Vintage & Classic The Journal of the Vintage Aircraft Club

V A C www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk | Issue 63 | Autumn 2018 The VAC Committee Letter from the Chair Anne Hughes VAC Honorary President - D F Ogilvy OBE FRAeS Jo Jurd t seems no time at all since my Whitby as seen from Chipmunk G-AKDN last letter when we were VAC Committee Icrossing our fingers for good Chair Anne Hughes flying weather and looking 01280 847014 email [email protected] forward to attending summer events in the UK and abroad! Well Vice Chair and Secretary Steve Slater aviators and air show attendees 01494 786382 email [email protected] have enjoyed many wonderful Treasurer Peter Wright flying days and evenings and VAC 07966 451763 email [email protected] members have been able to Membership Secretary Stephanie Giles attend many of the events to 01789 470061 email [email protected] which we are invited. Events Anne Hughes as above On a personal level, I’ve been a Magazine Editor Tim Badham New members little frustrated by the sight of our email [email protected] ● Tim Scorer of London Prototype Beagle Pup tucked up Safety Officer Trevor Jarvis ● Keith Williams of Solihull in the corner of the hangar all email [email protected] ● John Edwards of Shepperton season and I’m sure that Trophy Steward Rob Stobo ● David Ratcliffe of Fleet frustration is felt by some of you 01993 891226 email [email protected] ● Anthony Milburn of Surbiton who have ongoing projects. Webmaster Mark Fotherby ● Mark Slater of Bedfordshire However a ride in the lovely at Breighton, with email [email protected] ● William Tollett of Oxford thanks to Charles Sunter, and a ● Lynn Allen of Silverstone flight over Whitby in the Merchandise Cathy Silk ● Robert Mott of Banbury Chipmunk KDN to see tall ships email [email protected] ● Jon Hartle of Droitwich Spa in the harbour soon put a smile ● Lynn Williams of Aberdare airfield where the true diversity of of the business end of the day on my face! General Data Protection Regulation ● Michael Souch of Southampton the VAC fleet could be seen! A big either in the post or by mail On your behalf I was invited by ● Edward Toulson of Wakefield welcome to all of you who made chimp. I am always keen that the In accordance with the new EU directive concerning the RT Hon. Grant Shapps to the decision to join the VAC at the AGM is an opportunity to meet ● Jack Bradley of Keighley Data Protection, the VAC committee have put attend the All Party Parliamentary Rally. You won’t regret it!! socially as well so we are together the VAC policy and set up a sub-committee ● Stephen Parsons of Tenterden Group reception at the House of It was the time of year too for the providing a light lunch, as we did to ensure all updates are made at regular intervals. A ● Tom Harris of Leighton Buzzard Commons and was particularly selection panel to get together to last year, and hope to celebrate copy of the policy document can be found on our ● Mike Lodge of Hailsham pleased while there to be asked by find a suitable recipient of this the RAF 100 with a collection of website.-- ● Rob Lamb of Northampton the Aviation Minister, Baroness year’s Liz Inwood Taildragger VAC aircraft in military colours! ● Ben Faulkner of Sugg, to tell her about the VAC. No Scholarship. We had many very Please bring as many as you can! ● Anthony Milburn of Surbiton Aim of the VAC problem, and it was a real suitable candidates and difficult As 2019 is a time to celebrate fifty- The aim of the Vintage Aircraft Club is to provide a pleasure to show her the VAC decisions to make as a result. five years of the VAC we are focal body for owners, pilots and enthusiasts of Contents merchandise and recruitment Congratulations to Jon Hartle on looking towards a Summer fly-in vintage and classic aircraft by arranging fly-ins and From the Editor 4 stall at the LAA Rally. She receiving the 2018 award and we event as part of that celebration. other events for the benefit of its members. The VAC Events (LAA Rally, Turweston) 5 promised to read the VAC look forward to following his We have plenty of ideas and Vintage Aircraft Club is a member Club of the Light Out and about in classic style 7 magazine on the train! progress in training and meeting suggestions for winter events and Aircraft Association.and supports the General Princely Grasshopper flies again 9 As you will read elsewhere, the him at our events. will keep you posted. Aviation Awareness Council. LAA Rally was an amazing event, How it all began 10 I am pleased to tell you that Steve Thank you to Tim Badham for an not only because it was ice cream Certifying the Auster 9 14 recently spent an enjoyable excellently compiled and very Disclaimer weather, but also because of all afternoon with our President, Reading Flying Group 50th Anniversary 17 readable first edition as the new “Vintage and Classic” is the quarterly journal of the the hard work put in by so many David Ogilvy, at Aerospace Bristol. Vintage and Classic editor. Thank Scottish field of play 18 Vintage Aircraft Club and as such is a privately people to make it happen. David has always been well you too to Trevor Jago from North produced magazine. The views contained within its Not all Moths are 20 Congratulations to the LAA published and is happy to share Weald who does the lay-out for us. pages do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or George Holt Thomas – book review 22 organisers and a really big thank his aviation stories with us. We I am looking forward to seeing the Vintage Aircraft Club. The magazine is free to L-Birds over Normandy 23 you to Cathy Silk and team who look forward to hearing more this issue when it arrives through members, but £5.00 when purchased separately. New bank account details 23 work hard on behalf of the club. from him in the future. the letter box! We were really pleased to chat to Dates for the Diary 2018/2019 24 As I write this the Committee is Anne Hughes In the Summer issue we included the first part of David you all as you passed by the VAC still making final preparations for Cover photo: John Dible’s Foster Wikner Wicko GM1 is the Beale’s story about flying his Belfair to the Czech Republic, stall and to see the wonderful the AGM in October and by now sole survivor of eleven built. Tim Badham part 2 will appear in the Winter edition contribution you made on the you will have been sent the details

