Spitfire (Fighter planes)

Date: [Circa 1941]

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: McIntyre, Peter, 1910-1995

Reference: PA1-q-287

Description: Official photographs from World War II, very few of which have captions. General Freyberg is seen in many images, with different groups of officers and soldiers, and reviewing of New Zealand troops on parade. He is also shown receiving the Greek Military Cross from the Greek Minister of War, Stelios Dimitrakakis. The New Zealand Bomber Squadron is shown with their "Wellington Devil"; R.A.F. bombers with some New Zealand airmen returning from a raid on Berlin; and airmen from NZ joining the fighter force receiving final training on a Spitfire. There are scenes of activities associated with entertainment and sports. These include a pipe band of a South Island Battalion recently arrived in the Middle East, taken at Maadi, circa 1941, and one picture of four buglers; the Kiwi Concert Party performing in the Middle East (p 118-125); and sports including boxing, athletics, discus throw, tug-of-war, rowing and swimming. New Zealand Division Athletics Championships in Cairo (p 82-87). One set of photographs (p 58-68) were taken by a German photographer who was killed in Crete. They show Axis destroyers at Piraeus, in readiness to transport Nazi parachute troops and airborne infantry to an island airfield in the Aegean Sea used as a base for the invasion of Crete; Nazi bombers with groups of soldiers waiting to board a troop carrier; and two aerial views, one showing a Junker troop carrier nosed down into the Cretan Sea, and one showing wrecked German troop transports on Maleme aerodrome. Views of HMS Leander in the Middle East (p 70-75, 98-99). New Zealand crew members W. Hickford (Wanganui), E. Drabble (Auckland), J. Stewart (Wellington), A L Poad (Auckland) and K Newson (Wellington) are named in image no. 952 (p 71); a large range-finder in action; group of officers (identified in reference no. DA-01901); clothes-washing; mending clothes; serving the rum ration; a church service; gunners with a captured Breda gun (D.L. Graham-Cameron (Gisborne) and J. Kelly (Waitara)); repairing a torpedo; and deck hockey. The opening of the Lowry Hut at Maadi on 16th July 194l shows general Freyberg and Mrs Freyberg, Mrs A P F Chapman who was attached to the New Zealand YMCA which operated the hut, which was presented by her father Thomas Henry Lowry; and general scenes inside and outide the hut. The other club shown in this album is the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, with a mural painted by war artist Peter McIntyre. There are also reproductions of some of his paintings on p 101 and 104-105. Ambulances were presented to the NZEF through the British American Ambulance Corps and the Anzac War Relief Fund, Maadi, with a number of photographs showing different types of ambulance, and a mobile surgical unit. At the reception of the Anzac War Relief Fund in New York they gave a demonstation of the Australian Indian type of ambulance which would be sent to the Middle East, at which the Hon. J G Coates, Nola Luxford were present, and at which the American president of the fund presented the Wings of Mercy badge to the Hon. Frank Langstone. A group of wireless operators and air gunners who attended the No. 11 W.A.G. course at Mountain View Air Station (Canada), p 111. (For full names see information noted on reference nos. DA-01417 to DA-01418, and DA-01420). Many photographs are related to the postal service, showing huge piles of incoming parcels and letters for the troops, with men sorting, collecting and receiving their mail. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with dark blue cloth cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22 cm

Date: 1939-1945

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PA1-q-296

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in the Middle East and England during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official purposes. Includes photographs of New Zealand fighter and bomber pilots serving with the Royal Air Force, and several British Official photographs relating to New Zealand fighter pilot with the RAF, James Allen Ward, who was awarded the Victoria Cross. Most individuals identified in the album are listed above. Scenes include a visit by NZ soldiers to stables run by the Egyptian Government at Heliopolis; a NZ military band on tour in Palestine as part of a recruiting campaign; the arrival of the first party of Women's War Service Auxiliary in Egypt, and scenes of their life in the Welfare Section and at the New Zealand Forces Club (p 7, p 146-149); and RNZAF trainees at the Air Observer School, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. Life, military training and manouevres in the Western desert; ordnance workshops; the advance in the Western Desert; a NZ medical unit, a mobile surgical unit; hospital scenes (p 100, 103-105, 111). Sporting and entertainments include a wood-chopping "Axemen's Carnival" in South England; rugby matches in the Western Desert (p 29, 37-38, 82-83, 85, 93, 101-103, 107, 109); swimming (probably at Baggush; p 38-40, 44); and Christmas celebrations in the desert, including the Kiwi Concert Party (p 122-129); and a view of the YMCA Hostle at Alexandria. Inspection of NZ reinforcements in Egypt by William J Jordan (NZ High Commissioner in London); General Auchinleck presenting decorations to NZ soldiers, and reviewing NZ troops on the eve of the Libyan Campaign (p 49-57, 111-115); the Western Desert Battle, NZers bringing in German Prisoners of War; German General von Ravenstein captured by NZ troops, and scenes of various captured German vehicles, gas masks, a Nazi whip, and weapons; the Libyan advance (p 63-72); and the Railway Construction Unit in the Western Desert. Scenes of a New Zealand fighter squadron in Malaya (p 80-81, 87-89). NZers in Tobruk (p 96-99); one view of NZers at a Prisoner of War Camp in Germany (Stalag VI B) taken by Lieutenant Rangi (p 108); NZers arriving back at Base Camp after 5 weeks of imprisonment at Bardia, some of whom are named (p 117-121); four NZ soldiers who walked from Benghazi to west of Gazala (listed above); manouevres after the Libyan Campaign. Presentation of decorations by General Freyberg to members of the 2nd NZEF in hospital; views of a NZ Spitfire Squadron operating with the RAF Fighter Command, the planes subscribed for by the people of NZ (p 138-141); reproductions of paintings by war artist Peter McIntyre (p 133-138). Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 1227-1668. Follows sequence established in PA1-q-294. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 24 Jun 2006

