Who were these Battle of Britain Pilots?

[Dave Homewood]

This photo was taken at the Auckland Premiere of the 1969 classic film Battle of Britain, at which a total of 13 New Zealand Battle of Britain pilots apparently attended. This photo taken by the Auckland Star newspaper and from the late Bill Kain's collection shows some of them:



I know rear rank, second from left, is Gp Capt Colin Gray, and third from left is Wing Commander Dereck "Bill" Kain. And of course in the front centre is the star of the show, Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park.

Who were the other chaps, does anyone recognise them?

Also has anyone got the date of this premiere in Auckland?

[Bruce]

Theres a good newsreel on the Wellington premier on Youtube:



date of that premiere is Nov 22 1956, so I guess Auckland would be a similar time.

[Dave Homewood]

That's a different movie premiere - Reach For The Sky, not Battle of Britain.

[Dave Homewood]

It's still an interesting clip though Bruce, thanks. Was that A.B. Woodhall the guy thta ran the AHSNZ?

[errolmartyn]

Feb 27, 2013 17:20:58 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

Was that A.B. Woodhall the guy thta ran the AHSNZ?

No, that was Derek Woodhall, and no relation as far as I'm aware.

Errol

[fwx]

That's a wonderful photo Dave, and quite historic to have those guys together.
Cheers, Chris

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Errol.

I agree, a really neat photo. I'd love to find out if the Auckland Star took more photos, including the other BofB veterans who attended.

[thomarse]

Is Wing Commander D Bill Kain the one whose exploits as one-time owner of Tiger AJO were the subject of some humorous posts on here not long ago?

[Dave Homewood]

Yes, Bill Kain owned ZK-AJO for a few years before it went back to Ossie James.

[rone]

With reference to your first picture Dave, the gent at right rear is Morrie Kinder, I met him in 1959, he was farming out near the Bombay area by Raventhorpe Hospital, he was quite a character of a man

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Ron.