The Devon Pile

[mit]

Dave has asked me to start a "Devon Pile" thread, so here is a start.

I think maybe to do a brief snapshot of them all and then a detail post on each airframe.

Please add thoughts, picture, memories as we go.

Thanks Mit

[mit]

A bit of an over view of the fleet,

The RNZAF brought 30 Doves, the second largest order of aircraft since WW2 after the Vampire. While they were built as Dove's the RNZAF referred to the as Devon's following the example of the RAF, NZ1801 and 02 were called Dove's in service.

Below is a snapshot of each airframe and what happened to it.


NZ1801, was the Dehavilland Demonstrator to the NZ market and was sold to the RNZAF in 1948, it was sold by GSB in 1970 to Australia where it is own privately.

NZ1802, BOC in late 1948, it was sold by GSB in 1977 and became ZK-UFO, it is now on display at Classic Flyers Air Museum in Tauranga painted as NZ1802 hanging off the wall.

NZ1803, was BOC 1952 the first of the special order Dove for the RNZAF as a NAV trainer, it stored at the RNZAF museum at Wigram.

NZ1804, BOC 1952, converted to instructional airframe in 1980, then gifted to the Nelson ATC, it is now in private hands stored in Ashburton

NZ1805, BOC 1952, converted to instructional airframe in 1983, sold by GSB in 2011, registered as ZK-ZKF airworthy at Omaka.

NZ1806, BOC 1952 , converted to instructional airframe in 1983, sold by GSB in 2011, stored in private hands.

NZ1807, BOC 1953, sold by GSB in 1984 and become ZK-RNG, currently on display at the wanaka toy museum.

NZ1808, BOC 1952, sold by GSB in 1984 to become ZK-KTT airworthy in Tauranga

NZ1809, BOC 1952, badly damaged in landing accident, nose section stored at Rangatata Island.

NZ1810 BOC, 1952 was involved in a mid-air with NZ1811 it was destroyed

NZ1811 BOC, 1952 was involved in a mid-air with NZ1810 it was destroyed

NZ1812 BOC, 1952 sold by GSB in 1977 and become ZK-UCO, currently being used for fire training in Tauranga

NZ1813 BOC, 1953 converted to instructional airframe in 1981, stored at Biggin Hill hangar at Ohakea, on limited viewing

NZ1814 BOC 1953, sold by GSB 1970 yo Australia as VH-RTX, beloved to be on display at the Military and Historical Aircraft Collection, Greenoch South Australia in RNZAF scheme.

NZ1815 BOC 1953, crashed in 1955 at Shingle Slip Knob, Waitohi Valley killing the two crew.

NZ1816 BOC 1953 crash during low level training at Lindis Pass killing the 3 crew

NZ1817 BOC 1953, sold by GSB in 1970 to Australia, currently in a private collector in Victoria Australia

NZ1818 BOC 1953, sold by GSB in 1970 to Australia, Removed fro reg in 1976 as withdrawn from use

NZ1819 BOC 1953 converted to instructional airframe in 1981, stored a Ohakea

NZ1820 BOC 1953 , Suffered a brake failure while taxiing and the pilot retracted the wheels causing massive damage. Currently in private hand in the Queenstown district

NZ1821 BOC 1953, Sold by GSB in 1977 to become ZK-UDO, landing accident 2006, the nose is currently being restored by a private collector

NZ1822, BOC 1953 converted to instructional airframe in 1981, stored a Ohakea

NZ1823, BOC 1953, placed in Long term storage as a spare airframe, upgraded in 1966 and gifted to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1968

NZ1824 BOC 1953, landing accident in 1956 at Invercargill 1956 written off in 1956

NZ1825 BOC 1953, placed in Long term storage as a spare airframe, upgraded in 1966 and gifted to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1968

NZ1826 BOC 1954 sold by GSB 1977 become ZK-UEO withdrawn from use and scrapped 1990

NZ1827 BOC 1955, sold to private collector in Ashburton

NZ1828 BOC 1955 Sold to Private collector become ZK-XNZ in 1997 stored at Ashburton

NZ1829 BOC 1954 reportedly damaged with only 17.7 airframe hours, sold by GSB on 1977 on displayed restored at the Ashburton Aviation Museum

NZ1830 BOC 1954, crashed following single engine approach after an engine fire, aircraft badly damaged, airframe used for fire training.


