Hugh Proctor Blundell

[davidd]

Worth mentioning that some course photographs may contain members of the training staff, as well as pupils. This is particularly so in the image immediately above, with quite a large "staff contingent" of seven men, from R M (Bob) McKay through to F/L T J MacLean de Lange. P G H Newton (extreme right, front row) became a fighter pilot, and one of just two RNZAF "aces" in the South Pacific theatre, although the other fellow (Geof Fisken of course) made his earlier claims in the Singapore area with 243 Squadron, RAF. In the FIRST image, non-pupil officers present include all those present wearing flying badges, viz, Blundell, P/O H P B ('Swoop') Dive, F/L R J ('Nugget") Cohen (think he was Officer i/c Advanced Training Flight of 1 FTS), and P/O A N ("Ginger") Johnstone. Last mentioned many decades later, and in civilian capacity of course, became a test pilot in Australia for a time of the Transavia Air Trucks, although spelling of that aircraft may be in error. Generally speaking, RNZAF subsequently did not include flying training staff in course photographs. Fortunately, the ranks and badges worn can usually be used to spot any staffers present.
David D

[baz62]

The photo says its taken at Wigram and looking at the roof and large windows at the back I was wondering which hangar it might be? Just had a look at some photos and it could be 2,3,4 or 5 as they look to have the same "jagged" roof line.

[baronbeeza]

The Vildebeest hangar pic looks like the view out of the rear of 4 Hangar looking over the road to where the chippy shop and old gym were.