P AGE 2 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 3 From the Editor Anne Hughes Tim Badham eedback about the new style Return of the unique Mercury to I was delighted that Alan made the “Vintage & Classic” has been the UK shows the vibrancy of the long trip across from his home in Fmost encouraging and I vintage scene. Wales to the LAA Rally at Sywell thank you all for your comments which enabled us to meet up. I had about the Summer issue. last met Alan when I took some air- The most popular article in that to-air pictures of him flying his edition turned out to be “The Comper Swift back in the 1980s – of Finmere Years”. Shortly after it was course neither of us has changed a published I was contacted by Alan bit since then! Chalkley, who asked if I might be I plan to include further articles interested in hearing about how the about the VAC’s history in future Roy Nerou sent his Chilton G-AFSV to the LAA Rally, seen here with the Mew Gulls Club came into being. This was a known for a while) was set up. editions, to not only remind us of dream come true as he had been This edition of “Vintage & Classic” our roots but also to reveal how involved right from the outset. Alan includes an article based on much the Club has helped very kindly agreed to put some conversations with Alan and his maintain people’s interest in older notes together about those initial detailed notes. We now have a aeroplanes and their operation. VAC Events years of the Club. Amazingly, he fascinating insight into why the Copy for the next edition should Anne Hughes even found the original letter from Club was created and some idea of reach the Editor by 14 December. Roy Mills that instigated the the challenges faced by that Tim Badham ou will see on our listings VAC at the LAA Rally We were also fortunate to be able meeting at which the VAC (or enlightened band of enthusiasts that many of our events in to interview Alfie Badminton who, [email protected] e are fortunate to receive Vintage Aircraft Group as it was who made it happen. the Summer say “VAC at fourteen, is our youngest VAC Y an invitation from the Invited”. We are fortunate as a member and is learning to fly at LAA Rally organisers to club to receive these invitations W Bagby. Alfie’s confidence with the bring our merchandise and and they give you an opportunity microphone was an example to us recruitment stall and also to have Liz Inwood Taildragger Scholarship awarded for 2018 to meet up with VAC members at all and I would particularly like to the opportunity to take over Michael Miklos an event that suits you. Next year thank Alfie and his instructor n common with many other Jon Hartle receives the applicants were required to have Speakers’ Corner! The two hours we are holding two key Summer father, Mark, for a fascinating aviation organisations the VAC Linwood award 100 hours PPL and to be 35 years allotted to the VAC on the last day events for VAC members, one will contribution to the programme. is aware of a rapidly widening old or younger. Jon Hartle has 130 of the Rally proved to be quite a I be our 55th celebration fly-in and We awarded Jon Hartle with the age gap within the membership. hours and has already added a challenge, particularly as the the other is to celebrate 50 years In order for the club to thrive and Night Rating and Instrument invitation was offered very close to Liz Inwood Taildragger of the first flight of the Beagle survive we are aware that we Rating to his license. the event. However, we were able Scholarship – congratulations Jon Bulldog. We are also hoping, by need to encourage and attract Jon says, “I am deeply honoured to put on a continuous programme – and Ed Hicks finally received the choosing a later date, that some younger members to share our and privileged to be awarded the which included photos of vintage Tony Harold Memorial Picture. of you will be able to fly into enthusiasm for flying vintage ‘Liz Inwood’ scholarship for 2018. aircraft, with thanks to Colin and What can I say about the Shuttleworth in April for our aircraft. It is also important that Having been interested in aviation Gillian, and samples from our enthusiasm and dedication of The 2018 Liz Inwood Taildragger Dinner and Awards Evening and we pass on the skills to fly these since a very early age, through my VAC film archive of the flying days Cathy Silk, Vron Tanner, David Scholarship has been awarded to weekend event. aircraft which typically have the Jon Hartle from Worcestershire. father working within the at Finmere. Phillips, Janet James, Stephanie older type of conventional Jon who was nominated at the industry, the goal of becoming a undercarriage – the taildraggers. LAA Rally at Sywell, is the third pilot never left me and I gained For this reason the Taildragger my licence in 2015 at recipient of the annual award Gemini G-AKHP arrives at the LAA Rally Scholarship was set up by the Liz which was set up in 2015 by the Wellesbourne airfield. Inwood Trust along with the VAC Liz Inwood Trust with the VAC in “I applied for the scholarship and we are pleased to make this memory of Liz Inwood. Originally because I always wanted to fulfil annual award available to trained as an artist, Liz was a my ambitions to the very best of qualified pilots, under 36 years passionate aviatrix and flying my ability and to give back the old, with 100hrs or more enabling instructor who amassed over 1000 things others have shown me. them to train for up to 5 hours at hours of flying aircraft such as the This scholarship is keeping alive a recognised flying school. Each and the memory of Liz Inwood and to year the selection panel will chose Hornet Moth. Liz was an be able to keep that going, and to one pilot out of the many inspiration to many fledgling be able to showcase what it applicants. All the details of the pilots and was particularly means, is truly special. The VAC is Peter March scholarship are on the VAC enthusiastic about vintage flying. a wonder. ■ website at This year’s scholarship was www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk launched at the end of May and

P AGE 4 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 5 Anne Hughes Giles and many more of you who Anne Hughes Aircraft Club Ltd has been The Sales Team works hard behind dissolved and has now become tirelessly welcomed all-comers to the scenes our stall? The stall itself is really the Vintage Aircraft Club. The vote just like the tip of an iceberg. was unanimous as was the vote to Months of preparation go into approve the new constitution. All planning the items that are on sale, the original committee were re- which included this time sourcing elected with the exception of John and printing a copy of one of Jo Broad who, owing to many other Jurd’s excellent cartoon pictures commitments, decided to stand for a club T-shirt. Cathy also set down.The only administrative out the stall in her hangar at home change you will notice is the to make sure it would fit in the change to our new bank account allotted area and the Thursday of (see page 23). the Rally saw her crew hauling We also selected the photos for The Sales area ready at the Turweston fly-in boxes, bags and rails into the our 2019 VAC Calendar. Among

Anne Hughes others the following aircraft are marquee to set up. Thank you! events, please send your email included: Dragonfly, Aireymouse, Many of you visited the stall to chat, address to our membership Sokol, Travelair, Bristol Scout and renew memberships or to buy. secretary, Stephanie Giles. Some of you arrived to join the VAC Pietenpol! We need to order a minimum of 100 calendars so for the first time. The Minister of Paul Morton VAC AGM 13th

Aviation arrived to see what we get Anne Hughes please send your order to me by up to and to say hello, and others Ed with the Tony October 2018 email or post – cost including Harold Memorial postage £7.00. Delivery before wanted to chat about aircraft, Trophy for his work fter a very positive meeting bring memorabilia or tell us about on “Flyer” magazine in Wellesbourne we are Christmas. the beginnings of the VAC. All of Apleased to say the Vintage Anne Hughes (VAC Chair) you were most welcome! Ian Atherton Autumn Fly-In Turweston here is a good reason why we organise ground events Talongside fly-ins! We didn’t enjoy the best of weather days for our Autumn gathering but we were treated to a few very special aircraft that arrived including a real treat in seeing the Tim Badham immaculate Fox Moth with thanks Centre for organising the fly-in. to Mark Miller! The VAC stall set We look forward to seeing you up in the hangar alongside Tim back at Turweston on 28th October Crowe’s bookstall so we had two for our Spooky Stories! You can opportunities to open our purses! find details of our future events on Out and about in classic style Both did well and thanks again to the back page and you will be Ian Atherton Cathy Silk and crew for bringing updated regularly through the mail embers Ian and Jan the merchandise. chimp emails and on our website. Atherton have taken full In the hangar Alan Turney set up advantage of this year’s the Sokol for the pre-flight M E-mail VAC glorious weather to get out and competition and in the warmth of information and about to several aircraft gatherings the LAA members lounge we over the last few months. enjoyed light refreshments with a updates Ian is one of the lucky chaps who viewing of Kath Burnham’s photos f you have an email address get to fly the M1C Sokol (Falcon) of her work in India training pilots but aren’t receiving our G-AIXN, which is based at to fly the Dakota. That and our VAC Founding member Alan Chalkley updates on at least a bi- Turweston. So far this year Jan competitions won by Alina I visiting the VAC at the Rally. monthly basis it is very likely that and Ian had several fun days out Swietochowska and Steve Slater we don’t have your email address in the Sokol, including the and the many VAC visitors who super day and thanks are due to to contact you. In order to get the Fenland Daffodil Rally, a Vintage called in for a chat made for a Chris Brown and Turweston Flight latest news, particularly about Fly-In at Compton Abbas, and the The Sokol also put in an appearance at Duxford

P AGE 6 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 7 Ian Atherton Princely Grasshopper flies again Paul Morton t was rare to attend a VAC G-BFAF restored and now active again gathering at Finmere without Iseeing olive-drab coloured Aeronca G-BFAF in the circuit, taking yet another VAC member for a ride from its base. This was courtesy of its owner David Harper, who was a staunch supporter of the Club and spent a huge amount of time organising events as Rally Secretary and later as Chairman. David had bought this lovely little observation aircraft from Chet Parham, who was serving with the USAF at nearby Upper

Heyford. Chet airfreighted the Dave Hudson aircraft to the UK for recreational Dave Harper flying G-BFAF off the Finmere runway in 1979 Ian and Jan’s two aircraft at Enstone ready to depart for the LAA Rally flying and operated it on the US register as N797US.

