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Post by pjw4118 on Jun 29, 2014 11:37:17 GMT 12
With a lot of help from Dave , the Association now has its own facebook page and has just over 300 friends so far. Its found under ..The new Zealand Bomber Command Association. I am sure that there is a proper link , but that skill has yet to be mastered.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 29, 2014 12:13:10 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 8, 2014 15:24:43 GMT 12
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Post by pjw4118 on Oct 8, 2014 13:08:30 GMT 12
New Patron Earlier this year AM Sir Richard Bolt sadly passed away. Dick Bolt was our founding Patron (1986) and served with President Bill Simpson through a period when there were over 1000 veterans on the roll. In recent times Dick was the force behind the memorial trophy commissioned for presentation to the top RNZAF Squadron. With the position of Patron vacant, members proposed that Les Munro CNZM, DSO, QSO, DFC be invited to step into this role, one that he has kindly accepted. It is a privilege to have such a gentleman as patron. Les is well known to many and his wartime career known to many more. Here are a few photos of the less well known side of Les. 767 Captain With Leonard Chesire Auckland 1986 Operation Taxable D Day with Leonard Chesire as second pilot Hurrican pilot and CO of 1690 BDTF July 44 ITW Levin Jan 41 Petwood Hotel Woodhall Spa Book Launch MOTAT 2010 With good friend, the late Tony Iveson at Tauranga
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 8, 2014 20:37:06 GMT 12
Brilliant post Peter, and Les is the perfect choice for sure.
He actually doesn't seem to have changed a bit since that photo of him at the Petwood Hotel. A good thing there were no Station Warrant officers around - hands in his pockets, tunic undone, breast pocket undone, no hat outdoors, fob pocket undone, haha. So very kiwi. What is the badge or ribbon above his right breast pocket?
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Post by pjw4118 on Oct 9, 2014 7:59:29 GMT 12
Not sure Dave , on an enlargement it could be name tag but, I will ask him and make sure.
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Post by pjw4118 on Nov 27, 2014 10:47:46 GMT 12
A new project has been started this week to have the Thomas Frederick Duck nose art conserved for display. The painted canvas was presented by Jack Wrights family. . With the donation of an oil painting of the original D Duck Wellington by Nick Carter , the sole surviving member of the crew and photographs from private albums , the finished display will be mounted in the foyer of the BC area in the aviation hall. This will include a picture of the famous operational bell from Ken "ring the bell " Crankshaws family. We hope that the display will be dedicated by March next year.
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 22, 2014 7:09:48 GMT 12
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 22, 2014 18:51:17 GMT 12
Nicky Barr, Director of The International Bomber Command Centre is visiting New Zealand and asked we publicise the new centre. It is planned that all archives will be online, free and interactive. It will be getting NZBC support
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 24, 2015 17:21:00 GMT 12
Dambuster Les Munro accepts $150,000 offer to keep medals in New Zealandwww.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=114221159:01 AM Tuesday Mar 24, 2015 The last surviving pilot from the Dambusters raid, Les Munro, pictured at the Bomber Command Memorial, London. Photo/file The last surviving Dambusters pilot has withdrawn his war medals from auction, and agreed to gift them to a museum in exchange for a philanthropist's donation. Les Munro has accepted the offer of British philanthropist Lord Ashcroft to donate $150,000 to assist in the upkeep of the Bomber Command Memorial in London and will gift the medals to Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Mr Munro was auctioning his decorations and medals in London tomorrow to raise money to help maintain the Green Park memorial. Dix Noonan Webb, the coins and medals specialists who were scheduled to auction the awards, has decided to waive all fees and out of pocket expenses on the understanding that the Museum makes a further donation of $19,500 the RAF Benevolent Fund. Mr Munro, 95, will have raised close to $170,000 for the fund to be used specifically for the upkeep of the memorial, which commemorates 55,573 aircrew, including 1,679 New Zealanders, who were killed during the Second World War. The publicity surrounding the auction of Mr Munro's decorations and medals, has also resulted in donations to the charity from the public. "I am content that I have achieved my goal of doing all I can to ensure that the men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during the Second World War will be remembered with pride for generations to come," Mr Munro said. "I have been astonished and very touched by the huge interest that the sale of my medals to raise funds for the upkeep of the memorial has aroused." "In the end, in consultation with my agents Dix Noonan Webb, I have decided that there was a delicate balance to be achieved between raising funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and ensuring that my medals are preserved for future generations of New Zealanders to appreciate. Lord Ashcroft's very generous proposal represents the best way of attaining both these objectives. I am extremely grateful to him." Mike Neville, director of fundraising at the fund, said: "Lord Ashcroft's most generous donation, in support of Les' desire to see his efforts of the Second World War continue to bear fruit today and into the future, is simply terrific. "We are very pleased for Les and delighted that he has realised his aim of supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund in their duty of maintaining the Bomber Command Memorial. Les' sacrifice and Lord Ashcroft's donation will help assure the long term future of the Memorial." - NZME.
