The Harvard Pile

[mit]

Nov 14, 2011 7:43:39 GMT 12 crewdog said:

Greetings everyone,
After many months of lurking around and reading this forum I have now finally registered. This Harvard thread is fantastic - the Harvard has played such a huge part in NZ aviation (IMO) and great to see it has such a good following here. Please keep the stories and old photos coming in, you just can't get enough of them!
So here now lies a challenge for someone. Hopefully a photo will load of my Dad taken with 2 others during an ATC camp in 1952. He is the good looking dude without the jacket on. Can anyone shed some light on which Harvard it is. My initial thoughts were NZ944 or maybe NZ1044 but it was still around well after the photo was taken. Apparently he thought it was at Weddons but more likely Wigram. I then wondered if the 'buzz' number was just that and is not a reflection of the serial number. Any thoughts???
I fly '78 out of Ardmore and in Feb 2012 I will be taking Dad for a Harvard fly.... 60yrs after this pic of him.

Hay Crewdog,
It isn't a 10 series airframe (mk2a) it is a 9 series (mk2), as it has the external ring sights on the nose in front of the windshield.

I believe you are right in suggesting it is an instructional airframe as;
NZ944 (mak2) was converted to an instructional airframe INST153 at Hobsonville in 1951, so wrong end of the country and wrong number for 1952. This is how it came to be at MoTAT.

NZ946 (mk2) however was converted to INST144 with the No. TAF at Wigram 31 Aug 1950. I think that is the aircraft you are after. This to still exists in Blenheim.

[baz62]

Yeah its hard to tell isn't it but someone on here might know when NZ944 went to MOTAT as I seem to recall it was an Instructional airframe at Woodbourne? It does have "12 Volt" written on a small panel near your Dad's right elbow so would that make it a MKII?

From adf-serials:
NZ1044 MK IIA Harvard (originally 12 volt electrical system)
Previously EX747. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "James Hogg" in June 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 26 June 1943. With No.2 FOTU, Ohakea late 1944. First Mk IIa to be converted to Mk 2A* August 1954. With No.3 (TAF) Squadron 03 September 1954-18 November 1955. To storage at Wigram July 1962. Disposed of through GSB to NZNAC Technical Training School, Christchurch 08 October 1971. Stored in Christchurch with Air New Zealand Training School.

Now by that it looks like she was flying til at least 1954 when she went to Woodbourne for the overhaul to MK2A* status.

Whereas for NZ944:
Issued to NZ under Empire Air Training Scheme. Shipped to New Zealand on "Waiotapu" in May 1941 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 20 May 1941. Test flown on 08 July 1941. To No.1 FTS Wigram. To No. 2 SFTS Woodbourne 04 March 1942. To No. 1 SFTS Wigram 18 August 1944. To storage 22 September 1945 with total airframe hours of 1970.25. Converted to INST153 at Hobsonville in 1951. Presented to MOTAT 03 May 1962 and now on display there as NZ944 in it's wartime yellow colour scheme.

So she may not have been at Wigram/Weedons in 1952.

So it might well be NZ1044 BUT! As you say is the 44 part of an instructional number. Over to the RNZAF Harvard experts! ;D

[baz62]

Ah ha! Well done Mit, I didn't see that ring sight (yes I had my glasses on!)
Cool she still exists as a forward fuselage or just a fuselage?

[mit]

Could be just a forward fuse, But it is on it's main wheels (you can see the spreader bar and what i certain is a main wheel) leading me to think it is also sitting on it tail wheel. That would be the right height for the man semi sitting in the trailing edge.

[baz62]

Yeah I agree but i actually meant the surviving piece in Blenheim is just the fuselage. ;D

[mit]

Sorry Baz I read the wrong, I'm not sure I have been to the property but didn't get the chance to have a look maybe someone down there can confirm. I know he has two so to make one...