Ian Atherton This Aeronca became the subject of Wings & Wheels Event at Breighton Royal attention when Wellesbourne in Yorkshire (near Burn GC where was officially opened as a civil he first learned to fly gliders back aerodrome on 13 March 1981. in the late 1980s). The Sokol was A little event was organised to also to be seen at the Bonus Day celebrate the launch and the at Duxford. (We look forward to organisers invited HRH Prince hearing more about this rarity in Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to a future issue of Vintage & Classic.) conduct the ceremony. This was Jan owns Jodel DR.200 G-AYDZ approved and he duly flew in which is notable as the first (001) aboard a Royal Flight Andover. production prototype built by Prior to unveiling a commemorative Robin after acquiring Jodel. Jan plaque, Prince Philip was to be Cartoon by Jo Jurd ownership. His interests had runs the Jodel UK website and introduced to dignitaries and shifted towards historic military ran a stall at the 2018 LAA Rally to those involved with the airfield vehicles he also owned and took This was the icing on the cake at Sywell! celebrate the 70th anniversary of project. Despite a round robin to displays. The Aeronca became the initial flight of the first Jodel having gone out to aircraft hangar bound at Finmere for Ian Atherton D.9 Bebe. The owner of this Jodel came a long way for the cakes! owners and various flying clubs decades. Thus it was rather fitting that the inviting them to witness the This year has seen a change of winner of The Wilkinson Sword launch, perhaps due to it being a HRH approved of Dave’s machine fortune, as its new owner Dave (best Jodel) and the Malcolm weekday, fewer visitors than hoped Crompton has rescued G-BFAF - of course he knew his stuff when Allan Trophy (most meritorious for turned up. So unexpectedly, we and restored it to flight. It is now it came light aircraft, having once arrival by air) was the excellent members of the VAC found resplendent in U.S. Army Korean flown a Turbulent with the Tiger Spanish registered D9 EC-ZCZ ourselves being asked to join the war scheme. Built in 1947 and Club. Following that memorable flown by owner/builder Jose line-up of people to be introduced allocated serial 47-797, it served as event the Club’s cartoonist Jo Carlos Martinez Bauvdivo all the to His Royal Highness! an L-16A “Grasshopper” during Jurd produced a wonderful way from . David was proudly wearing his that conflict. It is now reportedly drawing recording David’s Royal Jan and Ian flew to the Rally VAC badge on his flying suite and based at Abbots Bromley and was appointment! from Enstone but in separate chatted about the Club then he recently noted by Paul Morton aircraft – Jan in her beloved invited Prince Philip to look over Some years later when G-BFAF visiting Otherton airfield in Jodel and Ian in his classic his Aeronca which he had needed inspection and attention, Staffordshire. It would surely receive Fournier RF-4D G-BHJN. ■ brought over from Finmere. The some work was completed but it a great welcome if it were brought Prince seemed suitably impressed never flew again in David’s to a future VAC gathering. ■

P AGE 8 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 9 Alan Chalkley was kept by Alan up until four years ago and is now operated by Steve Slater.) How it all began To move matters forward roles were assigned. Roy offered to become Chairman – but due to We discover from Alan Chalkley the origins of the VAG his PFA load would have no time Alan Chalkley Alan Chalkley to be an “active” Chairman! His uring the 1950s British light offer was gratefully accepted. aviation was reasserting itself in the aftermath of the Two Secretaries were appointed, D John Owen for Midlands and the war. Old civil aeroplanes freshly released from impressed military North and Alan for the Southern use, plus other pre-war machines area. Terry Jones became that had simply been stored away, Treasurer and Rex Coates volunteered to be Rally Organiser. were back in private hands. In Members pose in front of a Tiger with the Vintage Aircraft Group banner addition, Clubs were using former Ted Wilkinson was Royal military trainers, AOP and Aeronautical Society communication types such as Alan now shares with us how the Miles Magister-owner Terry representative. The Northern Proctors, Messengers, Austers, V.A.C. came into being and gives Jones. Ted Wilkinson (an Elstree Aircraft Preservation Society Argus and numerous Magisters / an insight into the early days of local) was there and John Owen members declared that they were Hawk Trainers and Tiger Moths. the Club, some of the challenges came down from the Midlands determined to visit hangars at New designs or versions of faced and fun that they had. Preservation Group. Finally, half a airfields to rescue abandoned existing types also emerged, from ••• dozen members of the Northern “vintage” aircraft and transport the likes of the Miles, Percival and “...Precious aviation heritage was Aircraft Preservation Society them to their own “home-made” Auster stables. threatened...a vintage aircraft turned up en bloc. storage facilities. That meant they However, by the mid-1960s the This letter from Roy Mills initiated club must be set up!” A genial Roy Mills galvanised sometimes cut off wings to was good to catch up with him at restraints and austerity of the the VAC Sunday 16 April of 1964 turned everyone into action by stressing facilitate transport or storage, but this year’s LAA Rally and find out immediate post-war period was out to be a bright day – not just that “our” precious aviation in the belief that expert engineers well for the survival of those older first hand how the Vintage less evident and British light because the weather was sunny, heritage was being threatened by or craftsmen could restore them aeroplanes. Thankfully, in some Aircraft Club came into being. aviation scene was in a state of but also because twelve people the modern and exciting advances to “as new” condition” at some quarters there was a passion to transition. Concerns had been Alan soloed in the RAF on the met together and set up the in jet-propelled travel and public future date. make sure this country’s aviation raised about the integrity of the Prentice and trained further in Vintage Aircraft Club! attention on speed records. Only a The next quandary was whether heritage was not lost. One person America on the Harvard. He flew bonding in some older wooden Back then Roy Mills was Secretary few years earlier Peter Twiss had the organisation should be a Club determined to do something F-84 Thunderjets with the USAF aeroplanes and costly inspections of the Popular Flying Association. attained the World air Speed or a Group? Then Roy Mills about this was Roy Mills. In 1964 before being posted to an RAF F- were deemed necessary. It was His “day” job was at Glaxo Record in the Fairey Delta at 1132 “dropped a bombshell”! He he convened a meeting of like- 86 Sabre squadron in Germany. however possible to purchase Pharmaceutical Labs, but he m.p.h.! The British aviation scene reminded everyone that all or minded folk and this was the He later joined B.O.A.C. and was new and very capable metal conducted his PFA role from was buoyant at the expense of most of the aircraft we were aeroplanes, many of them genesis of Vintage Aircraft Club. flying VC-10s by the time he older aircraft. Indeed, two anxious to save were “factory Alan Chalkley was involved in the became a committee member of nearby Elstree airfield where emanating from the U.S.A. This, Pooleys let him use a spare office. obsolete Dragon Rapides had just built” and therefore not eligible along with a general desire for VAC inaugural meeting and the Vintage Aircraft Group (now been burnt to ashes to free up for the issue of a Permit to Fly by remains a member to this day. It the Vintage Aircraft Club). Roy was also a Trustee of the modernity and speed, didn’t bode MPM Flying Group which hangar space. It was vital that the P.F.A. After we all absorbed operated Fairchild Argus G-AIZE something be done and everyone this bleak fact, Roy proposed a and Hawk Trainer G-AKKR. He there agreed that a “Vintage solution. There was a clause in This Argus was operated by the MPM Group. had become increasingly Aircraft Club” should be set up. the P.F.A. constitution rules that a it is now displayed at Cosford. concerned that vintage aircraft The conundrum was just what group (consisting of at least 20 were in jeopardy in the wake of did constitute a “vintage” members) could be set up to aeroplane? After some debate it allow all “Group members” who

