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Post by fwx on Apr 28, 2019 16:57:31 GMT 12
A message for both Ronnie and Smudge - you may find something of interest amongst the info we have collected on C Flight ground crew here: www.jn-dogboys.com/the-ground-crew/Cheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Apr 24, 2019 9:56:22 GMT 12
I was scanning through an early logbook belonging to Air Commodore Maurice Buckley and his entry for 2 April 1937 jumped out at me: "Capt Musick" - "PAA Clipper" - "Self & others" - "4hrs 30" - "East Coast via Bay of Plenty & return". A PapersPast search confirmed that during its 3-day stop-over in Auckland on that first visit, Captain Edwin Musick took the Pan American Clipper south on a "courtesy flight", originally intending to land on Wellington Harbour. CLIPPER TAKES OFF FOR A COURTESY FLIGHT.-The American Clipper lifting gracefully into the air this morning when she took off for a flight to Napier, carrying a party of official guests. (Manawatu Standard) - and from the New Zealand Herald, 3 April 1937, Page 15: LUXURY FLIGHT EAST COAST TRIP CLIPPER IN THE AIR COCKTAILS AT 8000 FEET COMFORT OF GIANT CRAFT Luxurious ease and security were outstanding among the impressions gained in the course of a four and a-quarter hours' flight in the Pan American Clipper yesterday morning. Travelling in the utmost comfort, and with every possible provision for their enjoyment of the trip, a party of 13 guests flew nearly 600 miles in the Clipper, and enjoyed every mile. The flight was without incident. In the sure hands of Captain Edwin C. Musick, to whom a flight of 600 miles is merely part of a morning's work, the 18 1/2-ton Clipper sailed serenely over land and sea at altitudes ranging from 5000 ft. to 8000 ft., her four supercharged engines running with tireless perfection, carrying her at speeds up to 170 miles an hour. Wind in Wellington Plans made for a goodwill visit to Wellington, and a return flight with a semi-official party, were reluctantly abandoned when reports received early yesterday morning showed that there was a 40-miles an hour wind on the harbour there. With no permanent base established for disembarking passengers at Wellington, it was decided not to undertake the trip, and apologies were telegraphed to the acting Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, and local body representatives who had arranged receptions for the intending visitors. A brief consultation followed between Captain Musick, Mr. Harold Gatty, representative of the company in New Zealand, and Mr. A. Francis, meteorologist and operations manager. Favourable reports were received from the east coast as far south as Napier, and it was agreed to fly in that direction instead. With her four motors already warmed, the Clipper taxied out from the landing and was turned up-harbour. Official boats were ready to keep the runway clear if necessary, and with no delay Captain Musick opened the throttles. Thrilling Take-off The idly-turning airscrew blades disappeared in whirling arcs of light, there was a vicious bellow from the exhausts, and spray, churned up by the passage of the hull through the smooth water, was caught by the slipstream and hurled in a smother of white against the sealed cabin windows. The tail came up almost imperceptibly, and with the grace of a gull the Clipper took the air in a fraction over 40s. A gentle climbing turn took the Clipper over Point Chevalier, and at 3000 ft. Captain Musick levelled off and cruised back across the city, already partly obscured by low-lying clouds. The steward handed a piece of chewing gum to each passenger, explaining for the benefit of the incredulous that the effect of chewing would relieve the pressure on the ears. Perhaps somewhat self-consciously, men who had not indulged in chewing gum for 20 or 30 years were soon industriously chewing, between exclamations of pleasure as they noticed below some well-known landmark. Service for Passengers The guests settled down quickly. After the first few minutes they no longer pressed eagerly against the windows, waiting for the next place of interest to come within their range of vision, but sat back in quiet comfort and surveyed the panorama that gradually unrolled as the ship sailed easily down the gulf, over Thames and the Coromandel Peninsular, and headed for Tauranga. Copies of the Herald were distributed to all on board by the steward, and some of the guests settled down to a quiet perusal of the morning's news, so rapidly had they become accustomed to the effortless flight. Young Nick's Head, the first land sighted when Captain Cook sailed to New Zealand, was reached in 90 minutes. The men working on the East Coast railway looked to see the Clipper droning high above them, and a few minutes later it was the turn of the passengers to be surprised. The northbound De Havilland Dragon of East Coast Airways, gleaming silver against the dull ground, passed far below, dwarfed by the distance, but clear enough to be easily distinguished for many miles. Refreshments on Board Great as was the interest of residents of Napier, Hastings and Wairoa in the machine, which loomed suddenly out of the sky, the crew were equally interested to see from such a