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| R.N.Z.A.F. Avionics Guest Book. | Enjoy browsing the entries and then leave an entry for other ex-Avionics types to read when they visit this website. | |||
| 709 | Entries | For privacy and anti-spam reasons we are not displaying email addresses (unless you deliberately include your address within the "Comments" field.) You can ask for someone to contact you back by sending an inquiry to: | ||
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| Name | Trade | From | Comments | |
| Jack Hamley | Comm Air | point cook vic aus | just found this site.there is a lot of familiar names.i work for QANTAS in victoria as an avionics AME,and also as an avionics assessor and trainer.email jhgeha@yahoo.com.au .will keep an eye on this site to catch up with all the gossip. | |
| Jan 2010: Sorry to report the following ex-Avionics personnel who have passed away in recent times. Ex RNZAF SGT Neville GREEN E79009 1958 - 1980 and Fleet Air Arm X849860 1948 - 1955 on 7 August age 79. [Radar Fitters Course RF6, 1961] Cyril (Bill, Raz) formerly RNZAF, RAF and Royal Indian Air Force. On Jan 19 2010 peacefully at Seadrome Rest Home. Raz left the RNZAF at Whenuapai as an Instrument W/O in 1975. | ||||
| Graham Smith | Christchurch | Hi all. What a great time had by
all. So good to catch up with so many. Hope there will be another one
soon. Catch me at patricia_smithAT paradise.net.nz |
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| Guy Marfell | Blenheim | Greetings to all leckies! The Marfell brothers are still alive and kicking, me in Blenheim and Ross in ChCh. 79 years of service to the RNZAF between the 2 of us. A special hi to my old students, it has been gratifying to see so many do well. | ||
| Al Wallace | Electrical | First time for a while that I
have visited the site and think 2013 for 75th jubilee of 2TTS/ E&W would
be great so you have my vote. Cheers Al Wallace (EF16) |
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| Brian Cloudesley | Adelaide (Australia) | Kia ora…..and those reunions
would’ave been a real buzz. Memories of many good guys like Sonny Andrews, Ron Pluck, Bob Wilson, Jim Greenslade, Tony Hughs etc 2 name a few – 2TTS put together great teams of guys and that’s why your reading this !! Since demob in 67 Shelly Bay, served with the RAAF as Techo 2CRU on OTHR near Alice Springs, Overseas Aid - Solomon Is, Nauru, Vanuatu, AusAid in Ubekistan and Tuvalu and Africa with UN (ITU). Now running our Houseboat Hire business on the Murray River, see >Cloud9houseboat.com.au< We’re having a reunion on Cloud9 from 31st Jan 2010 with a few ex RNZAF retro-bates. Now - Presently building in Blackwood Adelaide. So keep me in touch for next “BIG” reunion & very best. regards & 73s to all. Email 1994acbs AT iinet.net.au |
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| Tama (Tee) Tahapeehi | Kihikihi | Kia ora everyone Mitch here Tama's better half. 25 Years this year, who would have thought.Our oldest son is currently in Timor and he and his partner Sami are both in the army and expecting their first baby. Dad knew the week before he died. Kadyn is 18 and 'finding himself. Dad loved that. Paki is 16 and joins the army next year 2010. and Maddison his baby is 12. Tama would have been humbled at the turn out for his tangi and I know the kids learnt a lot about their dad... cheers and are proud. He couldn't hunt or fish anymore but the kids all carry on for him. All he could do now was pluck ducks. Yeah... He got so sick over the years and wasn't suppposed to come out of an episode in 2006 so it proves weeds are hard to kill. He still lived as 3sqn in his life after we left so was proud of his kids joining the services, albiet the army... He lies with his nana at Taupiri maunga so beep when you pass. Many of the old buggers know where we live, so call in. Once whanau, always whanau. Kia ora koutou. | ||
| terry dingwall (dingbat) | Doonside NSW | The old school at 2tts was an institution that we looked on with a mixture of pride and nostalgia ,rather like a prisoner of war looked back at" Stalag 13" and said"I escaped!" .Looking back through the mists of time, we were all raw material that was fed through a remarkably efficient "people purifier " . Did this system of old fashioned thought control work? I can only say that in my personal life the old way of fault finding that was pounded into our reluctant brains has saved the day more times than I could shake a stick at ,so ,Ron Flatt, Jerry Phillips,... the list of reluctant heroes who volunteered to carry the torch of knowledge to illuminate the way forward for the reluctant line of dummies .The same dummies who were pushed to be better than they could have imagined themselves to acheive in their chosen trade. The dummies disappeared and were somehow replaced by competent tradesmen who could actually benefit society and their knowledge is still being passed o n to the new order of black box changers. | ||
| The old wooden buildings may have passed on into history but their foundations will always be with us ,I think we can say our lives were changed ,for the better, THanks 2TTS | ||||
| Owen Jones | Hamilton | A bit more detail on R H
(Bob)Abercrombie from below: "Jock" Abercrombie was an Instruments NCO at Ohakea in the 1960's then after de-mobbing ran Tech Control at James Aviation in Hamilton in the early 1980's before retiring to Whangamata where he was active in community affairs. OJ joneso AT no8wireless.co.nz |
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| Robert Phillips | Auckland | My father, George William
Phillips, who died in Perth in 2003 at age 90, trained RNZAF wireless
operators at Wigram during WWII. When he married in 1943, his best man was a fellow Cpl and Wireless Operator trainer with surname of "Derby". Is there anyone out there who would know what the man's full name was, please? Many thanks, Robert robert.phillips AT xtra.co.nz |
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| Bill Hales | CFG | Auckland | Just happened on this site by
chance, dreadful sorry to hear this way about Flash Bailey and Joe Ley.
