced pilot training at Ohakea - the main reason they were purchased in 1990. "But I'm sure the current crop of Labour politicians won't let that happen no matter how compelling the argument is for it." says Mr Simms. "They would rather spend millions storing them in the vane hope that one day they will be gone from the conscience of all New Zealanders. It is time for some common sense to prevail." he says. Actually Don that sounds like a great idea. Would it be feasible to bring the Macchis back into service and also could their role be expanded slightly? Interested to know more. Tim.
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Post by smithy on Sept 4, 2006 15:13:23 GMT 12
Good news Don, I hope that TVNZ runs with the story. It's about time that the proverbial hit the fan over this.
I'll try and knock something together for the Herald this week.
Tim.
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Post by smithy on Sept 2, 2006 9:19:48 GMT 12
So there you have it, what a waste and a total balls up.
Mind you, it had been a personal crusade for Helen since she jumped up and down in her tie-dyeds with her placard in the 70s.
I'm still mad as hell about this.
Tim.
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Post by smithy on Jul 19, 2006 20:15:14 GMT 12
Brilliant!
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Post by smithy on Dec 22, 2007 12:58:14 GMT 12
That's very, very sad to hear Dave. But lives well lived I'd say.
Jack's "Kiwi Spitfire Ace" is still one of my faves and I urge anyone who hasn't read a copy to pick it up.
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Post by smithy on Nov 26, 2007 13:18:46 GMT 12
Many thanks for those Dave. They say a lot and as Flyjoe says they really give a feeling for the place and time.
I hope you can also pass on our thanks to Peter.
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Post by smithy on Nov 4, 2007 17:07:00 GMT 12
Ooh but $500 as an opening bid. That's on the steepish side I would've thought.
I always thought it was great how they included a famous 486 line shoot section in "The Wild Winds", great stuff!
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Post by smithy on Oct 26, 2007 2:18:51 GMT 12
Hugh, I imagine this is Elfric James Insull. I don't have which squadrons but (relatively unusually) he was awarded the American DFC.
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Post by smithy on Oct 25, 2007 20:51:29 GMT 12
Anyone interested in old newsreel footage should go to: www.movietone.com/You have to register (which is free to do so) but then you have access to 5 decades worth of news footage. There's some RNZAF stuff on there and NZ aviation subjects such as Cobber Kain and NZ airmen in the RAF. Hope others find it useful. Smithy.
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Post by smithy on Oct 22, 2007 23:37:16 GMT 12
Thanks for that Joe, I'd seen the announcement awhile back on the Beeb about this. Nice to see it unveiled.
Lest we forget.
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Post by smithy on Sept 28, 2007 21:15:25 GMT 12
K7985 is famous because of the display Cobber gave in her at the 1938 Empire Air Day. Many RAF personnel who saw it said it was one of the most stunning displays of airmanship and piloting they had ever seen.
Cobber at his split-arse best.
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Post by smithy on Sept 22, 2007 22:39:01 GMT 12
By the way just north of the Waikato Hospital in Hamilton is a small street called Park Terrace. I wouldn't think anything of it (especially due to it's proximity next to Graham Park) however very nearby are also Dowding Street and Bader Street, as well as Cobham Drive (all famous RAF airmen) so I guess this may be named after Sir Keith Park? Slightly off-topic but talking of famous Kiwi WWII pilots with streets named after them, there's a Cobber Kain Ave in Marton.
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Post by smithy on Sept 17, 2007 3:09:10 GMT 12
No doubt there's a few errors, writing the complete 3 year history of a squadron 60 odd years after the events have taken place isn't going to be easy.
It's the best we have on the subject at the mo, and it is chock full of photos.
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Post by smithy on Sept 13, 2007 5:14:11 GMT 12
Sounds great.
You may already have this considering your user name but if not pick up a copy of Paul Sortehaug's "The Wild Winds" not a DVD but the history of 486, lots and lots of great pics and a great read. Expensive but worth it.
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Post by smithy on Sept 16, 2006 13:47:10 GMT 12
Al Deere flew 3 "Kiwis", and although over the last 50 or 60 years or so 2 are often quoted as P9398 and N3183, these have been proven to be incorrect. The correct serials for Al's Kiwis are:
Kiwi I, N3180 Kiwi II, P9390 Kiwi III, R6981
Calum, if you want reference photos for modelling, PM me and I'll scan what I have for you.
Cheers,
Tim.
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Post by smithy on Apr 12, 2008 3:28:39 GMT 12
Brilliant!
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Post by smithy on Feb 5, 2008 20:31:11 GMT 12
Yup getting it here. The worrying thing is that the elections are still 10 months away. So there's another 300 odd days of this rigmarole to go through!
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Post by smithy on Feb 5, 2008 22:45:21 GMT 12
"Bugger."
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Post by smithy on Jan 31, 2008 9:10:07 GMT 12
Has to be Piece of Cake for me.
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Post by smithy on Jan 25, 2008 13:47:55 GMT 12
We had one in our last place in Grey Lynn that used to come round every night. Used to drive the cat round the twist as she couldn't do a thing about him. Give the little fellah some cheese Flyjoe, they love the stuff
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