fine vantage-point the areas devastated by the Hawke's Bay earthquake, and the remarkable recovery apparent in the new buildings. After circling over Napier the Clipper was headed back toward Auckland, with the automatic pilot in charge. Cocktails and biscuits, served by the ubiquitous steward, made a surprising appearance in the early stages of the return flight. The guests, however, did not allow their amazement to interfere with their thorough enjoyment of the service provided, and so steady was the ship that a trayful of brimming glasses was carried swiftly from seat to seat without a drop of the contents being spilled. Flying rather more inland than on the downward trip, the Clipper was well above the billowing masses of cloud that concealed most of the ground. Occasional glimpses of Lake Waikaremoana were caught through breaks in the cloud-bank, but it was not until the machine was again nearing Auckland, and was commencing to lose altitude, that a clear view was obtained of the Hauraki Plains and the country to the north. Accustomed by now to surprises, the passengers were none the less unprepared when Mr. Gatty announced casually that he had just had a radiogram sent to the Mariposa, on which his sister and his three sons are due at Auckland this morning. Information that the radio operator on the Clipper had been in constant touch with Auckland headquarters, and had up-to-the minute information concerning weather in the city, was also accepted as a matter of course. The deep, dull note of the motors was suddenly conspicuous by its absence. The long glide-in commenced miles from Auckland, and the Clipper, steadily losing height, seemed reluctant to return to the harbour. As the altitude decreased, the sensation of extreme speed was apparent for the first time, and the surface of the harbour seemed to he snatched away astern. Without the slightest jar. and even unnoticed by some of the passengers, the keel sliced the smooth water, bit deeper, and sent a shower of spray high in the air as the speed suddenly dropped. The Clipper was turned swiftly, and taxied neatly in to where a waiting assistant took her lines. In time for lunch. the guests stepped ashore. In just four and a quarter hours, they had flown 592 miles, and even the most experienced of the several highly qualified -pilots among the passengers could not resist looking back at the latest marvel of safe commercial aviation. PILOTS AS PASSENGERS GUESTS ON FLYING-BOAT A number of highly-qualified aviators were among the passengers who flew to Napier and back on the Pan-American Clipper yesterday. In addition to three service fliers, Wing-Commander the Hon. R. A. Cochrane, Wing-Commander T. M. Wilkes, and Squadron-Leader M. W. Buckley, both Mr. Harold Gattv, the company's representative in the Dominion, and Dr. W. A. Alacky, of the Government Meteorological Office, are pilots, and a number of the other guests had previously travelled extensively by air. The party included the Solicitor-General, Air. H. H. Cornish, Mr. D. Holderness, superintendent of the Auckland Harbour Board, Mr. F. M. Clark, general manager of Union Airways Limited, Mr. T. S. Withers, who has acted as Mr. Gatty's personal assistant in recent weeks, and four press representatives. MESSAGE TO CITY THANKS OF COMPANY ASSISTANCE IN AUCKLAND TRIBUTES BY OFFICIALS Warm thanks for the assistance they had received in Auckland in making arrangements for the survey flight of the Pan-American Clipper and appreciation of the encouraging public interest displayed in the venture were expressed by Captain Edwin C. Musick, commander of the Clipper, and Mr. Harold Gatty, New Zealand representative of Pan-American Airways, in a farewell message last night before the projected departure of the flying-boat for Pago Pago. Mr. Gatty is making the return flight to San Francisco in the Clipper to confer with officials of the company, but expects to be back in Auckland within a few weeks. "It would be impossible for us to speak too highly in appreciation of the magnificent assistance given us by organisations and individuals in Auckland," Captain Musick and Mr. Gatty said. "The Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, the chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr. C. G. Macindoe, and members and officials of both these bodies all went to endless trouble on our behalf. In many cases requests which we might have made were anticipated and this spirit of friendliness and co-operation has made a lasting impression on us. Work of Air Force "We appreciate particularly the asstance given to us by Squadron-Leader M. W. Buckley and his men from the Hobsonville Air Base. Without their knowledge in the handling of flying boats it would have been practically impossible for us to manage as we did with temporary base facilities. All the aircraftsmen were, keen and efficient and nothing was too much trouble for them." It's possible that Buckley's inclusion in the passenger list was more than just a "thank you" - over the previous year he had flown many hours in the BOP and HB areas, including taking part in the Hawke's Bay Air Survey. He would have been a valuable source of local knowledge for the Clipper crew. Buckley left for England in June of that year.