Does anyone have a contact email or phone for Glen Smith, as far as I know he's in Sydney. I see good old Percy has managed to run Wriggles to ground (no pun intended), if you read this Percy-any contact info by chance? Gerry, do you read this? Please send me an email (my tele is changed since I saw you last). I see that Bill-I-mean-Pete has left a contact on this site, must contact him. Bill. Ground Radio 1964-72. email: bhales AT pl.net |
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| terry dingwall (dingbat) | CFA | Doonside NSW | Sorry to miss the last bunfight/pissup but I ran foul of the fuzz on my old BSA, which is still working as a ticket magnet and mobile oil recycler. Dave Bishop ,Steve Coker ,Phil Blank ,Billy Billings etc.etc Look me up at dingbatbsa AT yahoo.com.au if you are passing thru Sydney and want to catch up on old times.Hope to get to the next bash. | |
| July 2009: An update with our
condolensces to families of the following avionics people who passed away
recently. Robert Victor ORR Air
Communications / Avionics Technician 1966 to 1986 then Civilian 2000 to 2001.
Tamainupo (Tama) Tahapeehi, Avionics
Technician passed away Saturday night 16 May from a heart attack. Robert Hume
(Bob) ABERCROMBIE. Ex RAF, ex RNZAF. Died peacefully at Moana House,
Whangamata, on the 16th May 2009, 2.41am. Bob Brill, ex Radio Mech and Sqn
Ldr Nav Leader of 5 Squadron died peacefully, 8th June 2009. |
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| Kevin (Red) Manderson | CFG | Hobart, Tas, Australia | 73CET/CFG. Good to see some of the names. Been in Tasmania for almost 20 years (now 2009) - if in this part of the world call me (6223 13210). When is the next reunion - I didn't hear of the last one until too late. Best to all. | |
| February 2009: Our condolensces go to the families of the following fitters. LETFORD, William Raymond James (Ray),77203 Flight Sgt died in Auckland Hospital Saturday 7th Feb after short illness aged 71 yrs . Ray was a 1954 Boy Entrant and trained as an electrician (EF 8, 1959). Jack Rangiuaia, who passed away in Blenheim, was also an Electrical Fitter (EF11, 1961). HARRISON, William Rowland (Bill). On 22 February 2009 tragically at home, aged 61 years. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Rd, Albany on Friday 27 February at 10.30am followed by private cremation. Bill was an Instrument Fitter (IF18, 1968/69). | ||||
| Sadly several Avionics ex-serviceman passed away during 2008: Jonathon William (Joe) LEY (CFA11) passed away on 22 July 2008 at North Shore Hospital. REDMOND Neil Peter. Service No S78883 RNZAF. On Tuesday 24 June 2008 peacefully; aged 69. PANOHO, William Kake (Bill) RNZAF 78195, on 28 August 2008 peacefully at Waikato Hospital, aged 69. Vic Saunders, Communications Fitter Ground, passed away in Christchuch on 4 September. Kevin W Bailey (Flash) ex-Ground Radio was killed in a diving accident off Timaru in November. | ||||
| Gerald Cuthbert | Christchurch | More bad news I'm afraid; the diver missing off Timaru is Kevin W Bailey(Flash) ex-Ground Radio.Condolences to Jenny and Family. I suppose he at least went doing something he loved. | ||
| Dave Brewster | CFG | Christchurch | Comm
Fit(G) 79745 1959-1967 Greetings to all my old mates! Address update: 43A Halswell Junction Rd Christchurch 8025 Ph:03-3225053. E-mail address update available from the "E-mail Forwarding" service at top of this page. Still enjoy doing inventive stuff in electronics/mechanical/3D CAD when oportunity offers. |
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| Bill Macdonald | CFA4 | Melbourne Australia | If anyone knows where Brian
Rotherham (Radar) is, can you let his Daughter Jane Rotherham know, she is on
"Old Friends NZ. Bill in Oz. Ozziebill777 AT yahoo.com.au |
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| Peter Mason | good
to see some old names. i am x s/swkr. helicopter crewman, and finished up as
a load master on andovers. does any one know how i can contact tom james. ex insturuments ohakea 1962. |
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| Sadly, reporting the following death notice of a former CO of 2TTS (during the 1960's). Laloli, Colin Francis M.B.E. DFC - (NZ 39242 & 70466 Squadron Leader rtd) on April 25 2008 at Christchurch Hospital aged 91 years. | ||||
| Sadly, reporting that Sqn Ldr (Rtd) Graham Geoffrey Neal BE(hons) NZCE, passed away in Australia on 17th April. Graham joined the RNZAF as a Wonga Wonga apprentice and after training whilst serving at Whenuapai went on to complete an NZCE and then a BE with the University Officer training scheme. He served in various posts included Air Staff before joining the RAAF. He spent a number of years in Australian Defence department working on the Patrol Boat project and then the Bushmaster vehicle project. Recently he transferred to the territorial officers list and was working in the ground Communication section at RAAF Williamtown and living in the Hunter Valley. Graham was a keen aviator in both gliding (qualified instructor) and general aviation. He was part owner of light plane and had just finished a long flight two days before been diagnosed with spinal cancer. | ||||
| James Brown | Nelson | Hi, wanting any photos/memories pertaining to my father Arthur George Brown, avionics instructor 2TTS Wigram up until 1973. Please contact James Brown jamtin AT slingshot.co.nz thanks | ||
| Norm Empson | Tauranga | Have only just found this site, 24Feb08 so "g'day" to all you comms guys Norm | ||
| Sad to hear via Norm Empson that Sam Caldwell (CFA6) passed away Feb 08. | ||||