Thanks to the RNZAF's photo collection becoming available online, we have some amazing pictures which should make this thread a little more enjoyable. To start with an early picture of NZ1801 This RNZAF official photo
OhG1378-53 "Air to air view of Devon NZ1801 soon after delivery to the RNZAF"
OhG1378-53 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

[Dave Homewood]

Great stuff Mit. I am looking forward to photos and stories coming forward on this important type.

[baz62]

I was wondering why I couldnt find this thread......it didnt exist yet! MIT feel free to post the photo of NZ1814 I sent you. Cheers.

[shorty]

Side on view of'01
NZ 1801 by Neville Mines, on Flickr

[Dave Homewood]

It would be cool to see a Devon flying again in that highly polished scheme, they must have been very eye-catching after the Oxfords and Ansons.

[vultee43]

Loving this thread so far. Always had a soft spot for Doves/Devons as I grew up watching several Herons at my local airport. Very elegant and practical aircraft.

[rushtopj]

What a great thread! Such an under appreciated type, well worth having this thread as there are so few airworthy examples left.

The 25th September is the 75th anniversary of the type's first flight, so also a very timely thread.

Regards

Paul Rushton

[tbf25o4]

Note the deHavilland logo on the fin. In the days where the manufacturer put their trademark on aircraft, and in this case more important as it was the demonstrator sent to NZ

[mit]

NZ1801 First arrived in New Zealand as the DeHavailland Demonstrator ZK-AQV, it's C of A was issued on the 9 of April 1948


I believe this is AQV at the Dehavailland Factory before been shipped to Wellington to be assembled, within 2 months the airforce has brought AQV to Become NZ1801 and a second VIP Dove 1 as NZ1802

Interestingly I think they may have painted the wrong Rego on the aircraft before it was shipped out


ZK-AQV was first flown in New Zealand on the 9th of Feb 1948
GISH 1948 021 0 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

And was flown by the RNZAF in June
ODT 18:6:1948 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