Dave Hudson the adoption of newly developed types. He decided something was determined that any owned vintage aircraft to have needed to be done so he aeroplane built during or before them inspected by P.F.A. contacted like-minded owners of 1939 (25 years old in 1964) would inspectors. classic aircraft and others with an qualify. Alan suggested this Apparently, the Air Registration interest in aircraft preservation. definition be extended to include Board (foregoing authority to the He organised a meeting for that aircraft designed before 1939, C.A.A.) had ruled that all wooden Sunday at Elstree and a dozen folk even if they were constructed aircraft assembled with Casein turned up. Tom Hayes in a later. Alan was pleased his glue must be completely stripped Chilton racer and Alan Chalkley in amendment was accepted as he and dismantled then re-glued a Chipmunk both arrived by air. recalls: “I had just purchased a with Epoxy-resin (Aero-Dux etc). Rex Coates (at that time a BEA Piper J3 Cub built in 1947 but This applied to all Miles and Engineer) arrived by road, as did designed in 1937”. (Cub G-ASPS Percival aircraft and was clearly

P AGE 10 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 11 Dave Hudson Tim Badham an impossible task as the Casein Alan’s Cub at Lakenheath in May 1965 of this low-flying incident – it will glues were extremely strong. lead to more serious matters. You Fortunately, the P.F.A. had are due for your Command received a dispensation to have Course on the VC-10 next year their wooden aircraft inspected and I advise you to relinquish by P.F.A. approved inspectors to your Chairmanship of the Vintage ensure the Casein glued airframes Aircraft Group as soon as possible were still airworthy. Hence the and advise all your members who Vintage Aircraft Group was born were at Blackbushe last Sunday thanks to our founder Roy Mills! and may be contacted by the Police, to ensure that they do not make a The first VAG fly-ins statement unless accompanied by The first two fly-ins, in the Moth Minor Coupe G-AFNI with the VAG at Halfpenny Green in April 1965 their own solicitor!” Summer of 1964, were organised “I therefore convened an at Denham and Blackbushe, plus Tim Badham dimensions of the V.A.C. logo. It residents were campaigning to Extraordinary General Meeting at a third at Halfpenny Green. Alan Robinson Redwing G-ABNX was flown a VAG meets consisted of a red “V” and yellow have this old airport closed. Cranfield, which was attended by by John Pothecary explains that: “wings”, cut from red and yellow So, promptly at 13.00 hrs. I set my many dedicated P.F.A. members. “Alas my work with B.O.A.C. kept “Fablon” to stick on the fins of our camera tripod up adjacent to the Bill Woodhams was elected as the me away from all of them. aircraft. (There were no plastic active runway and was able to new Chairman after a very close However, I was able to make the decals or transfers in those days, take “action” pictures of each fought debate between both Rex fly-in at to the U.S.A.F. Open day at but the logo is still in use today.) vintage aircraft taking off and Coates and Bill. I took no part in Lakenheath air-base. Rex Coates landing. the vote.” and I flew there in my newly The Blackbushe Just as the last of the twelve overhauled Piper J3 Cub G-ASPS fiasco vintage aircraft landed, a little Onwards and and we arrived at the agreed time At an indoor meeting just prior to yellow aeroplane appeared, upwards 12.00hrs. Also, there were Luton Christmas 1966 the Committee completely unannounced, low- “Bill Woodhams proved to be a very Minor G-AFIR and Ernie Lingard decided that a visual record of some flying over village and pro-active Chairman and soon co- from Boston, Lincs. The air show of our aircraft taking off and landing apparently bobbing up and down opted his close friends Carl Butler began at 13.00hrs with two huge was needed. It was decided to hold over the houses! It was only when and artist and pilot Tony Harold. USAF B-29 bombers arriving All the low-level addicts could owned by John DeQuincey, was the event at Blackbushe Airport. As it landed that we saw that it was a Tony took over the task of producing overhead and a simulated take the sea route around the operated by the Montgomeryshire one of the owners of a cine camera brand new Druine Turbulent. Its and printing the quarterly V.A.G. bombing raid on the airfield as coast past Selsey Bill, thence to Ultra Light Flying Club, whose and with my own J3 Cub hangared proud owner and builder’s name magazine and retained the “V” pyrotechnic “explosions” erupted the old Portsmouth aerodrome at Chairman and C.F.I. Claude at Wycombe Air Park (formerly RAF was “Colin”. Then he took off and winged original logo.” on the field below the B-29s. It Thorney Island for cream and Millington owned and flew Tiger Booker) I volunteered my services presumably flew home. “Changes were also being made in was just like a movie set! But the strawberry teas.” Moth G-ANJK. We were all made as cameraman. It was the following Wednesday, P.F.A. engineering and thanks to whole show was interrupted by a “Meanwhile, myself and Rex in the very welcome by the Club. Most The meeting was convened on a when the local newspaper was Bill Woodhams and Carl Butler low-flying a rather tatty Tipsy Cub plus fellow airline pilot John had tents but those with transport sunny Sunday in April 1967 and published, that we realised the (both highly qualified engineers) Belfair belonging to one of our Pothecary flying his Robinson travelled to a hotel in Welshpool. twelve vintage aircraft took part. damage that the little yellow the P.F.A. allowed all British members doing a “beat-up” at low Redwing G-ABNX, flew at 2000 ft. By the Winter of 1966-67 the They were all briefed by the aeroplane had done to our Group. factory-built vintage aircraft to be level! Needless to say, we were no or higher direct to Portsmouth Vintage Aircraft Club had settled Airport Manager and Air Traffic “It was like the blitz” one house- issued with P.F.A. Permits to Fly longer welcome and we all made and re-joining all the others down for a successful and Controller. They stipulated the holder complained to the and inspected by P.F.A.-approved a hasty departure and were never tucking in to their cream teas. enjoyable year ahead. We had runway in use and emphasised the journalist. “We were being dive- inspectors. Thus, Bill Woodhams invited again.” Always a memorable afternoon, gained nearly 200 members importance of minimum height of bombed”. My solicitor, who was changed our name back to the “The miscreant pilot in the Belfair the “South Coast Barnstorm” was (including Harold Boultbee, 1500 ft. downwind over the new also a keen pilot, telephoned me “Vintage Aircraft Club” in 1968.” ■ was immediately “sacked” from a very popular event but ended in designer of the iconic Handley village of Yateley, some of whose that evening. “I don’t like the look the V.A.G., but his behaviour did 1967 when Portsmouth Page HP.42 airliner. We had also managed to eject the habitual place an unfortunate highlight on aerodrome was closed. By then, Magister G-AKKR was another MPM Group mount. a small proportion of the then 70 led by Ernie Lingard (who flew a low-flying fraternity. members. They enjoyed low flying Tipsy Trainer G-AFVN) and his At the P.F.A. A.G.M. in 1965 Roy Mills and “showing off ”. The message fellow pilots from Boston had was voted in as its new Chairman. wasn’t lost on our resourceful discovered Long Mountain He offered the unofficial job of the Rally Organiser Rex Coates, who airfield at Welshpool. (This was V.A.C. Chairman to me and I devised the popular “South Coast long before Welshpool airport had accepted, together with Raymond Barnstorm”. All V.A.G. were invited been built 8 miles to the West of Blain and Rex Coates we produced to Shoreham Airport. When all Long Mountain on the Lowlands a quarterly “Vintage News” were assembled, Rex briefed of the River Severn). magazine, printed on foolscap Dave Hudson them for a handicap race to At Long Mountain the V.A.C. (by sized paper with photographs on Portsmouth aerodrome (i.e. now a Club) had its first “Summer engineers “blue-print” paper. The slowest away first and fastest last). Camp” weekend. The airfield, first edition included the shape and