| edward george ferguson smith | noosa,australia | My father Gordon Smith may know you. He is living a very low key happy life,but i know he would love to catch up with anyone he had previously served with. I have found a photo on GOOGLE titled EANDL OHAKEA 1971, ELECTRICAL FLIGHT OHAKEA 1969/1970. I rang him from Australia at 1am and he was blown away by what I had found. If anyone knows him, please get in touch. I know my father is a legend but he would never admit that, but I bet he would love to have a drink and catch-up. Yours sincerely, E.G.F.S (son) eddiejedi69 AT hotmail.com | ||
| Red Burns | Radar | Perth, Australia | New email address - got sick of
hotmail spam. Still in Perth. Redburns AT lizzy.com.au |
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| Sadly several Avionics ex-serviceman passed away during 2007: Des McNicol (ex W/O Air Radio) - May 4th in Hastings. Lloyd Fieldsend (WWII service and remembered by many for his time as W/O at 2TTS) - 20 Dec 2007 in Auckland. Bob Gianelly (CFG5) - Oct 28 2007 in Christchurch. Fred Davis (CFG3) died in August. Dave Lindsay (278AVTECH) passed away in November in Christchurch. | ||||
| Cedric Collars | Instruments | Perth, Australia | Was with the Singapore RSAF studying at 2TTS Wigram Instrument Fitters course in 1971. I remember Instructors/friends like Tom Mayer,Bob Ellingford, Ross & Guy Marfell, Tom Gyspert and Tom Waddell. Am now in Perth WA working as an Avionics LAME with Qantas. Just discovered this site and thought I would write to say how sad that Wigram airbase is no more. | |
| adams trevor | LAGOS | GOOD SITE | ||
| Grant McGowan | London UK | Hi Everyone ex RNZN L/S EW
Comms Lots of RNZAF on on here did anyone no my Dad ex WO Supply Scotsman John McGowan. Anyone serve with him drop me a line. Grant grant.mcgowan AT networkrail.co.uk |
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| Sad to report the passing of two Comm Fitters recently: Brian Thorburn (BT) 69CETCFG in September 06 at Whangamata; and Ron Flatt CFA7 on 2 November 2006 in Auckland. | ||||
| Robbie Aberhart | Radar | Hamilton | Interested to see the number of members working offshore, part of the "brain drain" the Govt talks about. Of interest to Ground Wireless, Brian Thorburn {BT} passed away mid Sept at Whangamata. All well in the Rugby Capital. | |
| Brian Cloudesley | Comm Ground | Adelaide | Hi guys. Now living in Adelaide - Email 1994acbs AT octa4.net.au ...would like to go to the next big reunion. Kind of retired from Telecommunications and into building, renovating. If u pass thru Adelaide ph 08 8278 2215. Regards to all. 73s Brian | |
| Steve Coker | Avionics | Brisbane | Annual get-together of ex-pat RNZAFers will place this Sunday 27th Aug 06 at Palm Beach SLSC, Gold Coast, Aust. Big Thanks to Joe Paltridge & Barry Hardaker for their organisation. Cheers Steve Coker | |
| Bruce Whiteley | Radar | Upper Hutt | Noted
today's Dom Post the passing of Tony Van der Heuval. Knew him in RNZAF 2TTS, and later at the NZ Technical Correspondence Institute. Regards, Nugget. |
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| Fantham John Albert (ex RNZAF
service no A74198 Flight Sergeant) - passed away peacefully at christchurch
hospital on july 6 2006, surrounded by his entire family, in his 74th
year. dearly loved husband of patricia, much loved father and father-in-law of scott, robert and annette, georgina and steve rosling, and peter, loved brother of shirley ferguson (auckland and twin brother of peter and june (whakatane); and mike. messages to the fantham family c/o 19 london st chch 8013. viewing of john at john rhind funeral directors (phone first) the entire service for john will be held at st teresa's catholic church 8 puriri st riccarton on wednesday, july 12 at 1100 a.m. |
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| Brian Brooker | Radar | Perth | HI there team, finally managed to get to Perth WA, after 41 years, involved in automotive business and sons ultra light aircraft hobby, my daughter will be 7 in july, so as I approach 65 the calpips are still there, cheers to all my email is blbrooker AT hotmail.com cheers Brian | |
| Jim Simpson | Comm Air | Mackay QLD | Address update jim AT jdsconsulting.com.au | |
| Don Simms | Avionics | Palmerston North | Just updating my contact details - email now don.simms AT xtra.co.nz. Still in Palmy working for Transpower. There is an Open Day at Ohakea on 8 April 2006 so hope to catch up with a few people then. | |
| Barry Lennox | Comm Air | Christchurch | Well, posting an email address here certainly gets a lot of spam!! So, if anybody has a TR-1936 or TR-16440 manual, could you please let me know via the new "spam-resistant" address: RNZAFair_radio.d.barryl AT antichef.net but first remove the obvious 5 letter abbreviation at the front. Thanks. | |
| Ron Osborne | Comm Ground | Napier | New email address rono1221 AT xtra.co.nz | |
| Baggie Notton | Radar | Perth WA | Have just revisited the site and great to see old names and remember the fun times and the also sad to see the passing of many. Still living in sunny Perth WA. | |
| Pete Russell | Comm Ground | Palmerston North | Hi people, good to read and catch up, now build houses in Palmerston North. contact, anneandpete AT clear.net.nz | |
| RICHARDSON
William (Bill). On February 20, 2006, peacefully, at North Haven Hospital, Red Beach; in his 80th year. Beloved husband of Barbara. Loved father and fatherinlaw of Susan and Neville, Philip and Belinda (New Plymouth) and the late Christopher. Much loved Granddad of Catherine and Michael; Joshua and Clare. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, on Wednesday, at 10.30am, followed by private cremation. |
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| Red Ross | Comm Air | London | 3 Sqdn Reunion: Event: Huey Old Boys 2006 combined with 40th Anniversary of 3 Sqdn Iroquos operations. Venue: Palmerston North. Dates: Friday 23rd June 2006 - Saturday 24th June Contact: Gregory.Jane AT NZDF.MIL.NZ All past AVIONICS Squadron members, including other trades, welcome. "Spread the word" |