	DH.104 Series Dove 1, to Devon Mk.1, to Dove Mk.1B c/n 04050 NZ1801, VH-MGT
1947	Built at Hatfield by De Havilland Aircraft Co Ltd.  Production Dove Series 1B To be a demonstrator for New Zealand. Allocated registration ZK-AQV Painted in the factory with incorrect registration "ZK-AOV"
08/12/1947	Shipped from England to NZ
	Assembled at DH Aircraft Co of NZ's hangar at Rongotai Airport, Wellington. Registration corrected to ZK-AQV. Aircraft in polished metal finish with red cheat lines and registration.
09/02/1948	First flight after assembly at Wellington, flown by Mr. J. Kerr, company General Manager.  Made a low pass at Rongatai Airport then flew to Paraparaumu and landed at Nelson
16/02/1948	Registered ZK-AQV: De Havilland Aircraft Co (New Zealand) Ltd, Wellington NZ
09/04/48	NZ CofA issued Demonstrations made to the domestic airline NZ National Airways Corp, which DH hoped would choose the Dove for its many short routes then serviced by Lockheed 10s, Lodestars and DC-3s. No order was forthcoming. By early June ZK-AQV was loaned to RNZAF and based at RNZAF Station Ohakea for evaluation, by military pilots and ground engineers.
12/06/48	RNZAF Group Captain A. E. Clouston, CO of Ohakea, flew ZK-AQV to RNZAF Station Whenuapai carrying senior Government ministers.
15/06/48	Brought on charge by Royal New Zealand Air Force as NZ1801, redesignated Devon VIP Mk.1
17/06/48	Minister for Aviation announced that the Government had decided to purchase two Doves to replace the two DH.89 Dominies presently in use by the RNZAF General Purpose Flight to transport the Prime Minister and senior Government officials.
	RNZAF subsequently placed orders for 29 more Devons, serial range NZ1801 to NZ1830 NZ1801 assigned to RNZAF General Purpose Flight for VIP duties, later issued 42 Squadron, Ohakea
6.63	Retired by RNZAF, placed in long-term storage at RNZAF Woodbourne
24/04/70	4 Devons offered for disposal by tender by NZ Government Stores Board: NZ1801, NZ1814, NZ1817, NZ1818.  Tenders closed 28.5.70. NZ1801 total airframe time 4,003 hrs 30 mins. Fitted with 8 passenger seats Sold by Government Sales Board to Peter Hookway, Melbourne Vic Peter Hookway formed Hookway Aviation to specialise in acquisition and resale of retired military aircraft, including RAN Trackers and RAAF Canberras
07/07/70	Peter Hookway letter to DCA: requesting import permits for four ex RNZAF Devons: NZ1801  total time 4003.30 hrs. Previous use VIP transport NZ1814  total time 3924.30 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer NZ1817  total time 1692.20 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer NZ1818  total time 2997.10 hrs. Previous use navigation trainer and VIP transport Devons have had the mandatory wingspar modification except NZ817. Hookway advises he is in discussion with Hawker De havilland Pty Ltd, Sydney regarding certification as civil Doves.
11/09/70	DCA replied granting import permission
22/03/71	Added to Register as Dove Mk.1B VH-MGT: Peter Hookway, Melbourne Vic
23/03/71	VH-MGT departed Blenheim for Auckland, where it was prepared for ferry flight to Australia
03/04/71	Ferried Auckland-Norfolk Island-Sydney, owner listed as Australian Helicopters, Adelaide.
04/04/71	VH-MGT noted at Sydney Airport
10/04/71	VH-MGT arrived at Adelaide-Parafield. Previous serial NZ1801 readable through the civil paintwork. Parked in Robbys Aerial Services hangar for the remainder of April for engine and airframe inspection. Titles painted on: "Personnel Air Transport operated by Australian Helicopters" above windows, "PAT" on tail;
01/06/71	Change of ownership: Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd, Parafield Airport, Adelaide SA
04/07/71	Flew Port Hedland WA to Perth. Departed 6.7.71 for Forrest, then Adelaide
05/01/73	Change of ownership due merger: Airfast Helicopter Utilities Pty Ltd, Sydney Airport
11.73	noted at Bankstown, titles "Personnel Air Transport operated by Australian Helicopters". Also 27.3.74
20/11/74	Change of owner's name: Airfast Helicopters Pty Ltd, Sydney Airport
10.74	Sale to Altair Pty Ltd, Jandakot Airport, Perth fell through when Altair forced to cease operations due to the loss of major oil drilling personnel transport contracts in WA
18/04/75	Change of ownership: Armor Coatings (Australasia) Pty Ltd, Adelaide SA The directors of this company were involved in the re-financing of Adelaide airline Coveair Pty Ltd which operated from Adelaide Airport to Kangaroo Island and other SA ports.
29/06/75	Delivered Bankstown-Parafield for overhaul by Robbys Aerial Services prior to being operated by Coveair, Adelaide Airport
26/07/75	noted Parafield in Robbys hangar, all paint stripped off. Devon VH-CJX also in hangar
13/09/75	noted Parafield in Robbys hangar: overhaul nearly complete, now painted white & orange (same as Heron VH-CJS). MGT rolled out 8.11.75 and ferried to Adelaide Aiport for use by Coveair