P AGE 12 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 13 Bill Fisher incur the expense of replacing the engine in G-AVHT. Arthur was Certifying the concerned that upsetting the A.R.B. could have repercussions with his licence (apart from Auster 9 anything he was at the time the most highly licensed engineer in the UK) and I had a reputation for Bill Fisher being a very difficult person to deal with, having made flight with Lancaster G-ASXX although the A.R.B. had declared they would never happen. We agreed however to press our case, with Arthur giving me the ammunition and me despatching a missile at what become the C.A.A. Arthur believed that at some stage they

Bill Fisher would either relent or shoot themselves in the foot. Eventually, Many issued to ATC units were vandalised. F. And H. (Aircraft) Ltd. bought two, providing wheels, brakes, undercarriage liquid springs and tail wheel with each case being countered assemblies. Although delivered without an engine they had come with a with a response as to other serviceable prop! similar situations, the matter came down to two issues: the lack wing dropping. He left advising degree of manufacturer’s of Bombadier spares, where we the type did not have a problem support, which was why it was responded that if grounded but the training of the instructors only the Hurricane G-AMAU because we did not have a needed to be looked at! owned by Hawkers, Spitfire suitable engine spare was not an Surplus Mk. 9 were issued to G-AISU owned by Vickers and the airworthiness issue and the fact A.T.C. Units, usually to be parked Spitfire T.8 G-AIDN operated by that the magneto was a duplex outside only to be vandalised, and the Hampshire Aeroplane Club magneto, having the two it was not until 1975 that further (where Viv Bellamy was married magnetos married together, with WZ672 was purchased by F&H from RAE Bedford and was the first to obtain Mk. 9’s were offered for sale by to a member of the Fairey family) a single drive. I asked the C.A.A. to a MAOA Permit to Fly. It was sold to Ken Ecclestone who took it to the United that would appear at flying events. States in 1986. tender. These were XP280, XR240 explain these concerns, in detail, and XR269 located at RAF St. Athan The matter was, however, being in a letter, which they duly did. A and WZ672 at RAE Bedford. By this disputed and a number of people letter duly arrived stating that he Auster 9 was the first and G-AYUA the former XK416 Air Race as the official time Arthur Heath and I had with a warbird interest had aircraft where the magneto had a “new” military design from were both registered to Gordon Army entry. It was registered as rebuilt the Beagle Mark Eleven formed the Military Aircraft single drive, which if it failed Rearsby to go into series B.E. Pearce, later known as Jim G-AXRR to facilitate flight over G-ASCC and as a result, had met Owners Association to press their would cut off both mags, was T case. They included Doug production and when declared Pearce who imported a number of territory where having a fully up with John Lees, an ex unsafe and could not be operated surplus did not benefit from the WW II wrecks from Russia and is military Auster could prove a Inspector at Austers and Beagle, Bianchi, Doug Arnold and Arthur in the UK. work carried out to certify the responsible the EP-9 now problem and after the race it who had performed more than Heath, then Technical Director of “GOT THEM” was Arthur’s earlier models. Furthermore displayed in the Museum of Army was returned to Army service. 50% of all the flights recorded in Field Aircraft Services and the reaction as he knew that DC-6s, because of the limited number Flying, although neither obtained a Mike had worked closely with the ’SCC’s Journey Log Book. I had Chief Engineer on Lancaster then still being operated on released, and the financial Permit to Fly at that time. Slightly then A.R.B. and persuaded them seen an Auster 9 visiting Biggin G-ASXX maintenance. This Commercial Air Transport for the problems at BEAGLE, factory earlier WZ711 had been registered that the Auster 9 was an Hill is about 1965 and mentally put pressure resulted in the A.R.B. holiday industry had Duplex mags. assistance was not available. as G-AVHT to Mike Somerton- unsuitable type to enter private it on my wish list. Two of the deciding to look at a special A letter was therefore despatched The first batch of Mk. 9’s to be sold Rayner, then based at Middle ownership. The AAC had believed earlier disposals, by then looking Permit to Fly specifically for ex to my M.P., enclosing a copy of the appear to have been purchased by Wallop and to later become the type had a wing drop problem very tired, had been stored in the military aircraft, which would C.A.A. letter and asking that, in “Dizzy” Addicote, a Vickers Test Commandant of the Army Historic on landing and as a result Les blast pen where the County allow 25 flying hours per year and view of the major safety issues Pilot on the VC-10 and display pilot Aircraft Flight. He had been Leetham, then the Auster test pilot Flying Club clubhouse was required a Certificate of Safety for detailed in the letter, all aircraft on a number of aircraft, including attending Tiger Club events for went down to Middle Wallop to situated and we had been Flight to be signed which would fitted with duplex magnetos “Sally B” and the B-25. They were same time in AAC Mk. 9’s, usually test fly the aircraft which were discussing civilianising the Mk. 9 have a validity of 5 hours or 7 should be grounded. It was not sold on, some not getting XR240 or XR241 but brought ‘VHT claimed give the biggest problem. with the A.R.B. days. long before I received a phone call registered but XN437 was still fitted with its Bombadier until Having found no issues he then The situation regarding operating As far as the Auster 9 was from Gatwick, explaining all the registered as G-AXWA to Thomas converting it to take a Lycoming, as had a sandbag tied to the top of ex military aircraft was far concerned, however, they were problems were due to my having Platt of Oldham in January 1970 a Beagle E.3 look alike. He also the lift strut and demonstrated different 40 years ago and those still taking the advice of Mike applied for the wrong sort of and G-AXVY, the former XK417 entered XR241 into the - that it could be landed without the which were operating needed a Somerton-Rayner, who had had to Permit and we should have

