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Post by avenger on Aug 29, 2008 11:09:08 GMT 12
Last ditch attempt to save Wigram fails tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411365/2044170Aug 28, 2008 6:39 PM A last ditch campaign to keep Christchurch's historic Wigram Airfield open appears to have failed, for now. The city's council has approved a zoning change that will allow owners Ngai Tahu to put houses on the site. But that decision has many in the community angry. Wigram Airfield is where fighter pilots trained for WW2 and where the first ever transtasman flight touched down. Fast forward 80 years, and there are passionate pleas from those who do not want to see Wigram Airfield close. "It's the holy grail of aviation sites in New Zealand, given pilots have died on that airfield and adjacent areas. Its sacred ground, " says Chris Rudge, Southern Soaring. Opponents to the zoning change are fighting Ngai Tahu's plans to convert 84-hecatres to housing, knowing a council decision to re-zone the land was effectively a done deal. However they say they won't give up their fight, putting together a petition signed by nearly 4000 people including some Ngai Tahu members, to stop the changes. It was presented to the council calling for it to delay its decision, but councillors argue the horse has bolted and it can't wind back the clock. Ngai Tahu says Wigram is just not viable as an aviation park and that it will work to respect the rich heritage as it develops the area. But some community members don't believe they will. "Ngai Tahu are always seen to be proactive with regards to the history of their own culture. In this case it seems to be that they are totally ignoring the history of New Zealand as an entire country," says Steve Campbell, New Zealand Flying School.
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Post by avenger on Jun 25, 2008 10:49:42 GMT 12
Unsure the depth of Goblin servicing at Milson but certainly a test 'house' in the late 50's the officer i/c F/L 'Hub" Farrar.
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Post by avenger on Jun 13, 2008 15:14:30 GMT 12
Devons (actually Doves) 1801 & 02 also operated by 42 Sqn at OH, in the late 1950's, there is another photo on this site showing the 'array' of aircraft 42 Sqn operated including the P 51.
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Post by avenger on Jun 9, 2008 16:48:06 GMT 12
Don't forget the Instrument Bashers!
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Post by avenger on May 28, 2008 10:19:40 GMT 12
I have seen this on Youtube but am not convinced the year of 1964 is correct, more akin to 1959-60? The leader, John Buckmaster no longer with us.
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Post by avenger on May 22, 2008 16:30:41 GMT 12
RE Reply # 12, Roger Dalziell not a Mustang pilot, he arrived too late on 42 Sqn, he did fly the Grumman Avenger though until its retirement, understand he was fired on by all three services.
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Post by avenger on May 19, 2008 11:38:16 GMT 12
I do have more names, but while already nominating two names earlier am slightly reluctant to reveal more, in today's PC world, any thoughts pse?
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Post by avenger on May 16, 2008 10:30:47 GMT 12
42 Squadron was the last unit to fly the Mustang, Alistair McLeod flew the last out of OH to WB, he lives at Christchurch. Ralph Williams who lives N of AKL assisted with the pre flight preparation. The TAF squadrons apparently had a regular officer as Adj, there are certainly several of these folk around and some still active in the aviation world.
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Post by avenger on May 16, 2008 10:20:41 GMT 12
AVM Larry Seigert mentioned early in this thread, sadly now deceased, 17 Sept 2007 @ Hutt Hospital. Aged 84. (Herald) George Oldfield, commenced an aviation career as a Signaller and spent time on the Nav training flight at WG.
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Post by avenger on May 24, 2007 15:56:27 GMT 12
Hi Dave, the Hoffman on board for the official inaugural SYD - SIN was Bill Hoffman.
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Post by avenger on May 17, 2007 14:33:48 GMT 12
The officiall inaugural flight by DC 8 to SIN was on 23 Mar 1968. There were other prior flights, certainly in Feb of 1968. The 23 rd flight by ZK-NZC, Captain (recently deceased) Jack Shorthouse, also Dalziell & Hoffman. Air NZ did have a small historical branch and this would be a good place to commence the research.
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Post by avenger on Jul 31, 2007 15:44:42 GMT 12
I noted early in this post reference to Paul Adamson, no the first name is Peter (Adamson)
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Post by avenger on Jul 31, 2007 15:37:04 GMT 12
The airman is Peter Tremayne, behind the Group Captain is Wing Commander R.K.Walker, probably then the i/c flying, cannot assist re the trophy though.
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Post by avenger on Jul 31, 2007 15:35:42 GMT 12
The airman is Peter Tremayne, behind the Group Captain is Wing Commander Walker, probably then the i/c flying, cannot assist re the trophy though.
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