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Post by Dave Homewood on May 19, 2005 0:06:01 GMT 12
Do you know any veterans of RNZAF General Reconnaissance and Bomber Reconnaissance squadrons in World War Two? I am keen to talk to veterans about their experiences.
They can be aircrew, mechanical groundcrew or even the admin staff or cooks, so long as they have memories to tell.
The squadrons I refer to are: - Wellington (Territorial) Squadron - Auckland (Territorial) Squadron - Christchurch (Territorial) Squadron - The New Zealand General Reconnaisance Squadron - No 1 (GR) Squadron (later No. 1 (BR) Squadron - No 2 (GR) Squadron (later No. 2 (BR) Squadron - No 3 (GR) Squadron (later No. 3 (BR) Squadron - No 4 (GR) Squadron (later No. 4 (BR) Squadron, Fiji - No 5 (GR) Squadron (later No. 5 (FB) Squadron - No 7 (GR) Squadron, Waipapkauri - No 8 (GR) Squadron, Gisborne - No 9 (GR) Squadron (later No. 9 (BR) Squadron - No 10 (GR) Squadron (later No. 1 OTU)
If you know anyone who served on these squadrons, I'd love to talk with them please. Can you forward their details to me at dave_daasnz@hotmail.com
The GR Squadrons flew Baffins, then Vincents and Vildebeests, then Hudsons and lastly Venturas for the BR squadrons. Also No. 1 Squadron operated Short Empire flying boats operationally, No. 4 Squadron flew de Havilland DH86 Express and DH89 Dragon Rapide as reconnaissance bombers in Fiji, and both types flew as such in New Zealand too. And No. 5 GR Squadron flew Short Singapore flying boats operationally too, as well as Vincents.
I'd also be keen to talk to instructors and staff from the General Reconnaissance School (Nelson, then Omaka and then New Plymouth), the Air Gunners and Air Observers School (Ohakea) and No.1 Bomber Operational Training Unit (Ohakea) if any are still out there.
I have a mad keen idea to try to compile a history of the GR squadrons before all their members are gone. Any info and suggestions is gladly received. Thanks.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 30, 2005 15:01:43 GMT 12
Just a note to say this project is progressing well. I have been in touch with several aircrew and groundcrew who served on GR and BR squadrons in NZ and the Pacific. From this I have gotten some very interesting interviews down onto tape, including some stories not already recorded elswhere which is great.
I am still looking for anyone who was connected with these squadrons, whether aircrew or groundcrew (and not just mechanics - they could be cooks, drivers, armourers, doctors, padre, anyone. I am interested in everyone's stories.)
If you know of anyone I can talk with, or any records that may assist in piecing together the story of the Reconnaissance squadrons, I's really appreciate it. This is a major and an important project - I hope you'll agree.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 29, 2005 19:29:08 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 4, 2006 11:51:09 GMT 12
I thought it was time to do an update on this and let people know where I am up to:
I am still working away on this project which is set to become a very interesting book I hope.
I have a very good publishing house very interested, they have basically told me they are keen to publish the book, though at this stage it's not final. I am very positive about this though.
I also have the backing and enthusiasm of the General Reconnaissance Squadrons Association, who have been tremendous in helping me to find veterans to talk to.
And I have been gathering some amazing stories and memories from many veterans, from pilots and aircrew (navigators, wireless operators, air gunners) to ground staff including mechanics and non-mechaincal staff on the squadrons.
I have also been given permission to draw from a number of books already written, most of which have been written simply for family purposes and not been published, so this is great.
I still have a list of these wonderful veterans to talk to yet, which I am continually whittling down, and then adding to as new names come along. I have been amazed at the amount of amazing stories that have come forth, and the clarity of the memories that many of these men, now in their late 80's and 90's, have provided. It's fantastic.
At this stage of the project the veterans remain paramount to me, the more interviews I do, the better, and the more stories and memories saved for posterity.
In the near future I intend to also begin the interesting task of delving into the many archived sources such as official records, squadron record books, etc. These have taken second place because they will be around for a lot longer than our dear veterans will be sadly.
I am still keen to hear from anyone with contacts for veterans, or photos, log books, memoirs or any material that may assist the project.
And any suggestions and ideas for the book are most welcome. For more info on this project see the link in the post above to my webpage on the project.
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Post by davidnzl on May 19, 2007 21:43:22 GMT 12
Saw a flyer a week or so ago - a book has just been published on the RNZAF Base in Northland - picture of a Vincent or Vildebeest on the front cover - probably has info on the GR Squadron based up there
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 20, 2007 12:11:55 GMT 12
Thanks David, I had been expecting this to come out soon, but wasn't aware it is already out. Yes I'm sure it'll have a fair bit on both No. 1 GR Det. and No. 7GR which were based there
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Post by kiwichappers on Aug 31, 2008 21:05:38 GMT 12
Dave, Just stumbled on this thread.
A couple of years ago I called into a wee museum operated by the Tainui Trust in Mokau on SH3 when researching for my Harold Newton models. I came across a number of photographs [about 10x8 if I remember correctly] of a Baffin undergoing an engine change in a field. The curator thought that the Baffin had made an emergency landing in a local field and the subsequent activity had attracted a lot of local interest hence its inclusion in the museums collection.
Might be worth a look.
regards Francis
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 31, 2008 23:20:51 GMT 12
Hi Francis,
Thanks for the heads up on this, I have not yet come across any reference to a forced landing at Mokau so this is worth following up. It has to be a GR Squadron related event, only GR Squadrons used the Baffin, no-one else.