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| Barry Lennox | Comm Air | Christchurch | Just returned from our 40th ACS/CET (1966) reunion, a geat time. About 60 sprogs turned out, 6 deceased, and a number have simply "vanished" Anybody know where John Bryce is? | |
| Rex de Bettencor | Comm Air | AUCKLAND 373 5199 | I did not attend the reunion as
I did not know it was on. Just found out about it today Jan 06. See at the
next one. I was in the 1956 BES lot and we are having our 50th reunion at Woodbourne 12-14 Jan 2006. Over 100 attending incl wives/partners. 115 of us joined, 25 confirmed dead and 11 can't be located. They are: Keith Gebbie - supplier of Rangiora Peter Semmens - had him as WA but lost, anybobdy know? Davey Warr-- admin Warwick Webb- electrician Neville J Milne -com grnd Anybody interested call me at home 09 3735199 |
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| Bob Wilson | Comm Ground | shailer park qld | cmg8 sad to read the obituary news.jack studd,piwi baker,paul smolenski i'll be at the 2007 reunion-be there | |
| Ray Cattle | Radar | Whangarei | ||
| Allen Ormsby | Radar | Waitakere City | Change of email address AllenTeresa AT extra.co.nz | |
| Red Burns | Radar | Perth, West Oz | Change of emai address. alisdairburns AT hotmail.com |
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| Sadly, reporting this week (7 Nov 05) the passing of two members of the early Fitter Courses: Ray Chapman (RF3) in Fiji, and Des Scholz (CFG1) in Auckland. | ||||
| Bill Macdonald | Comm Air | omeo, Victoria, Oz | I will be returning to NZ
sometime in 2006. Hope to stay this time, so to all my old friends, I hope to
see you at some reunions in the future. Sorry to read about the demise of Selwyn Ryder, I also met him when I moved into the A Dorm block at Ohakea in 1955,Not sure if it was Selwyn that got me to Put down the Transmitters Cat, which I sadly performed with a bullet to the head. Ohakea was my favorite Station, which I was posted to 5 times. Hope to see a few of you next year, I see a number of you are on "Old Friends NZ" a good website. Cheers, Bill Macdonald.(Com Fit Air) |
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| Graham McCready | Wellington | I was on the second CET program that spent two years at No2 TTS with Howie, Dilks, Blue, Britnell, Rolfe, O'Brian. Took the training on the big OE. Ended up working on Nuclear Power Stations in Canada. Now back in Wellington semi retired. | ||
| G ten Broeke | Comm Ground | Blenheim | ||
| Death Notification (via Norm Epson) | MATIJEVICH, Vinko Vladimir (Vin) service number 439928 RNZAF. Suddenly on 18 Oct 2005 at Waitakere Hospital, aged 80 years. Dearly loved husband of Zyra for 53 years. | |||
| Death Notice (thanks to Bob Judd) | HURNDELL, Rodney Thomas (Tom).
Service No. 78716 LAC RNZAF On Friday 14 October 2005 peacefully at Whakatane
Hospital after a courageous battle aged 65 years. Dearly loved husband of Sandra. Treasured father and fatherinlaw of Shane and Michelle and Dallas and Neil Robinson. Awesome Poppa of Ryan, Luke and Brooke. Adored brother and brotherinlaw of Maureen and Jim Davies and Lenice. Messages please to the Hurndell family C/- P. O. Box 2070, Whakatane. |
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| John (Hickie) Hickman | Blenheim | Have returned to the fold, commenced at the new GTW, ETF just this month on a 3 year contract. To all those that say it is the security, narh it's the people....different times same thing, see the lads grow up and succeed… | ||
| Sonny Andrews | Napier | Hi ALL you radio.radar
electrical types. Read the notices see some have left us sad eh. Ido not have a current web address. Frequent the Napier RSA. Still doing BCS at EIT Taradale. 13 Kelvin Rd Napier no fone at the mo. Hope to go to shelly bay re union netx year. Great site. Hope to catch some of you guys some where. Sonny (Scunge)....... |
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| Mark Bennett | Auckland | A 73CET/CFG - I still have the
tee shirt to prove it. Have lost touch with most of my lot, but will be at the next reunion. |
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| Steve Coker | Brisbane | A most enjoyable get-together of ex-pat RNZAFers took place last 14th Aug 05 at Palm Beach SLSC, Gold Coast, Aust. Big Thanks to Barry Hardaker for his organisation. I have been seconded to organise the next one, any comments, suggestions or contact details of interested attendees gladly accepted . Contact me at cokers55 AT hotmail.com Cheers Steve Coker | ||
| Death Notice (thanks to Robbie Aberhart) | CARTER, Douglas Allan (Allan). NZ F75629 Sqn Ldr. RNZAF. Peacefully at home in Wanganui on 27 June 2005, aged 71 years. | |||
| Death Notification (via Norm Epson and Ken Lemon) | Sadly noting that Ken Burgess,
ex Avionics, passed away on Friday 24th June 2005 after a long illness. |
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| Death Notice and Obit comments courtesy of Dennis Borell (via Norm Epson and Brian Gilbert) | Following Death Notice in this mornings (Wed Apr 27 2005) Dom/Post. Ryder, Selwyn Francis. MBE (Mil), MSM. Reg No G74986, Warrant Officer Class One (Rtd) Royal NZ Corps of Signals. Att 161 Bty South Vietnam. Kev member. - On Monday, April 25, 2005, suddenly at home. Aged 69 years. Dearly loved husband of Elizabeth (Betty) for 47 years. Beloved Dad of Bill and Marilyn, Sharon and Steve Yianakis, and Don Treasured Grandad etc. A service with Military Honours will be held in the Upper Hutt RSA, King Street Upper Hutt on Friday April 29 at 11.00 am followed by burial at Akatarawa Cemetery. Messages to the "Ryder Family" PO Box 30 127, Lower Hutt. | |||