12.75	Coveair ceased operating. VH-MGT was leased to Port Augusta Air Service - PAGAS, which took over the former Coveair route Adelaide Airport-Yorketown-Kangaroo island
17/02/76	Arrived Jandakot on delivery from Adelaide, for lease to United Air Services, Jandakot WA. Included in the deal was Dove VH-CJY & Heron VH-CJS
2.76	A new charter company was formed in Perth: Amalgamated Air Services, Jandakot WA Managing Director Michael D. Rainsford, Perth. AAS took over the lease of Doves VH-CJY & MGT, and Heron VH-CJS from United Air Services for a contract to carry mining workers from Perth to the gold mine operation at Telfer in the Pilbara district of northern WA
12/03/76	VH-MGT test flight at Jandakot after maintenance prior to entering AAS service
15/03/76	VH-MGT and Heron VH-CJS noted at Jandakot, now with titles "Amalgamated Air" Amalgamated Air Services commenced operations at Perth in March 1976, also have Dove VH-CJY. Main charter contract is to carry mining workers to the Telfer gold mine, 1000 miles north of Perth.
16/03/76	VH-MGT made it first Jandakot-Perth Airport-Telfer run for Amalgamated Air Services. Returned next day, then operated the route on a regular basis
22/04/76	Change of ownership: M.D. Rainsford, Perth WA t/a Amalagmated Air Services
21/05/76	Damaged landing at Perth Airport. Nosewheel collapsed on touchdown at night on Runway 20. The aircraft had refuelled at Meekatharra while en route Telfer-Perth and nose gear would not retract on departure Meekatharra. Pilot deciced to continue to Perth where airport fire service was available. Operator: Amalgamated Air Services
09/07/76	Ferried Perth Airport-Jandakot after damage repair
26/08/76	noted Jandakot in main parking area: MGT no propellers, alongside Dove CJY and Heron CJS.
8.76	Amalgamated Air Services ceased operations
02/08/76	DCA changed the registration category of Doves VH-CJY & MGT and Heron VH-CJS from Charter to Private, at the request of owner Amalagamated Air Services
10/09/76	Struck-off Register at owner's request. Also Dove VH-CJY and Heron VH-CJS
04/10/76	noted Jandakot, MGT moved to Bernies Aviation mainrenance hangar; CJY & CJS had moved to a remote dirt parking area in the past week. MGT had propellers refitted by 8.10.76
20/12/76	noted at Jandakot: MGT parked near fire station, externally complete; CJY & CJS still in the dirt park
76-80	stored Jandakot. MGT, CJY & Heron CJS never flew again, falling into poor condition. Amalgamated Air Services was involved in legal action with Armor Coatings and other parties.
1980	VH-MGT acquired by Brian Mickleberg, Perth WA Brian operated Cessna 185 VH-FLU from Jandakot. He and two brothers were later sentenced to lengthy jail terms in Perth for swindling the Perth Mint of $600K gold bullion in June 1982. After a long controversy regarding the police investigation, they were released. Brian died 27.2.86 when the survey Aero Commander he was flying crashed near Perth. The conviction of the 3 brothers was finally overturned in 2004 in a matter known as "The Mickleberg Stitch".
9/1980	VH-MGT towed from the Jandakot general aircraft parking area to the Bernies Aviation hangar. Work commenced on a CofA renewal overhaul for planned use on charter work, to be operated by Western Airlines. By 11.80 the Dove was all metal finish after all paint had been stripped.
14/06/84	By now VH-MGT had joined Dove VH-CJY and Heron VH-CJS in a remote parking area at Jandakot, with retired PA-31 VH-RTN, Beech 58 VH-EZA and Aero Comamnder VH-EXU. 0.89 Acquired for parts by E. M. (Ted) Rudge/ Rudge Air, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic Ted Rudge stated at the time that he acquired MGT from "the Micklebergs" in Perth. Three Mickleberg brothers had been charged by WA Police in 1982 for stealing $650K of gold bullion, in what was widely known as the Perth Mint Swindle. They were jailed, despite accusations of fabricated evidence by Police, bashed by fellow inmates but after some years the convictions were quashed. Two of the brothers were involved in aviation, Brian Mickleberg being killed flying an Aero Commander after his release from jail
2/1990	Ted Rudge flew his Dove VH-DHD from Essendon to Jandakot to remove the components of MGT he required and arrange their transport to Melbourne
1990	Stripped airframe loaned to aviation enthusiast Lincoln Nitschke, Adelaide who was establishing his aircaft museum at Greenock in the Barosa Valley SA
1990/1996
1996	Ted Rudge sold VH-MGT to Colin Jones, Macdonald Park, Adelaide SA. Moved by road from Greenock to Jones' home. At the same time Jones also purchased the stripped airframe of NZ1817 from Mildura Vic
20/11/01	VH-MGT noted at Colin Jones' home at Spencer Street, McDonald Park SA. Painted black with red sharks teeth on nose, mounted on three poles. Serial NZ1801 readable under the black paint on the fuselage. His other Devon NZ1817 was also there, still in RNZAF markings.
	Reportedly now with an owner in NSW

