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MOTAT
May 19, 2011 0:09:42 GMT 12
Post by Tony on May 19, 2011 0:09:42 GMT 12
What Avenger is that? 27 or 39?
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Post by Tony on May 18, 2011 23:28:14 GMT 12
I guess the Walrus here must be K8541 of No. 720 Squadron which crashed in Wellingotn Harbour when in landed with the wheels down on the 24th of November 1937. From the adf site: www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/nz151.shtml On loan from FAA 1937. Assigned to No. 720 Squadron from October 1936-January 1940 while attached to ships of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Embarked on HMS Leander in April 1937 and arrived in Auckland on board the ship on 18 August of that year. Assigned to 720 Squadron. Crashed Wellington Harbour after water landing with undercarriage down 24 November 1937. Lieutenant G. Nicholl, Corporal Ison and LAC Simcox uninjured but aircraft written off.
The photo also shows what appears to be the Leander's Ships Crest on the nose (bow?) of the aircraft.
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Post by Tony on May 18, 2011 23:11:57 GMT 12
Thanks Les, that is interesting. I didn't realise the NZ serials that were in service were re-serialled with new RAF serials. They reverted to their original serials
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Post by Tony on May 17, 2011 3:17:38 GMT 12
I only said the Navy were the junior to get a bite, which I did - unexpectedly from an Army man. ;D They think they're so damned special... They are definately the johnny come latelys as a seperate service. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Tony on May 17, 2011 2:59:34 GMT 12
Here is a pic of NZ909 painted as INST909. At first I thought there were no other markings until we upsized the image through scanning. It shows INST909 in black on the red fuselage band.
There is a notation on the reverse which I will add soon.
Full size scan is here: www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_connection/5724924415/sizes/o/in/set-72157626480672943/.As promised, the notation on the reverse has INST 909 (Ex NZ909) Wigram. And the name: R Killck
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Post by Tony on May 17, 2011 1:55:54 GMT 12
Ummm you could be right Dave. My 'assumption' was that Tirpitz was attacked from the east by the squadrons after departing Russia.
Also the was the MSFU pilots flying from CAM ships. Bob Spurdle was one but a quick check of NZFPM site shows he only sailed to the USA.
I'll have a check of his book as I am sure he mentions another Kiwi.
Then there is Lt (A) Alan Burgham of 835 NAS. He flew the famous Nikki from HMS Nairana. I am sure he sailed to Russia on escort duties as well.
Must have been a lot of other RNZNVR aircrew as well.
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Post by Tony on May 17, 2011 0:07:26 GMT 12
As far as I am aware Wing Commander Henry N. G. Ramsbottom-Isherwood was the only Kiwi to serve with the Hurricanes. He was Wing Leader of 151 Wing which included 81 & 134 Squadrons. A quick check of the Official History, New Zealanders with the RAF adds nothing further.
Kenneth Wynn gave me a photo of him after receiving from the Russian Ambassador in London.
The best site I have found regarding operations by 151 Wing is here: lend-lease.airforce.ru/english/articles/sheppard/hurricanes/index.htm This includes the same photo I have so I borrowed this one rather than hunt my own out.
As far as bomber operations are concerned, at least 10 Kiwi's were involved in the Tirpitz shuttle missions, including: 9 Sqn: Flying Officer D. A. Coster & Flying Officer M. L. T. Harper 617 Sqn: Flight Lieutenant B. A. Gumbley DFM & Flying Officer A. W. Joplin.
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Post by Tony on May 15, 2011 22:10:57 GMT 12
Below that in the 'Crowd Again' shot is Damon Edwards and Wayne Bradley. Below that shot in the "And again" we have from left Garry Blayney (Cambridge evteran, a wartime RNZAF Navigator); Peter Lewis (flyernzl), not sure, and Tony McDonald (Macfire). ...we have from left Garry Blayney (Cambridge veteran, a wartime RNZAF Navigator); Peter Lewis (flyernzl), not sure Blair McDonald, and Tony McDonald (Macfire).