P AGE 14 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 15 applied for a Military Aircraft they had had to play the numbers because we could not guarantee Via John Coker Permit – although at the time none game with the Treasury as they getting back to Sibson within the 5 had actually been issued. needed a BAC1-11 and the hour limit. Common sense then As F. and H. (Aircraft) Ltd., Arthur Treasury would not allow them to prevailed and the 5 hour limit was and I had purchased XR240 and increase their complement of removed for all types. XR269 and also the aircraft at aircraft. As a result they sold the XR269 was sold to Adrian Tuttle Bedford. I only wanted one of the Mk. 9, bought a 1-11 from Court and Carl Tyers, who traded in three at St. Athan and knew that Line for rather more money and their Autocrat G-AJDW and Leicestershire Museum wanted all air taxi flights thereafter had to owners of other Mk. 9’s began to one, but suspected there would be done with a 125, because undertake rebuilds. The fabric on not be a lot of interest, so offered although they allowed the Mk. 9 to WZ672 was in very poor condition a low bid on whichever Leicester be flown by pilots with a PPL, that and it was eventually sold to Ken did not get. Both had to be was not possible with the 125. Ecclestone, who took it to the collected from St. Athan by road, Don’t worry, it was only our United States where it was with XR240 being registered as money that was being wasted. registered N803KB and we started G-BDFH and taken to Sibson, Eventually WZ672 returned from work on XR240. The engine had our overflow airfield for the Farnborough, the crew confirmed been inhibited numerous times Chipmunks being purchased and it had no defects, because it never and vast amounts of inhibiting XR269 being taken to Duxford had defects and the surveyor got grease had to be removed from the which was then being developed home, having missed out on his induction system however we as a historic aircraft airfield by the short day. On the Monday he eventually got it to start, although it . WZ672 phoned me to say that, whilst laid smoke like a Destroyer for Reading Flying Group was registered as G-BDER and, having nothing to do at Bedford, about an hour of ground running, because it was in flying condition, he had read all the maintenance before settling down. The other 50th Anniversary John Coker we requested a Permit to move it records and studied in detail the issue with the engine was that it to Sibson. conditions for the new Permit. He had been bought surplus in a Although I was not particularly explained that it would only be for packing case, without a log book. f all the aircraft which Drawing by Jo Jurd liked at Gatwick, relations with 25 hours flying and that it had to Although it looked to be a very low have attended VAC the Luton Office were far better, be maintained in accordance with time engine its hours were Ogatherings over the years, because they had worked with Bill the Military schedule – which I unknown. The military life was 800 the one which has probably Bowker on the Farm Aviation already knew. He then went on to hours; so as it could be run on visited events more frequently aircraft and knew the Bill was say that the aircraft had more condition I tried to suggest that we than any other is Tiger Moth G- working on the Chipmunks we than 25 hours remaining until its should start a log book at 1,000 ANFM. When the VAC was “based” purchased. Consequently I next check, and as that was the hours, but this was not accepted. at Finmere this yellow and silver received a call, saying that the case he was going to recommend Instead I was told to start it as Tiger was regularly flown across Luton office had been asked to the issue of a full permit, but we unknown so all subsequent flying from its then Booker base by issue the Permit recommendation had to remove the military hours became hours since various VAC members including and because Doug Webb lived not marking, RAE having already unknown, but it never let us down. Arthur Brook and more often by far from RAE Bedford, could he painted over “Aero Flight Bedford” With the first M.A.O.A. Permit Tony Harold. Tony occasionally do it on Friday as he hoped it on the cowlings. I explained that a having been issued, other owners delighted onlookers with a Jo Jurd’s evocative drawing of ‘FM would give him an extended dispensation not to display a civil of military aircraft began to apply session of ! G-ANFM departing Finmere in 1981 weekend. On arrival at RAE he registration had been issued – so and different surveyors had also featured amongst the was shown round the fleet, we were ready to go flying. different ideas. Some asked for subjects drawn by the VAC’s formed. By 1970 all the shares had The RFG has always been an active offered a cup of tea, shown the log At that time I was a member of the aileron droop to be deleted cartoonist, the late Jo Jurd. been purchased and in 1973 the group, taking part in most events books then given lunch and the International Auster Pilots for example, whilst this was This ubiquitous Tiger is operated group was expanded to 12 equal involving DH Moths and other treated extremely well – except he Club, whose members included retained on both G-BDER and by the Reading Flying Group which shares. Initial subs. were £2.50 a vintage aircraft. When the RFG was had not seen the aircraft! When Graham Kilsby (later to make his G-BDFH. Each had a different is enjoying a special anniversary month and the flying rate £4.0 per formed “FM” was still wearing the pressing he was eventually told name in the US as Tony Graham) reason why certain parts of the this year, as described by their hour wet. Now 50 years on colours of “Thunderbird Six” that because they had a desperate and he organized an Auster Fly-In Permit did not work for them and, Chairman John Coker. advancing years prevent Ted having recently been used in the need, although sold, RAE had at Weston-Super-Mare. As we with changes of staff at Gatwick On the first of August 1968 at flying, but he is still our Hon. full length “Thunderbirds” cinema decided to take WZ672 down to wanted to attend I had to apply and different attitudes by Wycombe airfield Ted Lay President and the group is still film in which she was flown by the Farnborough, because it was so for an exemption from the 5 hour surveyors we eventually reached brought together a number of very active with the same late ATA. pilot Joan Hughes. “The much quicker than going by road. rule. Of course I was asked why the position that we have today. ■ pilots who, enjoyed flying Tiger aeroplane operating out of White Awakening of Emily” (later just Military aircraft are not struck off and I explained that with a head Moths, ten shares of £100 each Waltham airfield and flying up to called “Emily”) followed in which charge until removed from wind, if Arthur issued a certificate were on offer to purchase Tiger 150hrs/year. We often wonder if a the late Neil Williams did a very Andy Wood Ministry property so, although at Sibson before take-off he would Moth G-ANFM. Eight shares were syndicate operation for 50 years accomplished aerobatic sequence paid for, it was still on charge to then have to go to Kidlington on taken up, two were held by Ted with the same aeroplane is a in her. More recently she appeared the RAE. They also admitted that his way home to meet the aircraft, and the Reading Flying Group was record, it must surely come close. briefly in “The Kings Speech”.

