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Post by pjw4118 on Jun 14, 2019 13:17:06 GMT 12
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Post by rexbolwell on Jun 18, 2019 22:56:10 GMT 12
Hi, Thanks for the reply. I'm glad to hear Vivian's been up to see you. And I guess she filled you in on all of Rodney's history. My mother and Rodney were brother and sister and our two families were really close. If MOTAT is open to the public it would be great to see a Lancaster in the flesh one day.
Regards Rex Bolwell
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Post by pjw4118 on Aug 10, 2019 15:02:33 GMT 12
The latest NZBCA news is out, sixteen opages this tim eincluding details of one of the last Luftwaffe 262 night fighter pilots . Go to www.nzbombercommand.co.nz to download a copy. Previous issues are also on this site. If you would like future copies to be emailed to you directly email me at spirits@xtra.co.nz |
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roodles
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 2
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Post by roodles on Aug 22, 2019 8:56:33 GMT 12
Errol Many thanks for that information. I can conclude that I now have at least three of Hewlett's crew (including himself) surviving the war. That's good news. P.O. G K Hewlett was posted out of 10 Sqn to 1663 HCU wef 11 Sept 1943. Here is a copy of the 10 Sqn ORB for the night of 10/11 August 1943 with details of the Nurnberg op after which he was awarded the DFC. Hewlett was flying ZA-K (HR691) with his regular crew that night.  Nineteen crews of 10 Sqn were detailed for the operation all but one bombed the target. One aircraft (Sgt Dibbon & crew) FTR. On 12 August Hewlett and his crew went to Milan in ZA-J (JB910). This is an interesting aircraft not least due to it's artwork. On 16/17 April 1943 it was on the Plzen op. Piloted by Bill Virgo (RAAF) it was attacked by a Bf 110 piloted Fw G Hase. The night fighter was engaged by JB910 rear gunner Sgt Hill, and destroyed. Hase survived but his operator was killed. My wife's cousin, Sgt. Jack Hulley (later F. Lt Hulley DFC) of Hewlett's crew, was the odd bod bomb aimer in JB910 that night. Hewlett and his crew's next op in ZA-K (HR691) was on 17/18 August to Peenemunde. He had a second dickie for this op, FO G E Farquharson. I'm unsure of his nationality, so it may be of interest. I'm delighted if I have assisted, in any small way, to clarify, identify and preserve the memories of these brave and the aircraft they flew. Cheers, Jim |
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roodles
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 2
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Post by roodles on Aug 22, 2019 9:05:16 GMT 12
Errol Many thanks for that information. I can conclude that I now have at least three of Hewlett's crew (including himself) surviving the war. That's good news. P.O. G K Hewlett was posted out of 10 Sqn to 1663 HCU wef 11 Sept 1943. Here is a copy of the 10 Sqn ORB for the night of 10/11 August 1943 with details of the Nurnberg op after which he was awarded the DFC. Hewlett was flying ZA-K (HR691) with his regular crew that night. Nineteen crews of 10 Sqn were detailed for the operation all but one bombed the target. One aircraft (Sgt Dibbon & crew) FTR. On 12 August Hewlett and his crew went to Milan in ZA-J (JB910). This is an interesting aircraft not least due to it's artwork. On 16/17 April 1943 it was on the Plzen op. Piloted by Bill Virgo (RAAF) it was attacked by a Bf 110 piloted Fw G Hase. The night fighter was engaged by JB910 rear gunner Sgt Hill, and destroyed. Hase survived but his operator was killed. My wife's cousin, Sgt. Jack Hulley (later F. Lt Hulley DFC) of Hewlett's crew, was the odd bod bomb aimer in JB910 that night. Hewlett and his crew's next op in ZA-K (HR691) was on 17/18 August to Peenemunde. He had a second dickie for this op, FO G E Farquharson. I'm unsure of his nationality, so it may be of interest. I'm delighted if I have assisted, in any small way, to clarify, identify and preserve the memories of these brave and the aircraft they flew. Cheers, Jim |
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 22, 2019 19:47:44 GMT 12
Errol Many thanks for that information. I can conclude that I now have at least three of Hewlett's crew (including himself) surviving the war. That's good news. P.O. G K Hewlett was posted out of 10 Sqn to 1663 HCU wef 11 Sept 1943. Here is a copy of the 10 Sqn ORB for the night of 10/11 August 1943 with details of the Nurnberg op after which he was awarded the DFC. Hewlett was flying ZA-K (HR691) with his regular crew that night. Nineteen crews of 10 Sqn were detailed for the operation all but one bombed the target. One aircraft (Sgt Dibbon & crew) FTR. On 12 August Hewlett and his crew went to Milan in ZA-J (JB910). This is an interesting aircraft not least due to it's artwork. On 16/17 April 1943 it was on the Plzen op. Piloted by Bill Virgo (RAAF) it was attacked by a Bf 110 piloted Fw G Hase. The night fighter was engaged by JB910 rear gunner Sgt Hill, and destroyed. Hase survived but his operator was killed. My wife's cousin, Sgt. Jack Hulley (later F. Lt Hulley DFC) of Hewlett's crew, was the odd bod bomb aimer in JB910 that night. Hewlett and his crew's next op in ZA-K (HR691) was on 17/18 August to Peenemunde. He had a second dickie for this op, FO G E Farquharson. I'm unsure of his nationality, so it may be of interest. I'm delighted if I have assisted, in any small way, to clarify, identify and preserve the memories of these brave and the aircraft they flew. Cheers, Jim Jim, FYI, G E Farquharson does not appear to be a New Zealander. Errol |
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Post by pjw4118 on Nov 9, 2019 15:30:01 GMT 12
On Saturday Nov 30th , 1030 at the Ed Hillary Retirement village in Remuera the NZBCA is holding a morning tea for all WWII Bomber Command veterans ( and aircrew from from all commands are welcome ) . Contact james.copsey@nzdf.mil.nz for details .