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Post by Tony on May 15, 2011 16:52:33 GMT 12
Adding to the plaudits
Dave...... as well as Dave's 'Little Helpers' who assisted, Dave's mum (for the yummy cake) - and the lovely girls who tended the bar, looking after us with quiet consideration:
Please accept the congratulations from myself and son, Blair, for a fantastic day filled with memories from the Veterans. It was great to meet a few of the many (such is usual with a one day meet though).
On a personl note, I was hoping to catch up with Ben Heffer & Reg Mitchell (and his speech but I fully understand the needs of the aged) but such was not to be.
Congratulations to the DAK crew for - a: supporting the forum. b: making the trip possible, c: providing a really entertaining flight.
Dave - I also know that the DAK crew were really humbled by your generosity in handing over the proceeds of the raffle.
Once again thanks - I was a pleasure to finally meet you.
Edit: BTW Dave, could you please pass on our best wishes to Charlie Christiensen - and NO he was not a bother. These things happen.
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Post by Tony on May 11, 2011 0:37:11 GMT 12
Hi gang. I am after the following for a friend in Malta.
A 2-seat Cougar conversion A Trader to Tracker conversion
Anyone able to help?
Cheers Tony (Macfire )
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Post by Tony on Apr 21, 2011 23:13:24 GMT 12
Hi team:
Was in discussion Malcolm Laird last year on this subject and hoping someone could help out.
www.thescale.info/news/publish/Hellcat-photos-royal-navy.shtml
Two photos show Hellcat JW782 with what appears to be a personal marking on the forward fuselage. Anyone know anything further?
Malcom was in discussion with Panckhurst's widow (and I believe she gave him the images) but she was unable to help further.
I have located his log-book at MoTaT and hopefully the have a photocopy as it is displayed in a sealed display. I will be following this up.
Here are the pics - over to you
© Malcolm Laird
© Malcolm Laird
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Post by Tony on Apr 21, 2011 22:51:12 GMT 12
Hi team
Check this out:
Found an example of this hard to get kit for sale - thought I would pass it on just in case someone desires it. Be great to see it return to the country.
Description: 1/72 UG2001 Tasman De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide Upgrade with Vac Canopies / white metal parts / rigging wire / 5 decals - USAAF 'Wee Wullie' and X7523 - RAF 'Women of the Empire' - RNZAF or RAAF A33-1 Exc++ Injection Molded old
Interesting and rare 'Upgrade' kit. Includes the base Heller kit molded in white with a clear windshield, Falcon vac windshield, decals for the five aircraft listed, photoetched instrument panel (taped to the clear Falcon windshield, green windshield tinting material, rigging wire, a very large double-sided fold out with detail pictures of the real aircraft, full instructions including rigging, important notes about each of the 5 airplanes that decals are supplied for, and extensive detailing instructions to improve the base Heller kit further. The model as never been started. The parts are either still in the factory sealed bag or have been inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
$US59.00
Not cheap I know but maybe one of you forumites has been wanting one.
Available from here: www.oldmodelkits.com/index.php?detail=15777&manu=Tasman
Great site - I have scored a Haswgawa A6M3 Type 22 so I can model NZ6000. Have a search on the Airfix Mosquito and Wellingon listings
Regards Tony
Oh and I already have a U2001
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Post by Tony on Apr 13, 2011 17:11:20 GMT 12
Here is my Beaufighter, made by my son, Blair for my Christmas / Birthday.
Built as NE429 P6:S.
The kit is the Hasegawa 00128 and the torpedo came from our Valom Hampden TB.1 kit.
Decals are from the Model Alliance 72-198 Coastal Command set - which also has decals for a 489 Sqn Hampden TB.I
Note how there are a choice of two colours for the Beaufighter codes.
We chose the sky finish after researching various sites especially this one www.burrowes.org/FamilyTree/E.F.G.Burrowes_LogBook/extras/Beaufighter-Mustang.html
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Post by Tony on Apr 13, 2011 15:11:10 GMT 12
I later saw a crime programme based on the guy's murders. I cannot recall the chap's name or the details but he was duping ladies in the boarding house he was staying at that he'd help them find better accommodation, and when they disappeared from the boarding hose he'd tell the proprietor that they'd found new digs and he would arrange to send on their things. It all seemed innocent but a member of the staff worked out he was taking them out to the country, killing them, robbing them and selling their worldly goods. It sounds like a Foyles War plot but was true. He'd been a respected pilot but was always a bit 'different' Bill reckoned. Yeah. I saw the same docco. Creepy. It chilled my spine.