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Post by fwx on Apr 23, 2019 19:46:23 GMT 12
Yes please!!
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Post by fwx on Apr 16, 2019 14:04:20 GMT 12
Hi Clive, if you email me at chris@foodworks.co.nz, I can link you up with Dion and the photos, cheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Mar 25, 2019 12:41:29 GMT 12
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Post by fwx on Mar 1, 2019 16:51:05 GMT 12
After six, almost seven years since starting this thread, we now have made contact with family members of all my uncle's crew, each of which have contributed photos and information. Together with Doug Williamson's recollections and a large stash of photos and info from Dog's engine mechanic, Dennis Jones, we now have a fantastic collection on this crew and this aircraft. Hugely satisfying! We have just launched the complete 'story' as a website: www.jn-dogboys.com/When I say complete, in fact material is still coming to light, so if interested, you can sign up for email notifications of new posts. Thanks to all on here who have helped and taken an interest along the way. Hope you enjoy it. Cheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Feb 20, 2019 16:45:09 GMT 12
Thanks to tbf25o4 and skyhawkdon I now have a couple of very good photos of Ian Morrison - unfortunately they prove that it is NOT Ian in the photo in question! I was pretty sure it must be him, but will have to go back to the drawing board - see post at rnzaf.proboards.com/post/273773/threadCheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Feb 19, 2019 16:55:27 GMT 12
OK, a bit late to the party, but front row right is not Maurice Buckley, it is Edward George "Ted" Olson. However I have my own mystery man - probably August 1939, attached to the New Zealand Squadron at Marham, note ribbons: Any ideas please?? Thanks very much, Chris
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Post by fwx on Feb 19, 2019 9:46:55 GMT 12
Many thanks tbf25o4, done, cheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Feb 15, 2019 14:38:30 GMT 12
Does anyone have a photo of Ian Morrison please? Preferably in his WW2 days, but at this stage anything will do!
Thanks for your help, cheers, Chris.
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Post by fwx on Jan 19, 2019 19:45:01 GMT 12
Both A and B Flights of 75 (NZ) Sqdn did stints at Oakington for conversion onto Stirlings while the squadron was based at Mildenhall.
B Flight travelled across on the 15 October 1942 as Wayne says, A Flight on the 29th.
The squadron relocated to Newmarket on 1 November 1942 while both Flights were training at Oakington.
Quite possible that Harold was posted in while they were there as the squadron's new Stirlings were being delivered to Oakington. When B Flight finished conversion on the 8th November, they went to their new home at Newmarket. A Flight completed their conversion on the 6th of December.
So the photo with Harold, Tom and the Hamer crew would have been taken at Newmarket, late April 1943.
The squadron moved to Mepal on the 27th June 1943.
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Post by fwx on Jan 1, 2019 12:09:14 GMT 12
Marama Parata at 75(NZ) Sqdn, late 1942: Photo from “The Weekly News”, 17 March 1943, but thought to be taken at Mildenhall the year before, “A Maori team at a British air station”, L-R: Sgt Roy Raharuhi (pilot), Sgt Marama Parata (wireless operator, Raharuhi crew), Sgt “Mana” Manawaiti (wireless operator, Trott crew), and Sgt “Ted” Gray (wireless operator, Broady crew). - Air Force Museum of New Zealand, via the Raharuhi family. Cheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Nov 9, 2018 20:18:00 GMT 12
Hi David,
Wow, that was a jolt seeing your post!! I've been away from the WONZ forum for a couple of weeks, and have only just seen it.
You are the only one of the crew families that I hadn't managed to track down, so it's fantastic to finally make contact.
I had come across information that your grandfather passed away November 19, 1995, aged 70, Port Alberni, British Columbia.
I met up with the only surviving crew member Doug (Dougie) Williamson just a few days ago, and he is fit and very well, 93 and going strong.