| Following comments from Denis Borrell: Selwyn was one of the characters living upstairs in the Sigs A Block dorm at Ohakea when I was posted there in 1955, I think he was a member of the 1952 Boy Entake and would have gone thru E&W School on about RM12 During 1953. In the Airforce we knew him as Red Ryder and he worked for many years up at Transmitters Wilson's Road. He occupied the prime spot in our Dormitory tucked away in the far corner by the Harco. His prized possessions at that time were his Triumph Motor Bike and his Guitar which he often sat on the end of his bed strumming. Like myself he got caught up in a purge on Colour Blindness and got the bums rush out of the Radio Trade. Upon leaving the Airforce he joined the Army. | ||||
| Jann Hillary | Dunedin | Hi all .Joined RNZAF 1987 left 1996. Now a medical doctor in dunedin. Would love to be a part of next reunion. Please contact on jannandjulie AT xtra.co.nz | ||
| Al Wallace | Electrical | Brisbane | Hi All, I agree with the comments re Victory Services Club,we stayed there for a week in Sept 04, very convenient location. Note e-mail change to beval_bribie AT hotmail.com while we remain itinerant. Cheers Al | |
| Info courtesy of Norm Empson | I regret to advise the death of Zanophan Charles George Bailey, known as Ben on 9-2-05 aged 79. Messages were to go to R Bailey, Godley St. RD9, Feilding. Ben died in a hospice. | |||
| Gerald Cuthbert | Comm Ground | Christchurch | Happy New Year to all-Was in U.K. for Christmas with family and checked out the Victory Services Club (as in note from Red Ross down column a bit) GOOD VALUE if you're in London, check it out on the web--Highly Recommended | |
| Dick Thwaites | Electrical | Tayport, Fife Scotland | I will be in NZ November & December 2004.I will try and look up some of the mates from the 60's. Note change of Email address RKThwaites AT AOL.COM | |
| Terry Coleman | Electrical (and Comm Ground) | Wellington | 16 August 2004. Hi guys, I was 'in' '56 and 'out in '67. I missed the reunion of a few years back. How could I do that? Didn't even get to hear of it until too late! I caught up with Paul Schwabe in person with his wife Patricia last year and he's in good shape. Same with Jock Lechtenborger, although neither of us travel too much now and it's mainly contact via landline. Quite a few names I recognise here, sorry to hear about Bart, although 91's a bloody good trot, hope we can all do as well as that. All the best to the rest of you, you might have disappeared off my radar over the past 30+ years, but I hope you're all still there somewhere in good health doing your thing :) |
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| Sadly, Norm Epsom reported the passing of Reg Thorpe at Wellington Hospital 21 July 2004. | ||||
| An epitaph to Kerry Campbell, which Martin Passfield sent in, was the time honoured line "Not me, mate - I'm Radar!" | ||||
| Terry Fahey | Radar | Christchurch | W.O Barton (Bart) died last Saturday 24 April 2004, aged 91.Joined RNZAF about 1939. Served in the Solomans in WW2. Was F/S of the radio section when I joined the mob and was posted to Wigram in 1958. After the Inangahua earthquake I met him at the Riccarton Club. He had just left the mob. I offered him a job as radio operator for the MOW. The good old HF days! He accepted and worked with me for the next 10 years. All who knew him know different stories but it is still sad to see history departing. Regards Terry Fahey | |
| Sid James | Comm Air | Timaru | Change of E Mail address homejames AT xtra.co.nz | |
| Phil Blank | Comm Air | Queensland | Please note new email address. pgb AT cbdnet.com.au | |
| Mike Duncan | Comm Ground | Christchurch | Sadly have to record the passing of Theo Goodare ex W/O Radar who died on March 25th at Oxford, North Canterbury. Known to many in the Radar/Avionics field as well as those who spent time at RECC Woodbourne. After leaving the "mob" joined NZ Electricity (Comms) based at Addington. Finished his working career at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology as an A/V technician in Teacher Education finally retiring and moving to Oxford. | |
| Bruce Stevenson | Radar | Wellington | Very sorry to hear of the death
of Kerry Campbell. Kerry and I worked together for a time at Ohakea, over 30
years ago on Canberras. I remember the fibreglass panel which hid the Blue
Silk radar - something like 104 bolts holding it in place. Kerry had a great
sense of humour and had opinions about that panel. Also remember going for a flight in a light aircraft about that time with Kerry as pilot. Gentle aerobatics only. -- My sincere condolences to his family and friends |
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| Te Ra Andrews | Comm Ground | Napier | Hope to catch up with ex CFG/CFA/RF TECHS visiting Auckland first weekend march 2005 For RNZAF Shelly Bay Reunion.Two CFGs attended last one march 2004 Murray Wright and myself, theres a lot of radio bods out there want to meet some of them. Nice site too thanks. Sonny(scunge) | |
| Red Ross | Comm Air | San Francisco | To all Avionics and Aircrew personnel, it is sad to report that Mr Kerry Campbell, CEO Ardmore Airport, ex Radar Fitters Course (RF 13 - 1969), Wigram Pilots Course, ex 14 Squadron, was killed yesterday in a Warbird aircraft (see NZ Herald). | |
| Jim Greenslade | Radar | Auckland | RNZAF Ohakea is having an Open Day April 3, 2004, 1000-1500. If you are interested in meeting up with other "old" Avionics personnel head to the display at the Avionics Centre around 1200 noon, and look out for people with a similar number of grey hairs to yourself ! | |
| Gerald Cuthbert | Comm Ground | Christchurch | Great to see the page still going and the old names checking in,good luck and health for the New Year to you all. Please note change in Email Address. gerald.cuthbert AT canterbury.ac.nz | |