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Post by Tony on Apr 7, 2011 20:58:36 GMT 12
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Post by Tony on Apr 7, 2011 5:17:09 GMT 12
2 more confirmed for the DAK. Myself & No.2 son, Blair
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Post by Tony on Apr 1, 2011 4:46:13 GMT 12
Ewww Dave, Bit of gutter press there with the large print. Yes, Brian Carbury slipped off the rails - so to speak. So did plenty of other Kiwi airmen as well, including at least two other Battle of Britain veterans. So how bad was his sinning? He bounced cheques - but at least he took on the 'establishment' rather than the 'small guy'. Using Flt Lt rank gave him that much more leeway in the amount he could cash. THAT is why he was court-martialled. The 'establishment' wanting revenge on this 'colonial'. Whatever the reason, in today's society he could (and probably would) have been classified as battle fatigued. Let's face it, he would been at the top of the number of pilots battling Bf.109's and there is reference to the fact that the last time his aircraft was damaged by cannon-fire - that is when his demeanor changed. So one could conclude that he realised his own mortality and decided to 'enjoy' life (at someone elses expense) before he was killed. When I found out, I stood not in judgement of him but in sadness and understanding. His relatives fiercely defend him as well (I have a reference somewhere) pointing out his combat history spoke volumes of the man. His actual final score was 15+3 shared destroyed. 2 probably destroyed. 5 damaged. Most of his victories were Bf.109's. Hs is a bit of a celeberity in the UK and his most successful aircraft has been modelled by Corgi Diecast (I scored the last one available) and Southern Expo released 1/72 & 1/48th decals last year for the 70th Anniversary of the BoB, Hornchurch v Luftwaffe (which I also have). I'll post some pics of them. Apart from Hillary's The last Enemy. he is also mentioned in: Aces High, volumes 1 & 2 by Christopher Shores & Clive Williams. A Clasp For The Few by Kenneth Wynn and Fighter Command Claims, volume 1 by John Foreman. There may be others but these are off the top of my head and I am at work so can't confirm my others references to him. Antoni Glowacki was interviewed by the Evening Post on the eve of the Premier opening of the BoB film. I remember he was staunchly in favour of ther Hurricane (much to the dismay of the reported no doubt) Oh and I also saw that chilling documentry that you mentioned. Shivers down the spine that one.........
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Post by Tony on Apr 1, 2011 3:50:37 GMT 12
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Post by Tony on Apr 1, 2011 3:43:38 GMT 12
Posted by Dave Homewood on Mar 24, 2011, 15:45 Quite a number of New Zealanders seem to have served on No's 36 and 100 Squadrons before and during the conflict in Singapore when you count them up. I have the following names, can you add any more? 36 Sqn, Flt Sgt Bruce Appleby MiD 1942: 6th March; Vildebeeste. Ops: Attack on Kilidjati Airfield, Java. Aircraft damaged during the attack and later the engines failed. Crashed into a paddy field near the Estate Pasir Pedang.
References: For YourTomorrow, Volume 1. Ketchil. CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1813772 AWM: muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/cenotaph/RecordDetail.aspx?OriginalID=20438&SearchID=7623927&processed=true&Ordinal=1
Further to your entries, I can add Sgt Andrew Fleming 1942: 26th January; Albacore T9135. Ops: Attack on Invasion Force. FTR. Shot down and crashed onto the beach at Endau.
References: References: For YourTomorrow, Volume 1. Ketchil. New Zealanders in the RAF, Volume 3. CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1814605 AWM: muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/cenotaph/RecordDetail.aspx?OriginalID=24000&SearchID=7623874&processed=true&Ordinal=3
Sgt Thomas Tanner 1942: 26th January; Vildebeeste K6392. Ops: Attack on Invasion Force. FTR. Shot down and crashed into a swamp SE of Endau.