From: From memory oral history project

By: Pattison, John Gordon, 1917-

Reference: OHInt-0981-03

Description: Interview with John Pattison, born in Waipawa in 1917. Talks about growing up on the family farm, and the children initially having a governess until they went to the local school. Refers to his schooling and being at Wanganui Collegiate School during the Depression. Recalls joining the Civil Reserve Pilots Scheme and learning to fly at the local aero club. Mentions his Air Force training in New Zealand - navigation at Levin, and flying at New Plymouth and Woodbourne. Recalls sailing to England on the Rangatira in early 1940 where he was trained to fly Spitfires and then sent to 266 Squadron when the threat of invasion was real. Describes his first operation when he ran out of fuel and landed in a field. Discusses being posted to 92 Squadron at Biggin Hill soon after and talks about life on the ground and in the air during the Battle of Britain. Recalls mainly attacking German bombers, the constant losses, and the tiredness when flying four or five operations a day. Refers to leave in London. Talks about being wounded in the leg by an explosive bullet and spending eight months in hospital recovering followed by a month in a convalescent hospital. Comments on being sent to Wales as a flying instructor at 61 OTU, Llandow, and his first flight there in a Spitfire. Discusses being assigned in April 1942 to 485 (New Zealand) Squadron which escorted bombers over defended areas. Comments on their respect for the flying ability and aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Talks about being shot down over the English Channel, bailing out successfully and getting into his rubber dingy in rough seas. Recalls being back flying after 48 hours leave. Mentions marrying his wife Pauline, a WAAF plotter, in 1943 once he was taken off operational duties and promoted to Squadron Leader. Refers to being sent as Chief Flying Instructor to OTU Kinnell in Scotland, later returning to operational duties and preparing for the D-Day invasion. Recalls flying at first light on the day, seeing the Channel full of naval ships, and shooting down a German plane. Mentions landing in Normandy a few days later and following the Canadian Army to Germany. Refers to taking command of 485 Squadron, living under canvas during the European winter, and escorting American bombers. Recalls moving through Germany, seeing destroyed cities, and seeing piles of bodies when flying over Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Refers to being awarded the DSO [Distinguished Service Order] and earlier the DFC [Distinguished Flying Cross]. Comments it had been less personal than flying during the first world war, and they felt it was aircraft they were shooting at not people. Refers to returning to New Zealand with his wife and son, adjusting to civilian life and returning to farming. Mentions attending the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in London. Reflects on ANZAC Day, and on the "sheer absurdity" of settling national problems by going to war. Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Accompanying material - Photocopy of notes about John Pattison's life and war service (2 p.); summary of John Pattison's war service (1 p.); photocopy of letter from Group Captain C.M. Hanson to John Pattison, dated 23 July 1993 (2 p.); photocopy of article "Modest war hero receives France's highest honour" (Hawkes Bay Today, 8 June 2004); photocopy of article "One of 'The Few' looks back" (Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune, date unknown). All with printed abstract. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-021909 - OHC-021912 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 digital photograph(s). 2 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 3.55 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7240. Scanned black and white photographs of John Pattison: in flying kit (c1942), in uniform (early 1940s); scanned colour photograph of John Pattison beside an aeroplane (undated); colour photograph of John Pattison (June 2006) Search dates: 1917 - 1939 - 2006 - 1947

Date: 29 Sep to 9 Dec 2004 - 29 Sep 2004 - 09 Dec 2004

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Swan, Albert Frederick, 1920-2010