[NZ1009]

All RNZAF or RNZAF Museum official, comments from ADF Serials, accidents (up until 1956) from NZ Archives:

NZ1013 Mk IIA Previously EX191. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Waiotapu" in September 1942 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 22 September 1942. With No.1 (TAF) Squadron 14 February 1949-09 August 1950, 03 October 1950-26 August 1952. With No.42 Squadron 26 August 1952-24 August 1956. Thirty sixth Mk IIA to be converted to Mk 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. Crash landed at Ohakea on 22 October 1969 and written off when sudden wind change caused heavy landing. Converted to INST199 and believed used for firecrew practice.
NZ1013 10-Jul 1949 Whenuapai Swung on take off




NZ1029 Mk IIA Previously EX428. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Trivervank" in December 1942 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 18 January 1943. Allocated to 22 (Army Co-op) Squadron Norwood, March-May 1943. To 21 (Army Co-op) Squadron Milson, May-August 1943. Twentieth Mk IIA to be converted to Mk 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. To storage at Wigram July 1962. Disposed of through GSB tender 26 October 1962. Later scrapped.
NZ1029 12-Jun 1944 Tauranga Undershot land
NZ1029 23-Aug 1944 Tauranga Hit obstruction land




NZ1037 Mk IIA Previously EX592. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Vessel 27" in April 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 20 April 1943. With CFS, Tauranga early 1944. With No.2 (TAF) Squadron 19 December 1950-16 September 1955. Thirty seventh and final Mk IIA to be converted to Mk 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. In use by New Zealand Army as FAC aircraft during 1970's. In storage Wigram 1973. Reactivated with 14 Squadron, Ohakea January 1974. Declared surplus to requirements and sold by GSB tender number 022108 to J. Mathewson, Ranfurly, Otago for $7600 on 05 July 1978. Price included engine and propellor. Registered as ZK-ENA on 20 June 1978. To W. Mathewson, Ranfurly on 17 April 1997. Airworthy and flying in New Zealand. Advertised for sale in March 2003. Now owned by Ray Hanna and based at Wanaka.
NZ1037 and NZ1024 19-Jun 1945 Ohakea Collision on ground
NZ1037 29-Mar 1952 Ohakea Collided with hangar
NZ1037 17-Aug 1956 Rongotai Wing dip landing


NZ1041 Mk IIA Previously EX744. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "James Hogg" in June 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 26 June 1943. Thirty second Mk IIA to be converted to Mk 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. Disposed of by GSB to New Zealand National Airways Corporation Technical Training School, Auckland 08 October 1971. Dismantled in Christchurch in 1972 and transferred to Auckland. To J. Saunders, Blenheim and stored.
NZ1041 15-Jun 1945 Ohakea Heavy braking
NZ1041 15-Dec 1945 Whenuapai Swung on landing

[Dave Homewood]

What is that underslung beneath NZ1013? Is it a fuel tank, luggage pod or maybe an air-droppable raft?

[mit]

Nov 19, 2011 12:05:24 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

What is that underslung beneath NZ1013? Is it a fuel tank, luggage pod or maybe an air-droppable raft?

Hi Dave Yes that is an airdropped supply can, most commonly used of SAR.
There is a good pic on here somewhere of one been dropped with the para opening behind it.

[NZ1009]

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Mit, I thought it looked like a SAR pack. I worked on the Lindholme Mk 4 kits at Auckland back in the early 1990's and it has a similar look, perhaps it's part of an earlier model of Lindholme pack? The Mk 4 had one ten-seater raft and two supply packs all dropped by Orion, Andover or F-27.

[NZ1009]

All RNZAF or RNZAF Museum official

Note the underwing numbers in the following RNZAF Harvard formation - top right photo in album page (will be getting a better version)


Checking other photos I found some more detail. Presumably it was done so that, by using only two numbers, they could make them as large as possible to allow quick unique identification. Not sure of when or how long they lasted? As far as I can determine, NZ944 -> 79, NZ948 -> 83, NZ966 -> 49, NZ982 -> 37 and NZ992 -> 41

[NZ1009]

All RNZAF or RNZAF Museum official, comments from ADF Serials, accidents (up until 1956) from NZ Archives:

