Request For Assistance - No. 489 (NZ) Squadron Book
Aug 20, 2020 16:08:36 GMT 12
errolmartyn likes this
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 20, 2020 16:08:36 GMT 12
This was posted today on the No. 489 (NZ) Squadron Facebook page by David Burrowes. Great stuff, we really need a book on the squadron that the public can buy:
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Today., I received a letter from Don Wilkie, who is keen to write a history of No 489 Squadron using material in the two books that I editted.
As I do not have or claim to have copyright of a lot of the information and photos I used, I agreed to post Don's letter on this Facebook page. Please contact Don directly if you can assist him.
Dear David
Thanks for the chance to share my thoughts on a future book about 489 Squadron.
I am keen to compile another history of the squadron that complements the valuable work you’ve already done and provides the RNZAF Museum with an opportunity to make it available to future generations.
My career background was in the print industry where my expertise was in the design, production and printing areas.
This has enabled me to self-publish several books that were ‘passion projects’ (labours of love), rather than being motivated by profit.
My interest in history led me to self-publish ‘Port to Port’, a 200-page pictorial history of Port Ahuri. This sold more than 3,600 copies and ran to two editions (first was hard-cover, second was soft-cover).
I also helped to produce a 200-page history of Napier chemists (Chemists in Napier) and Courage Aflame, a 300-page hard-cover biography of Sergeant James Ward, VC. My role with these books was to format and design the layouts ready for print, and I oversaw the printing of them.
My interest in 489 Squadron was sparked by my work as an artist.
Since my wife of 46 years died from a brain tumour in 2017, I have occupied myself with oil painting with historical aviation themes. My work has became known in RNZAF circles and I was commissioned to paint a representation of Beaufighters flying through the fjords of wartime Norway. I was also commisioned by to paint the 455 squadron attack Egersund harbour in 1944 which is now in the Egersund Museum.
During my research for the painting for the 489 painting, I learned of the squadron and realised their achievements were special. This led me to your first book which helped me understand the contribution 489 made and how all New Zealanders (including future generations) should have the opportunity to learn of their deeds.
My intention is to collate images and information about 489, from the squadron’s inception till its disbanding. My focus is mainly on photographs which I have the professional skills (and access to the right technology) to scan and reproduce so they are preserved to the highest possible quality.
I plan to format the book and to design and lay it out so it can be given to the RNZAF Museum for them to potentially publish it to raise funds for the museum. I will not be taking any renumeration in this project.
My motivation is to ensure that between your works and this complementary project, future New Zealanders have access to a history of 489 that honours its members in an appropriate way.
I would be happy to keep you informed as I put together my edition and would welcome any help or support you could provide.
Yours sincerely
Don Wilkie
6 Ellison Street
Napier 4110
06 8343426
Email longforgan@xtra.co.nz
www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2620970408151764&id=1577372245844924&__tn__=K-R
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Today., I received a letter from Don Wilkie, who is keen to write a history of No 489 Squadron using material in the two books that I editted.
As I do not have or claim to have copyright of a lot of the information and photos I used, I agreed to post Don's letter on this Facebook page. Please contact Don directly if you can assist him.
Dear David
Thanks for the chance to share my thoughts on a future book about 489 Squadron.
I am keen to compile another history of the squadron that complements the valuable work you’ve already done and provides the RNZAF Museum with an opportunity to make it available to future generations.
My career background was in the print industry where my expertise was in the design, production and printing areas.
This has enabled me to self-publish several books that were ‘passion projects’ (labours of love), rather than being motivated by profit.
My interest in history led me to self-publish ‘Port to Port’, a 200-page pictorial history of Port Ahuri. This sold more than 3,600 copies and ran to two editions (first was hard-cover, second was soft-cover).
I also helped to produce a 200-page history of Napier chemists (Chemists in Napier) and Courage Aflame, a 300-page hard-cover biography of Sergeant James Ward, VC. My role with these books was to format and design the layouts ready for print, and I oversaw the printing of them.
My interest in 489 Squadron was sparked by my work as an artist.
Since my wife of 46 years died from a brain tumour in 2017, I have occupied myself with oil painting with historical aviation themes. My work has became known in RNZAF circles and I was commissioned to paint a representation of Beaufighters flying through the fjords of wartime Norway. I was also commisioned by to paint the 455 squadron attack Egersund harbour in 1944 which is now in the Egersund Museum.
During my research for the painting for the 489 painting, I learned of the squadron and realised their achievements were special. This led me to your first book which helped me understand the contribution 489 made and how all New Zealanders (including future generations) should have the opportunity to learn of their deeds.
My intention is to collate images and information about 489, from the squadron’s inception till its disbanding. My focus is mainly on photographs which I have the professional skills (and access to the right technology) to scan and reproduce so they are preserved to the highest possible quality.
I plan to format the book and to design and lay it out so it can be given to the RNZAF Museum for them to potentially publish it to raise funds for the museum. I will not be taking any renumeration in this project.
My motivation is to ensure that between your works and this complementary project, future New Zealanders have access to a history of 489 that honours its members in an appropriate way.
I would be happy to keep you informed as I put together my edition and would welcome any help or support you could provide.
Yours sincerely
Don Wilkie
6 Ellison Street
Napier 4110
06 8343426
Email longforgan@xtra.co.nz
www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2620970408151764&id=1577372245844924&__tn__=K-R