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Post by pjw4118 on Mar 31, 2015 13:10:37 GMT 12
The presentation to Dan Hunt CO of 5 Squadron was a bit of an anti-climax. 5 Squadron were there plus CAF, our President and Les (our Patron) plus a dozen WWII vets, the only thing, the trophy (bronze statue of an airman) was still in HQ Wellington. The coffee and sandwiches were nice! Dan Hunt with Les Munro and Ron Mayhill (President) and CAF The RAF boys catch up,. Harry Cammish, Des Hall with Trevor Parker Now listen here, Des making a point to Bryan Rae. Trophy sponsor Ian Kuperus in the background Wing Commander Hunt and the Squadron should have the trophy in their honours cabinet next week
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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 20, 2015 17:49:14 GMT 12
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Post by ErrolC on Apr 26, 2015 8:25:41 GMT 12
This throwing a link about a signing event today in Balcombe, Sussex.
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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 30, 2015 17:49:45 GMT 12
Thank Errol , it seems to have been a great day. Our major event will be the annual Bomber Command parade and service at the Auckland WMM starting 1030 on Sunday June 7 .I will put up a proper notice next week. Later in June will be the unveiling of the Thomas Frederick Duck exhibit at MOTAT.
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Post by pjw4118 on May 3, 2015 17:42:02 GMT 12
Invitation to our Annual Service If you are attending please be considerate. the front rows are reserved for veterans and senior Air Force officers from the RNZAF, RAF and RAAF.
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Post by pjw4118 on Jun 12, 2015 8:46:33 GMT 12
The Annual Commemorative service was held last Sunday. A very good turnout by veterans, VIP's and family. RNZAF Chaplain S/L Stuart Hight with 75Sq Veteran The Venerable Neville Selwood Des Hall (460Sq) Harry Cammish (50Sq) Bill Peterson (102 Sq) Basil Williams (51 Sq) in the background RSA AKL President Pat Johnson with Les Munro and NZBCA President Ron Mayhill (75 Sq) SOE Agent Pippa Doyle with guest and Keith Boles (109 Sq) RNZAF Whenuapai Base Commander G/L Tim Walshe The NZBCA Board Seated Les Munro, Phil Furner Standing Keith Boles (VP) Ron Mayhill (PRES) Jon Pote, Roy Montrowe, Neville Sellwood Missing VP Bunny Burrows and Des Hall (drinking tea) and Peter Wheeler (behind the camera) Also check our Facebook page
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Post by fwx on Jun 12, 2015 12:05:55 GMT 12
I can't find the Like Very Much button??
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Post by pjw4118 on Jul 19, 2015 14:26:58 GMT 12
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Post by rayo on Aug 1, 2015 16:27:33 GMT 12
"Meet the Dambusters" See the British Pathe news reels Posted HEREIn the first, from 1967, meet the original Dam Busters who inspired that famous film. They explore a surviving Lancaster bomber and reminisce together. In the second, from 1943, meet them after they have only recently completed their raid on the Ruhr valley (Operation Chastise).
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Post by pjw4118 on Aug 5, 2015 15:48:39 GMT 12
Thanks , what a good find , and now very appropriate.
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