Forum Meet and Veterans Day - 14 May 2011

[flyjoe180]

I can't commit to anything at this stage due to work. No horse heads in my bed ta.

[Dave Homewood]

I figure that for many it seems a long way off, but from an organiser's point of view it isn't really and it is a bit worrying that so few people have committed to this event. Especially the Dakota trip which seriously looks in doubt.

[Peter Lewis]

Looks like I'm clear to come.
I'd be a starter for the Dakota trip as well.

[Dave Homewood]

Excellent, thanks Peter.

[Deleted]

I just need to organize time off work, I may not know until Sunday for sure, but count me in as a tentative :-) Sadly Miss Rachel cannot get time off so I shall be flying solo.

[lumpy]

Definitely a no from me sorry . Not really in the right island to suit my budget .

[Dave Homewood]

Fingers crossed Zac.

That's a pity Grant, but hopefully I'll catch up with you at Omaka in April. Could it be possible for some of the Blenheim mob to club together and hire a plane for the day qand fly up here? There's a few of you guys there, and several are pilots.

[general]

Count me for one, Dave. Certainly no excuse not to, really, at a bit over 2 hrs away by car!
Talk to you next week in re: registration.

Regards

Ross

[northcro]

Count me in for a seat on the Dakota Dave.

[oneleggedpom]

Hi there Dave,
I'd like to come to Veterans day on May 14th, please could you email details and costs. Dave Atchinson suggested I might like to go. I do artwork for Flypast Magazine in the UK...and all by email from Taupo! Talking of emails, mine is [e-mail].
cheers Pete

[Deleted]

I am a go, get paid Thursday so will sort funds then.

I will do my Very Best to NOT mention Fletchers or Hughes 500s guys, so dont not come on my account

[Dave Homewood]

I am pleased to now confirm two more WWII Veteran Guest Speakers for this event:

Colin Murray - Colin is from Te Awamutu and is the President of the local Kings Empire Veterans Association Branch, which for thoe who do not know, is a well known veterans group that goes back to long before the RSA was formed. As last year's forum gathering in Cambridge had our local RSA President Ray Tocker give a talk, this year I have extended the invitation to our local KEV President. Colin fought in North Africa and the whole Italian campaign in WWII in 24 Battalion, 2nd Division, NZEF. He rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. I have interviewed him about his war years and his stories, and the way he tells them, are stunning. He's a very interesting chap and I am pleased he has agreed to attend.

Alan Peart DFC - Alan Peart is one of our last remaining fighter aces. He flew Spitfires in Britain, North Africa, and Burma. He served under Colin Gray, our top fighter ace. Alan has also written a wonderful book about his wartime years called From North Africa To The Arakan, which many of you will be familiar with. It is a huge privilege to have him as a guest speaker and he's keen to answer any questions you may have. He also has a fantastic limited edition print that comes from a Ron Fulstow painting of his most frightening encounter, where he found himself alone in the sky with 20 + Japanese fighters attacking him over the jungle. If you're keen for a signed copy of this very rare print, this is a great opportunity.

[Dave Homewood]

Well we will hopefully have more than one fighter ace here at the Forum Meet and Veterans' Day:

As well as Alan Peart (No. 81 Squadron), Jack Stafford (No. 486 NZ Squadron) is hoping to attend, and so long as they are well enough at the time we also hope to have Harvey Sweetman (No. 485 NZ Squadron) as well, and possibly Geoff Fisken (No. 67 Sqn RAF and No. 14 Sqn RNZAF, NZ's top ace of the Pacific). The attendance of these men all depends on their health at the time. Poor Geoff isn't well at the moment but he's as keen as mustard to come along, so here's hoping.

This is probably the last chance you will have to meet such men. There will be many other WWII veterans in attendance too, including a Mosquito pilot, a Ventura gunner, a Catalina Flight Engineer, several ground mechanics, and several Fleet Air Arm Corsair pilots. Thisis an opportunity not to be missed, they are coming along to meet with you, the younger generations, and share their stories. Tickets are now selling rapidly so be in befor ethey are all gone.

[kb]

What's the situation re the Dakota flight Dave?

[Dave Homewood]

we have nine people signed up to it. We need 30 to make it viable. Jessica is trying to rally some more up. But I just don't know if it's going to be a goer. We need more people to say right now if they want to take the flight, otherwise it will be cancelled I'm afraid and you'll all have to drive.

[kb]

Dave, I have been talking to Charles Darby about the forum and he suggested that it might be a good idea to get in touch with Peter as he had a very interesting war. Do you know him?

He is ex RNZN and was a radar expert who flew with the Americans and Aussies. If you are interested in talking to him PM me.

[Dave Homewood]

I am very interested, yes. Peter who?

[kb]

Sorry Dave, Peter Money. Apparently he was involved in top secret work. Charles has considerable knowledge and believes he is VERY interesting.

[Dave Homewood]

Sounds great.

Graham Clayton is coming down now too and he said he'll bring some copies of his excellent book 'Last Stand in Singapore' on No. 488 Squadron in Malaya, Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. He hopes to also round up a couple of actuall 488 Sqn members from Auckland too.

[Damon]

So many very interesting guest speakers coming Dave.Look's fantastic! Its going to be a 2 day event at this rate!