Was for sale on this forum in 2016 rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/24056/rnzaf-devon]

DH104-NZ1801-In June 1948 ZK-AQV became RNZAF Devon Mk.1 NZ1801, seen here in gleaming polished metal VIP finish. Geoff Goodall collection by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

June 1948, note the plain roundels and the factory cheat lines with the addition of a white top of the fuselage

nz1801 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

A little later on with the white fern in the roundel 70s

DH104-MGT-VH-MGT at Bankstown in November 1973. by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

1973 in Australia as VH-MGT

1977 in Australia as VH-MGT

1801 vh-mgt 10 2 1990 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

1990 having been paint striped in Australia

nz1801 VH-MGT 10 2 1990 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

The cockpit at the same time as above

image1_JPG-100390-500x500 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

As for sale in 2006

Ok I think thats a good round on one Nz1801!!

 

[mit]

May 14, 2020 9:19:17 GMT 12 tbf25o4 said:

Note the deHavilland logo on the fin. In the days where the manufacturer put their trademark on aircraft, and in this case more important as it was the demonstrator sent to NZ

Yes true but interestingly in this factory photo there is no DH logo on the tail!

[tbf25o4]

The company logo was probably applied on arrival in NZ by the DeHavilland representative, as there were several other aircraft manufacturers getting keen to sell aircraft to NZ

[mit]

May 13, 2020 16:50:47 GMT 12 shorty said:

Side on view of'01
NZ 1801 by Neville Mines, on Flickr

This Photo is actually quite interesting, This must be the very first paint scheme, Note the yellow around the roundel and the polished fuselage top also as tbf25o4 pointed out the DH logo on the tail, which was over painted with the white and not repainted, where the later ones wore the DH logo long into the service.

[tbf25o4]

I have two reasonably good photos of NZ1816 and NZ1830 carrying the DH logo on the fin, both are in the mid 1950s scheme so would have been shortly after delivery to NZ

[Dave Homewood]

Here's a cool photo of a Devon from the Air Force Museum of New Zealand's photo archive page:

PR466-56   
Two men working on the port engine of a No. 42 Squadron Devon. Believed to be at RNZAF Station Ohakea.
NB. Deteriorating vinegar syndrome negative, conserved and put onto polyester base.

[Dave Homewood]

Here are some more photos from the Air Force Museum of New Zealand's photo archive today"

The gorgeous polished No. 42 Squadron Devon, NZ1802

LINK

Two airmen refuelling Devon NZ1818 at RNZAF Station Ohakea

LINK


LINK

[tbf25o4]

Those wonderful green overalls, heavy and hot on a summer's day!

[mit]

NZ1802 S/N 04169
Was the Second aircraft ordered to complement 1802 as a fast and comfortable modern transport aircraft for New Zealand. It was built as a Dove 2b
Shipped to New Zealand and assembled by De Havilland at Rongotai.
BOC with RNZAF at Ohakea on 22 December 1948.
Into storage at Woodbourne in June 1963.
Reactivated with No.42 Squadron, Ohakea in May 1964.
Final flight with RNZAF was on 22 September 1976 when it was flown from Whenuapai to Woodbourne for storage.
Advertised for sale by GSB tender 08 August 1977 with a total time of 7607 hours.
SOC 20 September 1977 and sold to D. Culham, Whangarei on 20 October 1977 for $4500.
Entered the New Zealand Civil Aircraft Register as ZK-UFO on 17 October 1977.
Removed from register 30 November 1990 as withdrawn from use.
Stored at Dairy Flat Airfield, Auckland.
On display at the Classic Flyers Air Museum in Tauranga NZ.


nz1802 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

scan0019-5 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

WhG11386-57 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
Open Day flying display at RNZAF Station Whenuapai. Ground to air view of Devon NZ1802 flying low over the airfield. 23/2/1957
WhG11387-57 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
WhG11388-57 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
WhG11389-57 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr With Feathered engine
WhG11390-57 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
18 December 1975, RNZAF Devon NZ1802 at Whenuapai by jenks.steve, on Flickr
18 December 1975, RNZAF Devon NZ1802 at Whenuapai
RNZAF Devon NZ1802, Bristol Freighter NZ5910, Whenuapai, New Zealand, 1976 by jenks.steve, on Flickr
RNZAF Devon NZ1802, Bristol Freighter NZ5910, Whenuapai, New Zealand, 1976
This was the second of 30 Devons delivered to the RNZAF from 1948 onwards. NZ1802 is serving 42 Squadron in the VIP transport role. april 71 by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
NZ1802 is serving 42 Squadron in the VIP transport role. april 71
NZ1802 long term storage WB by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
NZ1802 long term storage WB[/url] by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
ZK-UFO ex 1802 wb by Mit Brereton, on Flickr
9 December 1978, ex-RNZAF Devon, ZK-UFO, Ardmore by jenks.steve, on Flickr
9 December 1978, ex-RNZAF Devon, ZK-UFO, Ardmore
Devon on wall web by Mit Brereton, on Flickr

[Dave Homewood]

Great selection of photos and history there.

[shorty]

Who else spotted the AA guns in the Whenuapai photo?

NZ 1802b by Neville Mines, on Flickr