|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 7, 2008 21:35:13 GMT 12
Does anyone have information about the New Zealand involvement with the Byrd Antarctic Expedition? I believe at least two New Zealand pilots were involved, one of them alledgedly being Eric Griffiths.
What were they flying, what dates, etc? Any info or photos would be appreciated, thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 7, 2008 21:36:11 GMT 12
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 7, 2008 22:07:30 GMT 12
|
|
malkyc
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 7
|
Post by malkyc on May 31, 2021 16:27:05 GMT 12
Does anyone have information about the New Zealand involvement with the Byrd Antarctic Expedition? I believe at least two New Zealand pilots were involved, one of them alledgedly being Eric Griffiths. What were they flying, what dates, etc? Any info or photos would be appreciated, thanks. As far as I'm aware Eric Griffiths was only employed as a mechanic on the Byrd expedition and did no flying. Interestingly he ended up in the brig due to confronting Byrd about the differential treatment between the Americans and non-Americans on the expedition and was returned to NZ at the earliest opportunity. |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on May 31, 2021 16:32:29 GMT 12
Yes, in the many years since I first asked this question I did discover more information on Eric Griffiths' involvement elsewhere. He was definitely not flying.
|
|
|
|
Post by madmax on May 31, 2021 23:34:30 GMT 12
I've no information on any Kiwi's who were with the Byrd expeditions however the Condor (or Condors - I'm uncertain if there were one or two) was unloaded on the Wellington wharves at one time either on the way to or returning from Antarctic.
The Kellet Autogiro was with Byrd's second expedition and was flown by American William McCormick
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 1, 2021 0:14:54 GMT 12
BYRD EXPEDITION
NEW ZEALAND VOLUNTEERS
SIGNING OF ARTICLES
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
(Special to Daily Times.) WELLINGTON, December 11.
The New Zealanders who joined the Byrd Expedition ship Jacob Ruppert at Wellington are L. W. Cox. A. L. G. McLennan, Peter Berdehns, Percy Dymond, George Kerr, R. L. Fleming, E. B. Hawlley, H. R. Young, J. Robinson, R. C. F. Bradley, B. O’Brien, J. G. Sissons, and Eric N. Griffiths. Mr Griffiths joined the expedition as aviation mechanic. He is the youngest member of the company, being 20 years of age and a qualified pilot, having had extensive flying experience in China during a period of about eight months when he flew Chinese aeroplanes. He was co-pilot on a seven-passenger machine. He will possibly fly one of the aeroplanes which is lying at the barrier. Mr Sissons will act as assistant radio man.
That one has to be decidedly enthusiastic in the search for adventure is borne out by the articles which are signed by the volunteers who join the expedition. Primarily it has been made clear that the relationships between Rear-admiral Byrd and the members of the expedition are not those of employer and employee, but those of associates in a joint venture. The materials and equipment of the expedition have been contributed or loaned to Rear-admiral Byrd, and there are many claims to the disposition of this material. Accordingly, the members of the expedition are not permitted to regard as personal property anything on board except their own intimate articles and clothing.
It is also made clear that no member shall have any right or claim for any assistance or reference from Rear-admiral Byrd when the expedition returns. The rate of pay is three dollars a week during the period the ship is in port, and there is no promise of further financial reward at the conclusion of the venture until the expiration of six weeks after the return of the expedition and the debarkation at a United States port or any other port granted by the admiral or his nominee for the termination of the expedition.
No member is permitted to give information in connection with the expedition for publication or radio broadcast. Details of the equipment and of the personal accomplishments of the admiral and other members of the company must be regarded as confidential until two years after the return from the south. Members are prohibited for a similar period from producing or directing any motion picture or drama relating in any way to the expedition. There are other conditions, the gist of which is that no member of the expedition can in any way make use of his connection with Admiral Byrd for the purpose of profit until the expiration of a certain period.
OTAGO DAILY TIMES, , 12 DECEMBER 1933
|
|
malkyc
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 7
|
Post by malkyc on Jun 1, 2021 16:52:59 GMT 12
I've no information on any Kiwi's who were with the Byrd expeditions however the Condor (or Condors - I'm uncertain if there were one or two) was unloaded on the Wellington wharves at one time either on the way to or returning from Antarctic. The Kellet Autogiro was with Byrd's second expedition and was flown by American William McCormick It was a single Condor with the name the William Horlick |
|
|
|
Post by chinapilot on Jun 1, 2021 23:40:51 GMT 12
Eric Neville Griffiths went on to fly for the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War and joined the RNZAF.
He borrowed a P-39 in Nadi and killed himself doing aerobatics.
I’m sure Errol will have more details.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 2, 2021 7:37:46 GMT 12
Details are all in the other thread that is currently active. He did not 'borrow' a P-39, he was posted to the squadron. And he was not doing aerobatics, he failed to pull out of a dive when he decided to buzz a No. 4 Squadron RNZAF Vildebeest.
|
|
|
|
Post by chinapilot on Jun 3, 2021 20:47:17 GMT 12
Moot point I guess - interesting enough the NZ Govt History Combatants in Spain web page describes his death as the result of ‘an unauthorised joyride in an American airforce plane (sic)‘
As for being ‘posted’ to the squadron that’s doesn’t mean he was ‘authorised’ to fly the aircraft.
As you refer to the other post the person doing research suggests that it wasn’t authorised .
|
|
