Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 16, 2024 22:07:47 GMT 12
From The Press, 30 June 1975:
OLD AIRMEN AT NELSON
(From Our Own Reporter) NELSON, June 29.
These seven old airmen were very interested visitors at the opening of Nelson’s new regional airport terminal yesterday. All are former members of the Royal Flying Corps who flew on operational sorties in a variety of aircraft during the First World War. From left, they are Messrs Monty Smith, Eric Flower, Harry Walker, Reg Kingsford, Doug Rees, Joe Kershaw (all of Nelson) and Tom Leighs (Christchurch). Until April 1, 1918, Mr Rees was a member of the Royal Naval Air Service. From that date, this branch of aviation was amalgamated with the Royal Flying Corps to become the Royal Air Force. Mr Rees, too, had the distinction of being one of those to fly off the first aircraft carrier Argus. Mr Smith was the only fighter pilot among them. The others flew bombers, some on night operations.
Yesterday’s occasion was something of a red-letter day for Mr Kingsford. He was the Nelson Aero Club’s first chairman (albeit temporary) when the club was formed in 1932, and later, as a member of the Nelson Harbour Board, advanced the cause of commercial flying in Nelson.
OLD AIRMEN AT NELSON
(From Our Own Reporter) NELSON, June 29.
These seven old airmen were very interested visitors at the opening of Nelson’s new regional airport terminal yesterday. All are former members of the Royal Flying Corps who flew on operational sorties in a variety of aircraft during the First World War. From left, they are Messrs Monty Smith, Eric Flower, Harry Walker, Reg Kingsford, Doug Rees, Joe Kershaw (all of Nelson) and Tom Leighs (Christchurch). Until April 1, 1918, Mr Rees was a member of the Royal Naval Air Service. From that date, this branch of aviation was amalgamated with the Royal Flying Corps to become the Royal Air Force. Mr Rees, too, had the distinction of being one of those to fly off the first aircraft carrier Argus. Mr Smith was the only fighter pilot among them. The others flew bombers, some on night operations.
Yesterday’s occasion was something of a red-letter day for Mr Kingsford. He was the Nelson Aero Club’s first chairman (albeit temporary) when the club was formed in 1932, and later, as a member of the Nelson Harbour Board, advanced the cause of commercial flying in Nelson.