| Red Ross | Comm Air | San Francisco | VICTORY SERVICES CLUB - London. Any ex NZ Services member visiting the UK, may wish to avail themselves of this excellent Club, at Marble Arch, right in the heart of London. Facilities include, hotel rooms, bar and restaurant, etc. For more information, visit www.vsc.co.uk Cheers, Red. | |
| Ranga Wongo Hohaia | Electrical | Waimate North | Kia Ora Everyone, Great to see all the names and congrats to the organisers of this Choice Website. | |
| Dave Brewster | Comm Ground | 20 Cezanne Grove, Rolleston 8004 NZ | Just to up-date with new home e-address as above. Work address of: daveb AT spnz.co.nz is also still current. Greetings to all my old mates who see this. 12/10/03. | |
| Martin Neshausen | Radar | Whangarei | Radar/Avionics 1965-77 | |
| Te Ra Andrews | Comm Ground | Napier | Read about the re-union I sadly
missed out. Like to go next one. Saw lot of familiar names Ben Wilson, Murray
Wright, been trying to find old radio types. |
|
| Phil Blank | Comm Air | Queensland | Please note new email address.pgb AT cbdnet.com.au | |
| Brian Lawson | Avionics | Fairbanks | Curently managing science operations center in support of rocket launches to study the aurora (Poker Flat research range) | |
| Graeme Scott | Comm Air | France | Please note new email address. scottgj AT wanadoo.fr | |
| Arthur Wright | Electrical | Dunedin | Can anyone advise me of Ken Weals Address Email or Other | |
| Bill Macdonald | Comm Air | Australia | Greetings from Australia. Can
you please change my E-Mail Address, I am Bill Macdonald of CFA4 No 77622. My New address is omeo777 AT msn.com |
|
| Robert Neale | Avionics | Pakakura | Good to see the site still up
and running. Thought I would take the time to update my email address.
Currently working as Instrument Manager for Airwork NZ Ltd |
|
| Brian Stephens | Instruments | I was a member of No 3IF course at Wigram in 1958. Thank you for an interesting site and a photo that I do not even recall. Regards Brian ( Domino ) PS. I heard on the morning's news that the Queen's Colour is being paraded in Blenhiem today. I was at the Colour presentation at Whenuapai almost 50yrs ago. I was a member of the Band of the RNZAF that toured with her from Auckland to the Bluff. I hope the parade goes off well and the RNZAF has a great 66th birthday today. | ||
| Percy Percival | Wgtn | Seems that Wriggles ex CFG has been found alive up on the Canadian/US border servicing fridge units. | ||
| Matt Wilson | Wellington | Great to see a site dedicated to the Avionics trade. I'd like to catch up with any 2/89 techs or 6/86 mechs that are out there. | ||
| Terry Close (TC) | Cairns, Australia | Would loved to have been there if I had heard about it earlier. Maybe next time!!! Currently working on G.A. shit, but at least it's warm. | ||
| William Bird (Dickie) | Christchurch | Greetings and best wishes for
the coming festive season. This
message is to let you know I now have a new home address and email address
(birdsline AT inet.net.nz). Hope some of you will get around to visiting this
website and hence giving me a call.
Dickie. |
||
| William Bird (Dickie) | Christchurch | Greetings a short message to all you ex and present members of the RNZAF espicially those of you who have -or aare about to retire. The RNZAF Air Force Association is falling off due to attrition of our elderly members. The association would greatly appreciate the infusion of some younger new blood. There are branches in most of the NZ centres.For details contact The National Secretary-I.M.G.Hill Email address adastra AT paradise.net.nz or by Phone at 04 9716679 By the way If you visit Christchurch don,t forget to visit the Air Force World Museum at Wigram it is well worth a visit. Dickie. | ||
| Dave Beer | Cheltenham, UK | Was great to catch up with some of the old crew through this site. Couldn't make it back for the reunion though. Half a planet just seemed a little too large at the time. (Maybe later in the year though) Well done Jim and co. Looks like it was a fantastic event. Good work! | ||
| Mathew Hooper | 5 Sqn | |||
| Jim Proctor | UK | |||
| Curly Francis | Warkworth | Sorry I missed the reunion. Was out of the country but will make the next one. | ||
| Grant Wood | Nelson | Sincere thanks to the organising committee for an event which will take a very long time to forget. It was a really memorable occasion meeting all those whom I had all but forgotten in the past 45 years. Thanks a million to those who took the time to come and have a chat as ,with my mobility not being what it once was I didn't get around to visit all. Congratulations also to Jim for a wonderful web site - one of the best. Its a great pity that it's all over! What is there to look forward to now?? Rgds Grant | ||
| Bill Macdonald | Comm Air | Wangaratta, Australia. | Sorry I couldnt make it, too many commitments I'm afraid. Would have loved to see many of my old friends. and revisit old memories. Maybe next time. The whole Reunion episode has given me the E-Mail addresses of several friends, for that I am grateful, keep up the good work, all involved. Thank you. | |
| Ian Butterworth | Instruments | Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland | So it's all over - and I couldn't make it! This has to rank with my life's greatest disappointments - that my ill health didn't ease up enough at the final minute just enough to let me attend. To all those from my past who I'd hoped to meet again, sorry. I couldn't have wished for a greater bunch of people to label Mates. | |
| Click here to view a page of notes of appreciation following the Reunion Weekend | ||||