Since the above posts I have collected much more information about the crew and would love to share it with you and the rest of Ralph's family.
From Doug's description he was quite a character, so I'm sure he had many stories to tell.
Hope to talk soon, best regards,
Chris (Newey), nephew of Gerry
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Post by fwx on Oct 22, 2018 18:54:20 GMT 12
Just a reminder, if you have bought a copy, please post a review on Amazon. There are two 5-star reviews so far, but all feedback appreciated. Reviews will help sales along and hopefully help us justify a hard-back, glossy edition. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1911255347/www.amazon.com/dp/1911255347/N.B. For a decent preview, click on the "Search Inside" link above the book cover image, and then use the "Surprise Me" link to see random sections of the book. Thanks very much, cheers, Chris
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Post by fwx on Oct 15, 2018 11:39:43 GMT 12
"In probably it’s only public viewing in New Zealand the Bell P-39 AIRACOBRA that has been beautifully rebuilt at Pioneer Aero Ltd will be on DISPLAY at the New Zealand Warbirds Armistice Day Open Day Sunday 18th November. Avoid the entrance queues and pre-purchase your tickets on-line at www.iticket.co.nz/events/2018/nov/armistice-open-day." "IF it is signed off in time and approved to fly - we may see it fly, but it will definitely be here on static display - Don't miss it !!"
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Post by fwx on Oct 8, 2018 14:12:41 GMT 12
Thanks smujsmith, great to have another name confirmed! Especially ground crew, records are very sparse. Yes it's Mepal, and again, nice to have the circumstances (return from an air test) explained, thanks. Sadly, if the assumptions above are correct, the aircrew (Hamer crew) were all killed soon after this was taken. It must have been very tough on the ground crews when "their" crew didn't come home ...
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Post by fwx on Oct 3, 2018 17:22:34 GMT 12
Two more from 75(NZ) Sqdn:
Roy John Alexander “Jack” Leslie (? Sqdn, Fairey Battles)
Roy Douglas Max (103 Sqdn, Fairey Battles)
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Post by fwx on Sept 12, 2018 17:42:20 GMT 12
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Post by fwx on Sept 8, 2018 16:05:18 GMT 12
Any other feedback, we would love to hear it, and if you purchase a copy off Amazon, can you please post a review there, that would be a big help to others with their purchase decision, thanks!
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Post by fwx on Sept 3, 2018 15:18:05 GMT 12
Newspaper report, 31 March 1939:
NEW ZEALAND PILOTS CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR TRAINING (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Mar. 31.
The Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) announced today that the following candidates had been selected for training in New Zealand for appointment to short-service commissions in the Royal Air Force. Four candidates will report to each of the Auckland, Wellington, Wanganui, Canterbury, and Otago Aero Clubs on April 3 to begin their flying training;.— M. E. F. Barnett (Dunedin), G. R. Brybyn (New Plymouth), E. C. J. Cameron (Christchurch), F. H. Denton (Greymouth), J. Duigan (Wellington), D. V. Gilmour (Dunedin), A. G. L. Humphries (Christchurch), J. E. S. Morton (Christchurch), D. H. McArthur (Tai Tapu), M. H. McFarlane (Christchurch), J. McDermott (Wellington), R. M. McKay (Christchurch), P. G. H. Newton (Christchurch), H. A. Outram (Dunedin), G. N. Parker (Auckland), C. A. Pownall (Wellington), D. M. RalphSmith (Auckland), W. Raymond (Wellington), R. C. E. Scott (Wellington), J. S. Shorthouse (Foxton).
And then after arrival in England, another report on 1 March 1940:
NEW ZEALANDERS COMMISSIONED (From Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, Mar. 1,.
Seventeen New Zealanders, all of whom arrived at the same time, have been granted short service commissions as pilot officers for five years on the active list (January 17). They are:— M. E. F. Barnett. E. V. Best, E. C. J. Cameron, F. H. Denton, J. Duigan, D. V. Gilmore, A. G. L. Humphreys, L. D. Loasby, D. H; McArthur, M. H. MacFarlane, J. E. S. Morton, H. A. Outram, G. N. Parker. C. A. Pownall, D. M. Rolph-Smith. R. C. E. Scott, and J; S. Shorthouse.
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