By the way, I'm still making slow but steady progress with the project. I'm working at the moment on the three provicial squadrons, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Territorial Squadrons that became regular General Reconnaissance Squadrons when war broke out. The Wellington Territorial/GR Sqn chapter is almost complete. Christchurch and Auckland are a lot harder to find info on for some reason. I've almost completed the chapter on the New Zealand General Reconnaissance Squadron too (which formed when the three provincial sqns merged at Whenuapai). Also done lots of work on the No. 3 GR Squadron and No 5 GR Squadron chapters, and still compiling info on the others too.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 31, 2008 23:28:14 GMT 12
I have sent an email to the Mokau Museum, Francis. Fingers crossed that it leads to some more info. Thanks again.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 9, 2009 16:52:31 GMT 12
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Post by chinapilot on Sept 29, 2010 7:33:32 GMT 12
You are doing a great job there Dave !!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 30, 2010 14:29:35 GMT 12
Thanks mate.
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thomas
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by thomas on Oct 6, 2010 22:00:47 GMT 12
I was just reading about the Waipapakauri base during WW2.My father (deceased) was stationed there before they went off to Bougainville and Guadalcanal.He was a Flight Mechanic in no 1 GR squadron.I have a photo of him lying on the top wing of a vildebeeste and in a tent where other guys are having a haircut ( by my father ) He told me quite a few stories of the Vildebeestes and how a few were lost although in accounts that I have read of these crashes none seem to match his accounts (Both on 90 mile beach I seem to remember) and ferrying the engine of one back to Whenuapai for a complete strip and finally a dumping of engine.and of other engine /cooling troubles on Venturas.Here was doing some Pacific ferry duties between Hawaii and NZ in Venturas.He gave his engine notes to MOTAT about 25 years ago.I think there is still a member of no6 ? servicing unit alive that Dad had stayed in contact with.I understand thet are doing a limited restoration on a Vildebeeste down south?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 6, 2010 22:45:25 GMT 12
Hi Thomas, that is great stuff. I would very much like to please get some scans (high quality) of those photos if possible, they sound great. My project is going to reflect the social life and day to day life of the men - aircrew and groundcrew - on these squadrons. So relaxed, everyday shots like they sound great.
Yes No. 1 Squadron Detachment and then No. 7 Squadron at Waipapakauri did lose a few aircraft into the sea off 90 mile Beach, I have some accident reports. Would you mind please emailing me the stories that you recall your father telling you? I may be able to confirm them with detail from the record si have collected. Or you may have some gems of info i don't yet have. My email is dave_daasnz@hotmail.com
Did your father go on to become a Flight Engineer? Or was he still a Flight Mechanc while with the Pacific Ferry Flight?
The servicing unit that was attached to No. 1 GR/BR Squadron was No. 10 Servicing Unit.
Yes, there is indeed a Vickers Vildebeest Mk III being restored at Wigram by the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. There is also a Vickers Vincent near Dairy Flat being restored in a private collection. Both are unique and fantastic. I hope to hear more from you please soon.
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Post by naladier on Oct 3, 2011 15:46:14 GMT 12
My father served with the 25 SU in bougainville, green, tourakina, working on Kitty Hawks and Corsairs he is still in good health and tells many storys of his time during the second world war. Think he also has photos. Also Just last evening i chatted with a pilot officer Frank Culliford who flew Corsairs and Kitty hawks, said he made a forced landing in the sea somewhere near Green, interesting guy .
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 3, 2011 17:16:26 GMT 12
I have met and interviewed Frank Culliford, he is indeed a great chap. His brother was a famous pilot too.
Where does your father live? Can you please email me some details? dave_daasnz@hotmail.com
Thanks!
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Oliver
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by Oliver on Jan 2, 2012 20:58:41 GMT 12
Hi,
My grandfather was in 10SU in the Islands. I too would like to meet someone else from that unit in the Christchurch area if poss. He was the parts liason/procurer between 'our' bases and the American's.
He told me some stories. I remember many but would love more.
Thank you
Oliver
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 2, 2012 23:07:04 GMT 12
Hi Oliver,
Welcome to the forum. What is/was your grandfather's name please? Is he still alive? I'm guessing not.(?) I would love to hear some of those stories.
I'm trying to think of any 10SU people in your city that I have been in touch with but I can't think of any I'm afraid. If I find any contacts there I'll let you know.
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Post by grannygussie on Mar 28, 2012 15:35:43 GMT 12
Probably done it long ago, but have you joined and appealed through Forces Reunited, in Britain? Perhaps some of their members met or were related to men you are looking for or were posted to places, where they had planes, etc in common? Some NZers who ended up staying in Europe or who had close chums in NZ and still have letters? Sorry if this is really obvious and old, old news...
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Post by davidd on Aug 23, 2012 12:49:27 GMT 12
Dave H, Although I do not know anything of a forced landing at Mokau in 1940/41 period, one incident involving an NZGR Squadron aircraft that I have been unable to resolve occurred on 11th November 1940. This concerned Pilot Officer R W McSkimming (yes, the famous "Brick" McSkimming), who was apparently ferrying an aircraft (type unknown) from New Plymouth to (presumably) Whenuapai, as he was to report to the NZGR Squadron on arrival on posting. He had just completed his pilot's course (No. 18 course) at 1 FTS, Wigram, and encountered "heavy weather" en route, thus force landed at Raglan. The following day Squadron Leader A G (Tony) Lester flew down to Raglan from Whenuapai to inspect the aircraft, and returned to base before lunch. Possibly he brought back P/O McSkimming as the latter did indeed report that day. However no other mention is made of this mysterious aircraft. Was it perhaps a Moth or some civilian light aircraft? Or was it one of the squadon's Baffins which had been stranded for some reason at New Plymouth? McSkimming had probably never flown a Baffin, but would have been familiar with the Gordon at Wigram, which would have been roughly similar to operate (no brakes, tail skid, etc) David D
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