| Craig Gunn | Radar | Palmerston North | What a fantastic weekend. It was certainly an enjoyable experience. My deepest gratitude to the organising committee. We must do it again some time | |
| Gerald Cuthbert | Comm Ground | Christchurch | Well, it's all over and all I can say is "What a blast"!!! Many thanks to the committee for the magnificent Venue,Food and Entertainment on Sat night.Sorry to miss those who couldn't make it. Great to meet a great bunch again, Regards to all, Gerry Cuthbert | |
| Godfrey Reid | Instruments | North Shore | What a fantastic blast! Impossible to describe but great to see I'm not the only one going grey. We could not have asked for a better committee to organize and run the reunion. Unable to fault a thing. Thanks so much, I'm just sorry I did't get to speak to as many as I would like to. Al Wallace, A real shame mate, we all missed you but we'll have that beer next time we're over. Thanks again to the Organizing Committee. | |
| Neil Redmond | Comm Air | Auckland | The Meet & Greet and the Reunion Dinner were great places to meet old friends and acquaintences. I feel sorry for those who couldn't make it! | |
| Ewen Hopkins | 3 | Avionics | Canberra | It's great to see all the familiar names, would love to catch up with you all, but I can't make it. Please feel free to contact me via email ehopkins AT anbe.cdscc.nasa.gov or phone + 61 2 62017991 (0745-1642AEDT Mon-Fri) Wishing you all the best for the reunion, Cheers & beers, Hoppy. |
| Michael Cameron | saint john, new brunswick, canada | I am a reporter for a t.v. station in canada. In our area, there are several graves of rnzaf flyers who were killed during training exercises in the second world war. They were part of commonwealth training program at pennfield ridge airbase. Among the names is geoffrey norriss of nelson n.z. a pilot officer. The grave stone indicates he had a wife by the name of Lauraine. Just wondering if anyone knew or remembers this man. | ||
| Ron Pluck | 3 | Comm Air | Ashburton Canterbury / Methven from June 02 | Heck - here it is 14th March 2002 and I've only just found this page in the website ! Real sorry I won't be present at the Reunion in the City of Congested Sails, but it is quite a long way for an 81 year-old crock to travel up from the Mainland ! However, for those who remember me, I am still active daily on 7092 KHz SSB around 4 pm with an Alinco DX70 and Butternut vertical. |
| Peter Guy | 1 | Instruments | Wellington | 29 years plus in the Mob and still enjoying the heck out of the place! |
| Allan Wallace | 3 | Electrical | Brisbane | Paid my fare but won't be there,best laid plans of mice & men scenario unfortunately. Know all will have a fantastic time after the great effort put in by the Organising team. Regards to all i've met over the years whether at the coalface,sportsfield or Mess especially ex members of 'A' Flight 19 Cse BES EM 19 [Remember the Caddy] and EF 16 [Go O'Kains Bay. Cheers AL |
| Geoffrey Evans | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | Hi Guys, Really looking forward to catching up with lots of people that I have lost contact with over the years. |
| Steve (Chook) Clark | 3 | Avionics | Halcombe, Manawatu | Unfortunately I wont be able to make what is shaping up to be a great bash. I'm in my second year of a BE (Inf/Tel) at Massey Uni with mid Semester exams looming around that time. Spent 6 years prior to study as network Support Tech for Police, though unlike others (Roo Henderson) never felt the desire to don the blue. Have a great time! |
| Brian Cloudesley | 2 | Comm Ground | Alice Springs NT Australia | Fantastic memories, especially of Wigram 2TTS, great instructors ...just a great bunch of guys all of you. Airforce training set us up well I wish everyone the very best and have a great reunion. 03/10/2002 |
| Dave Bryant | 3 | Electrical | Canada | Dave sends his apologies. He is now not able to make it here from Canada, but asks to be remembered to those who know him. |
| Garth Cowan | 3 | Radar | Maine, USA | Unfortunately I will not be able to attend. Have a great reunion!! |
| Craig McMillan | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Christopher Morton | 1 | Instruments | Feilding | If I can make it, where are the rest of you. See you later maybe too late. |
| Mark Hamlin | 3 | Avionics | Christchurch | |
| Tony Van Den Heuvel | 3 | Signals | Mighty greetings to those I met in 32 years Service. Best wishes for a superior reunion. Signed Tony Heuvel | |
| Stuart Denston | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Doug Edgar | 1 | Comm Air | Hobsonville | I am looking forward to the avionics reunion,and catching up on some of the good lies of yesteryear. Cheers |
| Hendrik Wirth | 1 | Avionics | Whangaparaoa | |
| Jan Bilton | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Robert Willoughby | 3 | Electrical | This is written on behalf of my father Robert Willoughby RNZAF (Sgt retired) who passed away January 31,2002. He would have loved to been able to attend. Alan R Willoughby | |
| Bruce Manninen | 2 | Instruments | Palmerston North | WOW so many names...so many memories. Great idea. Had nothing to do with the airforce since getting out and becoming self employed with our own business in Palmerston North. Remustered from instruments to jeweller. No longer the runner just a jogger...... On line at www.jewellerywatches.co.nz. |
| Kevin East | 1 | Comm Ground | Waipara | I hope we get name tags because some of you look like you have put on a bit of weight and lost some of your hair. I won't be wearing my initial issue uniform.It has shrunk a bit. |
| Phillip BROWN | 1 | Comm Ground | New Plymouth | |
| JOHN BUZZ MARTIN | 1 | Avionics | AUCKLAND | Still a last minute man, will be good to catch up, sorry to hear you can't make it Doc. |