P AGE 16 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 17 Nigel Hitchman “FM” has long been a member of made five trips to the Bex airshow Ben Borsberry who rebuilt and Nigel achieved his ambitious day trip by using his personal rocket ship! vintage machines and some more the Diamond Nine, now of course in Switzerland where in 1980 she maintained “FM” for many of her modern training aircraft. The “The Tiger Nine” display team and won overall prize. years with RFG. Ben kindly passed CASA Jungmann, G-CGTX is based will continue in that role on her Inevitably over the years members on much of his experience to at Archerfield near East Fortune return from current maintenance have come and gone, many going enable current members to carry and had intended going to work. She attended nearly all of on to own their own Tiger Moths out a lot of the maintenance now Montrose but the crosswind was the Woburn Abbey weekends as and continue flying in “The Tiger permitted under LAA certification too much at the time he was well as most of the DHMC events Nine”. Those of us still fortunate and he is sadly missed. there, so wisely diverted to Perth and many Vintage Aircraft Club enough to be flying “FM” are well RFG has been a most enjoyable to refuel. The Luton Minor events since the formation of that aware of the care and diligence of and successful operation for the G-ATCJ was first registered in Club. Participation in these events former members such as Len last 50 years. We all hope that 1965 and seems to have first flown along with private trips have taken Mitton who flew “FM” for 49 years we can continue to pass on in 1975 built by RM Sharphouse in her all over the UK as well as and guided and protected both vintage flying skills and preserve Yorkshire, it spent its initial years several trips to Europe for the group and the aeroplane so our piece of history for decades at Bagby and then was sold all displays and DHMC/VAC touring well. We must also acknowledge to come. ■ around the country, but never events. Over the years she has the invaluable work of the late appeared at many fly-ins. Moving Nigel Hitchman north to Scotland in 2006, its been out of permit since 2009 and now with its third Scottish owner Sandy Hutton, is ready to fly again. Mull is a great airfield to visit, with Scottish field of play the hotel on site and spectacular scenary all around. On previous Nigel Hitchman trips to here I’ve flown around the Island and also gone off to It’s not every day that you get to Nigel Hitchman Plockton and Skye and there are land on a football pitch – but when plenty of other places to visit. This it’s on an old WWI aerodrome, time it was just a quick stop to see things become even more what was there for the fly-in, take Montrose was already an airfield by the start of WWI in a bit of scenery and then head interesting! Nigel shares with us so this visitor was rather appropriate. his flying adventure during August south ahead of the weather. The from Hinton to some interesting Stearman is based here during sites in Scotland: excellent expanding display, the They have also recently acquired the summer living outside (used highlight being G-ADMW/DG590 the Anson which was kept for to be owned by Dave Gilmour of Major which they spares by Air Atlantique. Pink Floyd, but that may have had planned a 3-day trip to recently acquired from the RAF changed years ago!) Scotland for a couple of fly-ins Perth airfield is always a hive of museum, it had been in storage and to see the sights, also activity, by far the busiest GA Quite a trip 6hrs 20 minutes flying I for the last 50 plus years except a airfield in Scotland with a great in my Vans RV-6, I think around stopping off to meet up with brief appearance in the Army Air friends at Eshott on the way. I variety of microlights and 850nm covered and some great Corps museum at Middle Wallop. ■ needed to be back Sunday homebuilts together with a few sights seen! evening, to go to work on the Hawk Major G-ADMW carries the bank holiday Monday, so a good colours into which was impressed for This immaculate Luton Minor eye was kept on the weather. military use. greeted Nigel at Perth However, the weather had other ideas, so it was all done as a day the old Montrose Air Station could land there. What great trip. Hinton direct to Perth, which were opened up for the thinking and organisation, where meeting up there with my friends day. Montrose was the first I’m sure many places would say from Eshott for breakfast, then to operational military airfield in the it’s too difficult and have an army the Montrose fly-in, a quick stop UK opened in 1913 with no2 of lawyers and bureaucrats at Glenrothes for Fuel, then to the squadron Royal Flying Corps. putting obstacles in the way. The other side of Scotland for a fly-in (presumably the previous airfields airfield was busy all day with at Glenforsa on the Isle of Mull, used by RFC aircraft were not visitors from flex-wings and then home via a quick stop at military airfields, which is why autogyros to a good variety of Nigel Hitchman Kirkbride and flight through the Montrose was the first.) home-builts and even a vintage Lake District. Great that the locals opened up Stinson 108. At Montrose the fly-in was on the the playing fields on the old Air Montrose Air Station Heritage current day football pitches on Station and made a runway so we center was open with their

P AGE 18 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 19 G-AFPN showing its graceful lines, about to land Shobdon’s broad runway Swift departing to Hinton Tim Badham Tim Badham

Not all Moths are biplanes Dave Edwards The Minor has a massive perforated air brake

y 1936 De Havilland could Tim Badham Tim Badham Tim Badham see the writing on the wall Bfor biplanes. Most of the competition were producing , and indeed the RAF were introducing the Hurricane and Spitfire. So Sir Geoffrey instructed his young team of The wing aspect ratio is seen to advantage in this view. designers to come up with a

modern training machine to Tim Badham The wooden construction is evident provide ab initio flight experience Brown, giving exemplary service throughout the war. in this example being restored in for budding fighter pilots. They The wings of a Minor can conveniently came up with the sleek and be folded. This airworthy example Don was a member of the Royal flies in New Zealand. beautiful from any angle DH 94 Aero Club, and raced ’PN as “Race Bob Jones, I approached Tony Moth Minor. 20”, for ten years, winning the Maitland in 2012, to see if I could 1953 Grosvenor Challenge Trophy The prototype first flew in 1937, With the outbreak of war in RAF, and given the s/n X9297. acquire Bob's share of the Moth, at Southend, where he came third but on a spinning exercise with September ’39, all unfinished From 20 MU Aston Down it was and he agreed I could. So now I The aircraft is usually flown from the next day in the Kings Cup. All airframes, jigs and tooling were issued to the Air Gunnery School at the front seat. am the proud part owner of a rare Geoffrey junior and John ’this proved a bit much for ’PN, as Cunningham on board the aircraft sent to , at RAF Stormy Down near Porthcawl, aircraft, ’PN is the only airworthy Tim Badham on the way home the engine lost Bankstown Airfield, where a then to it's home for the rest of the Moth Minor in the northern refused to come out of a spin, the oil pressure and Don was forced pilots elected to bale out, and the further 40 were built. war, No. 1 Empire Air Armament hemisphere, there are two in to land at Gravesend which was Australia and one in New Zealand. prototype ended up as a pile of I first came across G-AFPN s/n School at RAF Manby. Its many rapidly becoming a housing (There is also one in the USA – wreckage. Amazingly, presumably 94016 in 2008, when it flew into duties there included air experience estate, thus becoming the last recently sold by the CAF to a because it crashed near Hatfield, Shobdon for its annual from flights, communications hack and light aircraft to ever use that private owner for restoration. Ed.) the bits were gathered up and Welshpool. It was owned and training. It was also given to John airfield. For more about Don, the She is a delight to fly, 100 mph rebuilt, re numbered and sold to operated by Bob Jones and Tony “Cats Eyes” Cunningham, for him Moth and several other machines, cruise at 2,200 rpm on 90hp, is the Australia. Last I heard of it, it is Maitland. Being instantly attracted to fly around the night fighter bases read his excellent book, “ Those to this lovely machine I had to find during the day, to boost moral. sort of performance you expect about to be rebuilt, yet again, in It carries its old military serial to honour Magnificent Flying Machines: A from much younger machines, out more about it and what an New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty. After a fairly hectic war ’PN must its wartime use and also carries a typical Pilots Autobiography”. not bad for an aeroplane that is interesting story it had to tell. The spinning incident delayed have been looking forward to a pre-war style CofA emblem. By 1976 ’PN was living in the eighty years old next year. Built in May of ’39, its first owner more peaceful time, but not a bit Strathallan Aircraft Museum, production until 1939, during She is rubbish to land in a was Leonard Halcomb, he kept it of it. She was totally rebuilt and in settlements, to improve the lot of owned by Sir William Roberts, which year nearly 100 DH 94s were crosswind on a tarmac runway, at Firbeck Hall Country Club, on 1951 sold to Don Robertson. Don prospectors and trappers alike. where she ventured into the air for built. The aircraft proved popular there are brakes but they are the the attached airfield built under was a pioneer of aviation in Alaska Eventually taking up his country’s various displays. Sold from there in with flying clubs, whose members original De Havilland ones, so the direction of Capt. Tom during the late 1920s, where, flying call to bear arms at the start of the 1986, she passed through several appreciated a modern looking long may we remain ground loop Campbell-Black, but by February for his uncle’s flight company, he war, he joined the Royal Navy as a owners to end up at Welshpool. aeroplane with good performance free, on the grass at Shobdon! ■ and a reasonable price of £575. ’40 it was taken on charge by the opened up routes to small test pilot, under Eric “Winkle” Following the untimely demise of