NZ1047 Mk IIA 88-13904 Previously EX790. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "B.J. Wheeler" in July 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 19 July 1943. Sixteenth Mk IIA to be converted to Mk 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. With No.3 (TAF) Squadron 27 April 1956-07 October 1956. Crashed in Rakaia River when it struck ground during low flying exercise at about 0930 hours on 07 October 1956. The aircraft's starboard wingtop had struck a small hill and it cartwheeled into the ground. Flying Officer Richard Kettelwell killed. Written off books at Wigram 07 February 1957.
NZ1047 9-Jan 1945 Ohakea Taxy accident
NZ1047 7-Oct 1956 Wigram Fatal crash


NZ1050 Mk IIA Previously EX793. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "B.J. Wheeler" in July 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 19 July 1943. With No.2 FOTU, Ohakea late 1944. Twenty fifth Mk IIA to be converted to Mk 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. Stored at Woodbourne from September 1972. Converted to INST207 20 February 1973. To gate guardian at Wigram from 14 June 1973 as NZ1050.


NZ1056 Mk IIA 88-14177 Previously EX827. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Catesear" in July 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 09 August 1943. With No.3 (TAF) Squadron 21 December 1950-03 May 1952. With No.1 (TAF) Squadron 29 August 1952-22 August 1955. To Whenuapai Station Flight 22 August 1955-December 1955. Thirty first Mk IIA to be converted to MK 2A* between August 1954 and May 1957. Fitted out as FAC aircraft with No.14 Squadron 1965. Took part in final Harvard flypast over Christchurch on 24 June 1977. Declared surplus to requirements and sold by GSB tender number 022107 to W. Williams, Mount Maunganui for $6300 18 October 1978. Price included engine and propellor. To D. Reidpath, Auckland and registered as ZK-ENL on 12 October 1978. Ferried to Australia ex Auckland on 12 May 1979. Registered as VH-NAH on 09 February 1984 to Mount Carli Pty. Ltd, Melbourne. Airworthy and flying in Australia.
NZ1056 14-Nov 1944 Ohakea Taxy accident
NZ1056 8-Dec 1951 Wigram Heavy landing
NZ1056 1-May 1954 Whenuapai Wing dipped land



NZ1058 Mk III Previously EX865. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Cape Florida" in September 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 06 October 1943. Thirteenth Mk III to be converted to Mk 3* between May and November 1957. Force landed at Darfield in April 1975 which resulted in internal damage to centre section which was uneconomical to repair. Presented to Ferrymead Aviation Society, Christchurch late 1976. On display at Ferrymead Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand, after rebuild to static condition incorporating parts from NZ1080.
NZ1058 19-Jun 1953 Wigram Undercarriage failed
NZ1058 11-Jan 1954 Wigram Landed undercarriage up

[NZ1009]

All RNZAF or RNZAF Museum official, comments from ADF Serials, accidents (up until 1956) from NZ Archives:

NZ1060 Mk III Previously EX867. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Cape Florida" in September 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 06 October 1943. With No.3 (TAF) Squadron 10 April 1952-29 February 1956. Twelfth Mk III to be converted to Mk 3* between May and November 1957. To storage at Wigram July 1962. Presented to RAAF and transported to Australia by RAAF Hercules 23 November 1977. Restored to flying condition by Winrye Aviation and registered to RAAF Museum, Point Cook on 28 September 1988 as VH-SFY. Airworthy and flying in Australia. Believed to have ground looped on landing on 02 December 2004.
NZ1060 and NZ1066
5-Oct 1944 Ohakea Collided on ground
NZ1060 10-Jul 1954 Wigram Radio aerial lost



NZ1068 Mk III Previously EX907. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Fort George" in November 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 09 December 1943. With No.4 (TAF) Squadron 05 June 1956-22 July 1957. Stored at Woodbourne after withdrawal from use with No.1 FTS. Converted to INST172 with No.4 TTS at Woodbourne 17 October 1957. Sold by GSB tender in 1978 to P. Burns, Christchurch. To J. Smith, Mapua for display only and stored.
NZ1068 19-Sep 1944 Fairhall Fuel shortage
NZ1068 19-Dec 1951 Wigram Damaged running up