References: For YourTomorrow, Volume 1. New Zealanders in the RAF, Volume 3. CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2821720 AWM: muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/cenotaph/RecordDetail.aspx?OriginalID=25362&SearchID=7623836&processed=true&Ordinal=1 Flt Sgt David Lee 1942: 26th August; Vildebeeste K6386. Ops: Attack on Invasion Force. FTR. Shot down, eventually crashing into the sea south of Laland Island.
References: For Your Tomorrow, Volume 1. CWGC: www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1815301 AWM: muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/cenotaph/RecordDetail.aspx?OriginalID=28551&SearchID=7623898&processed=true&Ordinal=1
Plt Off R C Barclay I have him listed as on 100 Sqn - but no cross-reference.
Quote from: New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Volume III) CHAPTER 11 — Malaya, Sumatra, and Java
On the morning of 8 December the strength and dispositions of squadrons in Malaya were: Seletar: No. 36 (TB) Sqn RAF - 6 Vildebeeste No. 100 (TB) Sqn RAF - 12 Vildebeeste Gong Kedah: Det No. 36 (TB) Sqn RAF - 6 Vildebeeste
There were twenty-five New Zealand pilots with Nos. 36 and 100 Vildebeeste Squadrons which carried out some very hazardous operations during the campaign—notably that against Japanese landings at Endau. Here, on 26 January 1942, twenty-one Vildebeestes escorted by a small force of Buffalos and Hurricanes were sent to attack enemy ships off the coast. Before they reached their target they were intercepted by fighters, and those which got through met sharp anti-aircraft fire from the ships. Eleven Vildebeestes were shot down, together with four of their escort, the loss including the commanding officers of both Nos. 36 and 100 Squadrons. Two New Zealanders, Sergeants Tanner 1 and Fleming, 2 were among the pilots killed on this raid. A third, Pilot Officer Barclay, 3 had his machine badly shot up by enemy fighters and his gunner killed, but he flew through to the target where he delivered an attack in the face of an intense anti-aircraft barrage. A few moments afterwards his aircraft was shot down into the sea, but Barclay, together with his observer, managed to get clear and swim ashore. They walked down the coast for two days, then they fell in with the survivors from a sunken destroyer, with whom they continued their journey and reached Singapore a week later. After their heavy losses at Endau Nos. 36 and 100 Squadrons were withdrawn to Java, where they were amalgamated as No. 36 Squadron and based at Tjikampek. They were soon in action again against one of the Japanese convoys carrying invasion forces to Java. The ships were sighted about 100 miles west of Sourabaya and most of the pilots claimed hits on transport and barges; but three Vildebeestes, including that flown by the squadron commander, failed to return. The remaining crews continued to operate almost without respite until, by 4 March, the squadron was reduced to only four serviceable aircraft. Nevertheless they continued to fly two missions each night against enemy landings until the morning of the 7th, when only two patched up aircraft remained. Orders were given for these to be flown north in an endeavour to reach Burma. They left that day, but both crashed in Sumatra and the crews were either killed or captured. The squadron thus literally fought to a finish. Of its New Zealand members, six fell into enemy hands, but the remainder got away to Australia before Java surrendered.
1 Sergeant T. S. Tanner; born Wellington, 11 Aug 1918; civil engineer; joined RNZAF 19 Jan 1941; killed on air operations, 26 Jan 1942. 2 Sergeant A. M. H. Fleming; born Wellington, 16 Jan 1912; farmer; joined RNZAF Apr 1940; killed on air operations, 26 Jan 1942. 3 Flight Lieutenant R. C. Barclay, DFC; born Dunedin, 27 Feb 1916; salesman.
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Post by Tony on Apr 1, 2011 1:00:08 GMT 12
Very nice harrysone.
A Solent based on the Sunderland? Welldone.
BTW did the Welsh Model S.30 come with TEAL markings or did you make them? I am still trying to establish the exact colour of the registration marks - whether they were in fact black or a blue, similar to BS.381 106 Royal Blue.
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