Ray Hanna and Mark Hanna

[johnnyfalcon]

Before 'Plonky' became 'Plonky':

[Radialicious]

I flew Ray from Woodbourne to Wellington after Classic Fighters 2005. At the time I collected boarding pass stubs as an aid to remembering exactly how many passengers had boarded. Even in a 19 seater, I sometimes found it difficult to greet each person and count at the same time (?!?). I still have his ticket stub in my box of special bits and pieces.

[Dave Homewood]

I just dug out the Air Expo 92 official video, from the airshow at Auckland International in November 1992, to look up the name of the Harrier pilto for Phil on another thread. In doing so I saw for the first time in many years, as I haven't watched it in some while, the wonderful footage of Ray and Mark dogfighting in Sir Tim's Zero replica and P-40K. Wow, simply stunning. I had forgotten how good that TVNZ footage was. And how low those two were dogfighting, in a strong crosswind too. As well as the visual sensation of the aeroplanes we are also treated to a voiceover and interview from mark who was talking to the host Philip Alpers about the aeroplanes, and also both Ray and Mark's voices over the radio as they chat with different moves coming up, etc. I remember seeing that dogfight on the Sunday, and the thrill of watching that stays with me. They were superb, simply superb.

There were 230.000 people at that airshow, I would not doubt that many ex-RNZAF fighter pilots must have been there to see this display. It must have been something very special for them.

[spitfire14]

I couldn't agree more Dave, that was a superb show and video of it!

As I have mentioned earlier in this thread, a lasting memory for me of that show was seeing Mark in the P-40, chasing Ray in the Zero Replica low and fast around the control tower. The sight and sound has remained with me- was only about 9 at the time, every young boy's ambition was to be up there- amazing!!

In the video, love the following conversation: Tower: "Ah P-40 and Zero will you knock it off now please?" Ray Hanna: 'Roger, knocking it off!"

Haha it was like two schoolkids getting told off for re-enacting dogfights instead of doing their maths homework!haha

Also in the interview Dave talks of, the interviewer asks Mark about how difficult is it to fly the dogfight in such a strong wind. Mark, ever the professional, replies that he was more worried about screwing-up the landing in front of such a huge crowd and then having to explain to Sir Tim that he wrote off his million dollar aeroplane.

The interviewer then asks Mark if he thought anybody in the crowd would like to be up there. Mark replies, "Well if they've got strong neck and tummy muscles and can handle 4g they are very welcome!"

Haha love it and miss Mark's wit and dry sense of humour!

[Dave Homewood]

I am pretty sure they did the dame P-40 and Zero display at Wigram Wings and Wheels in March 1993 too. I was working so was unable to take photos. Does anyone have any photos or video from that airshow?

[frighter03]

Last message accidently sent, but Ray went on to fame in the R.A.F. and I went R.N.Z.A.F. before a civil career.

[frighter03]

Re Ray Hanna. I accidently posted half a message which disappeared into the works!! Ray and I joined 19 Sqdrn. Air Training Corps in early 1945, and later were in the first group to do ab initio training in Auckland Aero Club Tigers (Moths that is.) I was able to join the R.N.Z.A.F. while Ray worked a cargo ship to U.K. and found eventual fame in the R.A.F. I eventually went civil and over the next fifty years our paths crossed only occasionally unfortunately.

[Dave Homewood]

How about this for a cracking shot and a chance find. Les Bilcliff (camtech) was showing a few of us some photos on Saturday. Evan Yates (hardyakka) picks this one up and reads the name Cpl R.G. Hanna on the back. He looks at me and says, "That wouldn't be...?" I looked at the photo and together we said "It is!!"

The full caption on the back reads:
ATC Flying Training, Mangere 17 Jan 1948
Left to right: Sgt P J B Henderson (19 Sqdn), Cpl G N White (19 Sqdn – 1st cadet to solo), Cpl R G Hanna (19 Sqdn), R J Prentice (Chief Instructor Auck. Aero Club)
Whites Aviation Neg 11757.



Thanks to Les, who never knew the significance of the photo till now, and Evan for pointing it out! Ray Hanna aged 19 I believe.

[Deleted]

What a great find! You can really see the strong resemblance Mark had to his dad. Thanks for sharing :-)

[Dave Homewood]

I wonder if he did any low flying in the Tiger Moth on that occasion. ;D

[kiwithrottlejockey]

What is even more interesting is that someone else in that photo has posted in this thread!

[Dave Homewood]

Good grief, you're absolutely right! What an amazing co-incidence. And his post was just above the photo too. Wow!

[baz62]

Frighter which one is you in the photo? (If you are actually in the photo of course!)

[Dave Homewood]

He is indeed in the photo. In the cockpit.

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Baz....Frighter03 used to fly Bristol Hercules-powered aeroplanes.

Both RNZAF Bristol Freighters and TEAL Short Solent flying-boats.

[baz62]

Thanks guys,wow a historic photo indeed.

[seafire]

That is indeed my father in the seat. Captain Geoff White, retired Air NZ, last command DC10.

[frighter03]

Bristols loomed large in part of my career, as ferried NZ5903 from Bristol on delivery flight in Feb/March 1952 (5903 in Wigram museum now). Yes it took two weeks UK/NZ then. And yes 'tis I in the cockpit in the photo, and I stilll have the 'Flying' mag with the photo on the cover (Feb. 1948).

[Dave Homewood]

I have placed this into the Aviation Films section but this is well worth repeating here. Ray at his best with MH434 at Biggin Hill, circa 1980

[Dave Homewood]

I just read it is 15 Years today since Mark Hanna was tragically killed in Spain. RIP