NZ1071 Mk III Previously EX997. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Westmoor" in December 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 04 January 1944. With No.3 (TAF) Squadron 31 March 1955-12 April 1955. Rebuilt to modernised Mk III* standard 1955-1957. Crashed at Wigram after nosing over and turning on back during short landing on training flight 16 June 1956. Written off books at Woodbourne 18 July 1957 as reduced to spares and produce.
NZ1071 3-Oct 1944 Grassmere Heavy braking
NZ1071 12-Dec 1945 Wigram Collided tractor
NZ1071 5-Aug 1946 Rongotai Loss of dinghy[?]
NZ1071 10-Dec 1955 Paraparaumu Faulty landing
NZ1071 16-Jun 1956 Wigram Heavy braking


NZ1075 Mk III Previously EZ243. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Hughli Gulf" in April 1944 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 03 May 1944. Nineteenth and final Mk III to be converted to Mk 3* between May and November 1957. To storage at Wigram July 1962. Took part in Harvard 30th Anniversary Flypast over Christchurch on 22 March 1971. Took part in final Harvard Flypast over Christchurch on 24 June 1977. Sold by GSB tender during 1978 to Airferry Inc., Sydney, NSW and registered to Leather Fashions Ltd., Auckland as ZK-ENI on 20 November 1978. Sold and flown to Australia in August 1981. Cancelled from NZ register on 24 June 1982. Registered to H. Brunton, Narromine, NSW as VH-HVD on 21 June 1982. To Fintonne PTY., Collingwood NSW on 03 February 1989. To D. Hamilton, Whorouly, Victoria on 11 November 1994. To Global Network Pty., Braybrook, Victoria on 15 December 1995. To Airport Facilities Ltd. Braybook, Victoria on 22 October 1996. Airworthy and flying in Australia.
NZ1075 3-Jun 1955 Wigram Engine overspeeded


NZ1078 Mk III Previously EZ246. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Hughli Gulf" in April 1944 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 03 May 1944. With No.2 (TAF) Squadron February 1955-22 November 1956. First Mk III to be converted to Mk 3* between May and November 1957. To storage at Wigram July 1962. Took part in Harvard 30th Anniversary Flypast over Christchurch on 22 March 1971. Force landed at Redwood on 18 November 1974, after engine failure but not badly damaged. Took part in final Harvard Flypast over Christchurch on 24 June 1977. Declared surplus to requirements and sold GSB tender number 022112 to W. Field, Nelson for $11250 on 2 July 1978. Registered to G. Martin and partner, Blenheim as ZK-ENG on 10 July 1978. To J. Greville, Auckland on 04 March 1982. To Harvard 78 Syndicate, Auckland on 01 June 1984. Airworthy and flying in New Zealand.
NZ1078 20-Feb 1945 Wigram Undercarriage not locked


NZ1083 Mk III Previously EZ300. From RAF/FAA lend-lease allocations. Shipped to New Zealand on "Sunnyside Park" in June 1944 and assembled at Hobsonville. BOC 05 July 1944. Seventh Mk III to be converted to Mk 3* between May and November 1957. Took part in Harvard 30th Anniversary Flypast over Christchurch on 22 March 1971. Took part in final Harvard Flypast over Christchurch on 24 June 1977. Converted to INST212 with No.4 TTS Woodbourne. Presently stored at Ohakea as reserve aircraft for RNZAF Historic Flight.
NZ1083 13-Feb 1953 Wigram Touched wing tip down
NZ1083 17-Nov 1954 Birdlings Flat Cross wind landing
NZ1083 12-Apr 1955 Birdlings Flat Engine failure

[harvard1041]

Came across this very rare colour shot recently - thought it might be of interest.

Rgds
Hvd1041

PS - chocolate fish for the first person who knows where it came from.

[lumpy]

It actually looks computer generated , some sort of flight sim ?

[flyjoe180]

Looks like a model diorama to me

[Dave Homewood]

Wigram post-war?

[shorty]

PS - chocolate fish for the first person who knows where it came from.

Photoshop??

[harvard1041]

Geeh - suspicious bunch.... how about Ohakea ?