Reference: OHInt-0938-07

Description: Interview with Alan Swan, born in Mt Albert in 1920. Talks briefly about growing up on a Taranaki farm, the Depression, attending Auckland Grammar School for six months, and then working as a shop assistant. Comments on learning to fly when he was about 18, being ready to go solo when war broke out and the government stopped private flying. Recalls volunteering for the Air Force and accepting a job at Woodbourne doing maintenance while waiting to train as air crew. Refers to spending six weeks at the Levin Ground Training School followed by two months at Elementary Flying Training School at Harewood where he first flew solo in a Tiger Moth. Recalls next going to Woodbourne where he learnt to fly Harvards, doing night and instrument flying, bombing and air gunnery. Recounts sailing to England, training in Miles Magisters at Peterborough, posting to an operational training unit to fly Spitfires, and learning to fly loops in a hazy atmosphere lacking clear horizons. Describes posting to Algiers and making delivery flights of Spitfires from Gibraltar to Algeria. Refers to assignment to 154 Squadron first in Tunis and then in Malta, then transfer to 81 Squadron in Sicily. Recalls the advance up Italy. Discusses being sent to India and Burma, flying Spitfires from Alexandria to Imphal on the India-Burma border. Recalls supporting the Chindits, interactions with Japanese forces including Japanese infiltrating the airfield, and accidents. Notes Japanese fighter planes being more manoeuverable than Spitfires. Talks about the handling characteristics of different models of Spitfires. Refers to being a squadron aircraft recognition officer, training new pilots to reduce friendly fire. Talks about living and operating under monsoon conditions and having malaria which affected his vision and ability to land safely. Recalls being transferred to Ceylon when it was thought that the Japanese might attack, and having some air interception experience, controlled by air direction officers, on HMNZS Achilles. Mentions being sent to Poona in India in April 1945 as a Flight Commander to train pilots newly arrived from Europe, but the training ceased once the Japanese surrendered. Explains his lingering hostile feelings towards Japanese. Discusses returning to New Zealand in 1945, being discharged from the Air Force, marrying and settling in New Plymouth where he worked for a company selling and installing milking machines. Talks about later setting up a marine supplies company. Describes being involved with the Air Training Corps in New Plymouth in the 1950s and 1960s. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Photocopy of Alan Swan's Pilot's flying log book and "A short resume of my service with The Royal New Zeland Air Force" Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017238 - OHC-017245 Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - edited transcript. 1 transcript(s) - edited. 1 interview(s). 7.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHDL-000397, OHA-6155. Search dates: 1920 - 1939 - 2004 - 1945

Date: 7 to 14 Sep 2005 - 07 Sep 2005 - 14 Sep 2005

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Weggery, Sydney Lawrence Emil, 1920-2006

Reference: OHInt-0938-10

Description: Interview with Sydney Lawrence Emil Weggery, born in Palmerston North in 1920. Refers to his Swedish grandfather, and his father having served in World War I. Talks about growing up on a farm in the Mangaone Valley (inland from Te Horo) and later at Paraparaumu and Lower Hutt. Mentions becoming a public servant in 1938 and studying accountancy part time. Refers to being teetotal and becoming a committed Christian when he was 18. Recalls hearing war had been declared on the radio in 1939, deciding he wanted to be a pilot, and his mother signing his papers when he was nearly 20. Comments on the assignments he had to complete before being called up. Reflects that young men were keen to volunteer for an overseas adventure, but it became more serious once they saw action. Talks about attending the aircrew Ground Training School at Levin in February 1941, learning to fly tiger moths at the Harewood Elementary Flying Training School, and then being sent to Canada to train under the Empire Air Training Scheme at Dauphin, Manitoba. Comments on training in single-engined Harvards, learning instrument flying, night flying and cross country navigation. Talks about arrival in Britain in late 1941, delay in operational training because of harsh winter weather, and volunteering for the Far East: sent to India rather than Singapore. Mentions flying Hurricanes at the Operational Training Unit at Risalpur near Peshawar, learning aerial gunnery, tactics, dogfighting and formation flying, but training interrupted to allow Indian pilots to train. Talks about joining 615 Fighter Squadron on the Bengal-Burma border, in January 1943, and comments on the cosmopolitan aircrew. Mentions Japanese bombing raids on their airfields and the superior manoeuverability of the Japanese Zero fighters. Describes the fighters' responses to raids, escorting raids by their bombers, fighter raids on roads and railway lines (rhubarb operations), and debriefing after flights. Discusses the squadron converting to Spitfires in October 1943 because the Hurricaines could not fly high enough to be effective against Japanese bombers and fighters. Mentions operating out of Imphal to prevent a Japanese invasion of Assam and catching malaria there. Refers to meeting his wife Enith during leave in Calcutta and getting married in Darjeeling in Oct 1944. Comments on being posted to the Air Force Headquarters in Calcutta for two months before returning to New Zealand for home leave in early 1945. Recalls VE Day celebrations in Wellington, demobilisation, and training with his wife to be Salvation Army officers. Reflects on working with former servicemen who had difficulites settling back into their families where their wives had been running the household in their absence and now expected a partnership role in the family. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Copy of "The War Cry" Lt-Colonel Lawrence Weggery - memoirs of a spitfire pilot" is held with his printed transcript, OHA-6158 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017261 - OHC-017268 Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 7.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHDL-000400, OHA-6158. Search dates: 1920 - 1939 - 2005 - 1945