| Raymond Pichon | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Steven Johnston | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| George Gardner | 1 | Electrical | Browns Bay, North Shore City. | Really looking forward to meeting old friends from the Mob!! |
| Cameron Smith | 1 | Instruments | Milford, Auckland | |
| Gordon (Johnny) Armstrong | 2 | Other | Napier | Is anyone else going from class M5 1943/44?? Would like to be there, but unsure if I can make it. I hope the event is a success. |
| Baron Fenwick | 1 | Radar | Napier | Looking forward to meeting you all in Auckland |
| Roderick Simpson | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| DAVID Stringer | 1 | Instruments | Whangarei Heads | |
| Ian Atkins | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Mick Reynolds | 1 | Radar | Nth Auckland | |
| Barry Lennox | 3 | Comm Air | Windsor Locks, CT, USA | My plans have changed and so I'm now unable to make it. All the best and have a great reunion. |
| Rodney Swift | 1 | Radar | Auckland | |
| Bob Howard | 3 | Electrical | Kingaroy, QLD 4610 Australia | Great memories here, would like to be there but too far to go. Hope that the reunion is a roaring success, with all the Leckis I see registered I know they will all have a ball. Good luck to you all. |
| Peter Wilson | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Robert (Bob) Judd | 1 | Instruments | Auckland | Unfortunately I can only make it to the Friday function, so it will be a quick chat to most. |
| Alan Dick | 1 | Electrical | ||
| John Andrews | 1 | Radar | Auckland | I look forward to meeting you all again. |
| Dave Bishop | 1 | Comm Air | Christchurch | |
| Ian McLeod | 2 | Comm Ground | Christchurch | |
| Graeme Johnson | 1 | Electrical | Alexandra | |
| Bruce Shaw | 3 | Avionics | Blenheim | I won't be there but hope you all have a great weekend/reunion. |
| RON BOWER | 1 | Electrical | TE-ATAU PENINSULA | Will be attending |
| MURRAY WILLS | 1 | Electrical | AUCKLAND | |
| Terry Srhoj | 1 | Electrical | Auckland | |
| Robbie Robertson | 1 | Comm Ground | Auckland | Older, Greyer, and if it's posible broker, but keen to see you all. |
| Evan Lloyd | 1 | Avionics | Feilding | Likely to be Saturday evening only. |
| Peter (Scotty) Scott | 1 | Comm Ground | Pakuranga | Looking forward to meeting you all again. |
| George (ET) McNeur | 1 | Avionics | Christchurch | |
| Tom Hetherington | 1 | Radar | Christchurch | |
| Les Goslin | 1 | Electrical | Christchurch | |
| Ross Balcombe | 1 | Electrical | Auckland | Great idea, I'm looking forward to meeting those old friends who can make it to the pissup on March 15/16. |
| Lyall Stewart | 1 | Avionics | Blenheim | Look forward to catching up with all the old gang. |
| Paul Hallowes | 1 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| John (Joe) Wilson | 1 | Comm Air | West Harbour, Auckland | |
| Barry Fane | 1 | Comm Ground | Auckland | Looking forward to catching up |
| Gildas SAOUZANET | 3 | Brittany, France | M. Saouzanet is wishing to contact families of NZ Aircrew who crashed in his area during WWII. | |
| click here to read his letter in full | ||||
| stu borland | 3 | Avionics | dunedin | sorry but wont get there.great to see some familar old names and faces from the past.it is a shame about 1 squadron.regards to all. |
| David Brice | 1 | Comm Air | Feilding | Looking forward to again meeting some of the people from my "previous life". - 40 years ago is a long time. I am still in the "trade" running my own business here in Feilding since 1969. |
| Mike "ROO" Henderson | 1 | Avionics | Taupo | Look forward to catching up with the 2/86 AVTECH PIGS! I work for the Police as an Intel Analyst in Taupo (swap one blue uniform for another). |
| Wally Craig | Comm Air | Richmond B.C. Canada | Great idea, unfortunately am unable to attend this one but am interested in any media that may be produced. | |
| Stephen Ricketts | 1 | Radar | I will return the enrolment form plus cheque asap | |
| Brian Dooley | 1 | Comm Air | Wellington | |
| Howie Gardner | 1 | Comm Ground | Balclutha | Have only found that we are able to attend reunion. Looking forward to seeing some old faces again |
| Graham (Pip) Piper | 1 | Comm Air | Hamilton | |
| Phil Rice | 1 | Comm Ground | Auckland | Congratulations to the organising committee. It is obvious a lot of work and effort has gone into organising this. Unfortunately my son has decided to get married the weekend of the reunion, which is going to limit the functions I will be able to get to. However, hope to catch up with old friends for a while on Friday night and again at the farewell on Sunday afternoon. |
| Robert Gosling | 1 | Comm Ground | Wellington | |
| Peter Dempster | 2 | Avionics | Auckland | |
| Robert (Bob) Cross | 1 | Instruments | Christchurch | Gotta keep Godfrey company & catch up with some "old" mates Any contacts for Chris Heap,Pat Vulleta & Dave Stringer |
| Simon Lonsdale | 2 | Avionics | Still undecided whether I can get to the reunion. If not, sorry I missed you, if so, C U there.. | |
| Angus Tait | 2 | Radar | Christchurch | Was member of first radar course out of Wigram - R1 - 1940/41. My question - are there any others registered - or even alive?!! |
| Sam Caldwell | 1 | Comm Air | Warkworth | I hope there's sufficient parking for the Zimmer frames ! |
| Kevin Dickens | 1 | Instruments | Blenheim | |
| Ian Hayes | 1 | Radar | Waipara | Hi ,I am looking forward to the reunion. |
| John Lyver | 1 | Radar | Wellington | I came Back: After 30 yrs in Commercial IT, I still didnt make enough money to retire and play golf. Im back working for NZDF as an Information Management Advisor in JCIS (Joint Command Control and Information Systems) |
| Tom Clayton | 1 | Comm Air | Kawerau BOP | Thanks to the organisers for the opportunity to "catch up" |
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