1953 NZ Coronation

[turboNZ]

I was talking to a guy (an older one ...) who remembers seeing this. He said the sky was absolutely black with aircraft.
He can't quite remember all of the types that participated.
Anyone here know this?
ie P-51 Mustangs and Mosquitos would surely have been there

[Bruce]

there was a huge coronation flypast and review in 1953 at RAF Odiham in the U.K. There was some RNZAF participation in that, but I dont know of any in NZ.
the RAF review had formations of aircraft from every RAF squadron flying past (which was an enormous exercise) plus example of everything on the ground as well.
RNZAF participation was aparently a Bristol freighter (Brand new, before delivery) but I am a little confused on that. in 2003 an article in "Aeroplane" magazine had extensive photos of the display, including a detailed diagram of the static diaplay layout. The Bristol is shown in the diagram, but air to air photos of the flypast showing the static park in the background show a Devon sitting in its place instead - can anyone confirm exactly what the RNZAF involvement at the Odiham review was? (sorry I can no longer find the magazine...)

[Dave Homewood]

Chris, where did he see this? In NZ?

There was also a massed FAA flypast at Spithead, UK, on the 15th of June 1953 for the Coronation Review. You can see the types that took part here
www.fleetairarmoa.org/pages/fleet_air_arm_history/FAA-15-June-1953.jpg

[Dave Homewood]

Or perhaps Ottawa, Canada?
rcaf-atc.org/photos/foymou/foymo270.jpg

rcaf-atc.org/other/other16a.html

[turboNZ]

admin said:

Chris, where did he see this? In NZ?

Hiya,

Apparently this was to do with the Queen’s visit in NZ in December 1953 / January 1954. My friend witnessed it from Kilbirnie Park which is here in Wellington.

[Dave Homewood]

Cheers Chris.

I wonder if you can track down copies of 1953/54 issues of "Contact: The Official Magazine of the RNZAF Association" in one of the Wellington libraries. That'd surely have details and photos I'd think.

[Dave Homewood]

Thinking about it it had to be January 1954, because i believe HM moved from north to south and she was in Cambridge on New Years Day 1954.

[turboNZ]

Thanks, Dave.

I never thought to check out the library's archives.
Shall do this next week.


Cheers
Chris