P AGE 20 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 21 names in aviation of the early George Holt Thomas – The Man Who Created Airco ■ twentieth century. VAC New Bank Account – By David Scott and Ian Simmons Price £12.00(+£3.00 p&p) from 21 Ellsworth Rd, High Wycombe, Important News for You b oarding pass in the pocket; Flying”) a story related in the book, Bucks, HP11 2TU. security checks done and a in an Airco DH-4. It was Holt Thomas Anne Hughes We are re-organising our banking arrangements to make things easier for Await in the departure lounge who founded Air Transport and you. We are no longer using the account set up for Vintage Aircraft Club Ltd at Heathrow and we are ready Travel and his aircraft were and from 1st July 2018 you will need to advise your bank if you pay by for a trans-Atlantic flight in a widely used in those early days Dreamliner, expecting to arrive at of commercial flight, having Standing Order for your membership and cancel the present arrangement our destination in time for dinner! completed their role as bombers with that account. There is a form on our website, or you can use the We may have spent less than a in WW1. following bank details to set up your standing order to ensure your month’s wages and know that Sadly Holt Thomas died in 1929 and membership renewals: millions of fellow passengers will now has no known grave. This is Bank: Lloyds Bank plc, Ashford (309028) Branch be in the air, across the globe, at the man who sought to open the the same time. The 21st century eyes of the British government in Account name: Vintage Aircraft Club traveller does this with a certain 1917 to the fact that, being an island, Account number: 73453760 nonchalance, more concerned we must move on from using the Sort Code: 30-90-28 about in-flight catering than sea to using the air for travel. “This anything else. time we must be first,” he said in a Membership fees are £25.00 and due on 1st April each year. Over a hundred years ago, George lecture to the Aeronautical society. Holt Thomas, a man of vision and There was a mountain of determination, peeped through bureaucracy to be climbed but Advertisements the curtains of the earliest days of George Holt Thomas was a shrewd If you wish to place an advertisement for your company or organisation 1 aviation and saw the future would and Ian Simmons this biography and innovative businessman who the rate is £30 per edition for ⁄6 page. Contact the Editor for details. be in commercial aviation. He was steers us through the world of an was prepared to face the challenges born in 1870 and ventured from amazing entrepreneur. Their use of the day. It is noted that he Amberley Publishing the world of publishing to found of many archival photos, press declined a knighthood in 1918 and it ISBN 978-1-4456-6602-0 (print) the largest aircraft engineering cuttings, letters and articles brings would seem for many his name has ISBN 978-1-4456-6603-7 (e-book) and manufacturing business in to life the man who time forgot! We slipped from the pages of aviation Paperback Price £14.99 OLD the world at the time – Airco. recently drew attention to the very history. With thanks to David Scott www.amberley-books.com CROWE’S TRADING With thanks to the painstaking and first scheduled commercial flight and Ian Simmons he can now take he 100th Anniversary of the COMPANY fascinating research by David Scott in1919, (Channel 5 “100 Years of his rightful place among the great formation of the RAF has 34 Moor Lane T been the subject of several Bolehall books. This book, a photographic For all your aviation related books Tamworth record gives a somewhat different Staffs view of its history. B77 3LJ

Written by Keith Wilson, himself Tel: 01827 67955 Lima Zulu Services Ltd a regular contributor to Pilot magazine results in a very concise [email protected] and informative book with where possible a good deal of detail to the Stampe control box total strip and rebuild 20 years working for other photographs. The book opens with a copy of the people, I’m now on my own. declaration of the forming of the RAF and also with a copy of the Wood, composite repairs, letter from King George V to Lord Becomes fabric covering & painting, Rothermere, Minister for Air. It concludes with the Queen’s weighing, anything from a message of congratulations. repair to full restoration. The varied choice of the photographs starts with the acknowledgement of the formation of the WRAF and their Rebuild of RF4d ‘N1700’ Mira Slovak’s Atlantic Crossing aircraft LAA Inspector, BGA Inspector, roles in the latter stages of the war. BCAR & EASA Sign Off – no All periods of the RAF along with its various roles are covered right up to problem. the present day with the introduction Becomes of the F.35 Lightning II. Call Dave 07713 864247 The photographs both black and white for a chat. Based at and colour are well reproduced portraying both the aircraft and the Staverton. personnel in their many roles. ■ Paul Loveday

P AGE 22 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 V INTAGE & CLASSIC | ISSUE 63 | AUTUMN 2018 P AGE 23 Dates for the diary 2018 / 2019 2018 Sunday 28th October – VAC All Hallows Fly-In at Turweston with Ground Event – Spooky Stories – Flying Superstitions and Airfield Ghostly Encounters. We have some stories but you are welcome to join in! 1pm-2pm Saturday 17th November – VAC Members visit to Uxbridge Bunker. 15 places. Bookings only. Check Uxbridge Bunker Website before you book re prices and lots of steps!! Please reply to this email if you’d like to reserve a place. Sunday 9th December VAC Safety Day at Turweston “ I learnt about Flying from that!” with Air Vice Marshall Lindsay Irvine. 12.30-2pm. LAA Members’ Lounge. 2019 CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF THE VAC Wednesday 16th January 2019 – VAC Poetry and Nostalgia Evening at White Waltham. Sunday 17th February VAC Early Spring Lunch 12 noon – Aviator Sywell .S.A.M. Talk on ‘The Avro Story’ 14.30 Saturday 2nd March – RAF Signals Museum Henlow Saturday 6th April – Dinner and Awards at Shuttleworth. Booking details later in the year. Contact Peter Wright when we have sent out the details. Saturday 13th April – VAC Daffodil Fly-In, Fenland Sunday 19th May – Bulldog 50th Birthday Event – Turweston Aerodrome. Celebrating the first flight of the prototype Beagle Bulldog. 13th-15th June – VAC at Aero Expo 22nd -23rd June – VAC at Bicester Flywheel 29th – 30th June – VAC 55th Birthday Celebration Weekend at Breighton. Camping, BBQ, transport to accommodation and a tour of the hangars all on the cards!

Further details about the Club, contacts and events can be found on the Vintage Aircraft Club website www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk

Vintage Aircraft Club c/o Light Aircraft Association Turweston Aerodrome, near Brackley, Northants., NN13 5YD

Spanish Jodel D9 fronts the LAA Rally scene Ian Atherton