Novenber 12 marks the 75th anniversary of the successful attack on the Tirpitz by 617 and 9 squadrons RAF . Nine New Zealanders took part , four being pilots ; Gumbley , Joplin (617 sq) and Coster. Harper ( 9 sq ) . Arthur Joplin is the sole remaining pilot from that raid and is looking forward to a bit of a do . A summary of the raid and photos has been posted on the NZBCA facebook page.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 10, 2019 12:32:31 GMT 12
Great, a double celebration for Arthur. Please give him and others my regards.
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 13, 2019 15:30:53 GMT 12
The latest issue of NZ Bomber Command News has been published and can be seen on www.nzbombercommand.co.nz . It contains a lengthy article about Arther Joplin and the Tirpitz raids. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 3, 2020 16:12:51 GMT 12
Happy Birthday to Keith Boles DFC. Many of you will have had the pleasure of meeting Keith at a couple of our Auckland Forum Meets over the years. |
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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 18, 2020 15:14:49 GMT 12
The latest newsletter has been pulished and will appear on the NZBCA website. Note that the 2020 Memorial Service has been cancelled.  |
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Post by pjw4118 on Jul 12, 2020 20:22:15 GMT 12
RON MAYHILL DFC LdcH NZ429967 75 (NZ) Squadron 1924 - 2020 Immediate Past President Ron joined the RNZAF on his 18th birthday and after ITW shipped to Canada and 7A&G at Paulson. Rons trade was determined by his 5/400 in Air Gunnery and 87.4% as a Air Bomber. AT 1 AOS in Malton he achieved a 77% "hit" rate. Ron was a keen press on type and his 4AFU (West Freugh) report noted 'Well disciplined, good example and above average, should do well as a commissioned officer' At 11OTU (Westcott) in January 1944 Ron as a fresh Pilot Officer teamed up with John Aitken from Gisborne in a crew of three kiwis and four RAFVR. After 1653 HCU and 3 LFS the crew joined 75 (NZ) Squadron at Mepal and carried out their first raid in AA-U on June 17 1944 to Morydidiers. Many of their subsequent raids were to France in support of the invasion, but three were to Frankfurt. During a raid on Point Remy on 21st August, flak exploded in front of their Lancaster, shattering the nose. Ron was badly injured around the face and eyes but completed his bomb run. An immediate DFC recognised his bravery. Ron didn't return to operations until January 1945 and then with 514 Sq in a ground role. Post war Ron now MA became a Geography teacher at Grammar school and co-wrote the standard NZED textbook on Geography. His now classic 'Bombs on Target' followed in 1991. Ron was a founding member of the NZBCA and secretary for many years. A President he was the last of the executive who had flown operationally in RAF Bomber Command. He was very proud of the large attendances at the now annual NZBCA Memorial Service at the Auckland WMM and the RNZAF and ATC Trophies established during his term of eight years. Ron was a gentleman in all senses and a delight to know and call a friend. Godspeed and Rest in Peace.           |
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Post by pjw4118 on Jul 18, 2020 15:57:34 GMT 12
Ron was fare welled yesterday at Purewa . Our Chaplain Ants Hawes (Group Capt Rtd) took the service while patron Peter Stockwell ( AVM , CAF Rtd ) read the Ode. A good turnout and Arthur Joplin ( 617 sq) came in a wheel chair to say goodbye to his mate.
I have attended too many of these events over the years but sadly thats life.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 18, 2020 16:39:38 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 7, 2020 13:24:34 GMT 12
The latest Bomber Command newsletter has been sent to members. Details for membership are shown below.  |
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Post by pjw4118 on Nov 23, 2020 8:14:38 GMT 12
On Sunday we held the much delayed annual memorial service and AGM. RNZAF Auckland were hosts with 5 Squadron who the NZBCA have long been associated with. Following the service and AGM members were invited to the ops room and a look aboard a 5 Squadron Orion. Our thanks to Base Commander Group Captain Andy Scott and 5 Squadron CO Wing Commander Glen Donaldson.     Evader Harry Cammish (98) with Base and Squadron CO's  The 2020 Executive. Lindsay Mouet (Treaurer), Bruce Hebbard (President), Charles Davies (Secretary), Michael Copsey (VP) |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 23, 2020 8:16:36 GMT 12
Very nice to see Harry still looks well.
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Post by pjw4118 on Nov 30, 2020 15:38:19 GMT 12
Yes Dave , unchanged really he's like Arthur Joplin , and a few others , just timeless it seems .
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 20, 2020 14:19:29 GMT 12
With the change in NZBCA executive , the newsletter is now restricted to members only and I have ceased to produce it. With less than 20 WWII veterans left plus a few postwar aircrew the Association will now depend upon family members and associates. I am still maintaining the archive and answering any questions relating to records and photos. At some stage this collection will go to the AWMM.
Three of us continue with the Lancaster tours but these are limited to vets, vet families and movie/ doco producers . I think the odd VIP gets in as well.
So aside from access to the archives , queries should go to nzbombercommand@gmail.com
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lancman
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by lancman on Dec 31, 2020 2:28:43 GMT 12
Yes thats a 90 sq aircraft flown by NZ pilot Rodney Williams born in Oamaru. He joined directly into the RAF as 1395356 but on the squadron sheets his number is NZ2074. Dont know why. His logbook records R as LM187 and later PD433 but he flew a variety of Lancasters during his tour on 90 sq. |
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