Date: 1991

Reference: Eph-A-AVIATION-1991-01

Description: Programme for the air show contains a message from the Governor General Dame Catherine Tizard, a short history of the New Zealand Warbids Assn Inc, photographs of the Harvard, Trojan, Venom, Spitfire, Hawker, Douglas Dakota, Mustanq and Iroquois aircraft featuring in the show, a plan of the grounds and the day's programme. Quantity: 1 Programme(s). Physical Description: Booklet of 16 pages, 212 x 150 mm.

Date: 1941-1942

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: McIntyre, Peter, 1910-1995

Reference: PA1-q-288

Description: Official photographs from World War II, very few of which have captions. Scenes show activities relating to the New Zealand forces in the Middle East in 1941 and the beginning of 1942, including military training in the desert; social life and daily life in camps, scenes in hospitals, sporting activities and social clubs. Military leaders include General Freyberg, Brigadier Alexander Smith Falconer, Lieutenant-Colonel A S Wilder, Howard Karl Kippenberger and Field-Marshall Auchinleck. The New Zealand High Commissioner in Britain visited the tropps and can be seen inspecting the New Zealand reinforcements at Base Camp, Maadi. Several photographs show Charles Hazlitt Upham (awarded the Victoria Cross), including one portrait painted by war artist Peter McIntyre. Other paintings by Peter McIntyre are reproduced on pages 147-149, portraying the part played by New Zealanders in the Libyan offensive of November-December 1941, which McIntyre made from sketches drawn quickly on the field of battle. They include one of the NZ Infantry going into the attack at Sidi Rezegh; New Zealanders at Fort Capuzzo; the tank battle at Belhamid; New Zealand field workshops in the desert; an anti-tank gun in action at Sidi Rezegh; and tank "cavalry" scouting for Rommel's columns in the desert. The second Libyan campaign is seen in numbers of photographs. These include the advance into Libya after Fort Apuzzo fell to a New Zealand column; New Zealand engineers building a wharf at Tobruk; and German and Italian prisoners of war. Items captured include guns, German gas masks, German motor cycles, tanks, Nazi flags, and a captured whip. Three photographs show a group of four New Zealanders who fled from Benghazi on foot when unable to use vehicles after the road was cut behind them. They took about 11 days to walk 250 miles across the desert, gaining help from Arab groups on the way. (Drivers S G McKinnon (Auckland), A W Blackburn (Auckland), Corporal S Roa (Auckland) and Sergeant T W Gill (Wellington)). On pages 133-136 Middle East scenes show a group of New Zealanders arriving back at the N.Z. Base Camp after 37 days imprisonment in Bardia, Libya. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with dark blue cloth cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 1929-1939

From: Kain family: Papers and photographs relating to the life and career of Edgar James 'Cobber' Kain

Reference: PA1-o-985

Description: Album documenting the life and career of Edgar James Kain (1918-1940) from childhood in Wellington until the outbreak of war in 1939. The album includes home life in Wellington, a family climbing holiday in the Southern Alps in 1929, scenes in Christ's College, Christchurch; voyage to England on SS Orford in 1936, including views in Colombo, Aden and Suez); flight training at the Brough Aviation Club; social life, sporting activities and friends in England, France and Italy in the period 1936-1939; and Royal Air Force activities in the period 1937-1939. This album is particularly strong on views of aircraft, personnel, bases and activities of the Royal Air Force in the immediate pre-war years. Kain was posted to No 73 Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force, at Digby, Lincolnshire, in November 1937, flying Gloster Gladiator biplanes. In July 1938 the Squadron became one of the first to receive the new Hawker Hurricane fighters. Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 album(s). Provenance: Donors are Edgar Kain's sisters.

Date: 23 Jan 1986

From: NZOHA Fletcher Challenge Ltd Oral History Project

By: Watt, John Stephen (Dr), 1908-1996

Reference: OHInt-0001/22

Description: John Watt was born in Boulder City, near Kalgoolie, Western Australia in 1908. Outlines family background - paternal family came from Scotland where they were farmers and agricultural workers, maternal grandfather, a colliery engineer who emigrated to Australia. Talks about family coming to New Zealand in 1913 and father working as a watchman for Auckland Harbour Board. Recalls childhood memories: flu epidemic, 1918; secondary education at Auckland Grammar and tertiary at Auckland University, winning a Rhodes Scholarship in 1931. Refers to other Rhodes Scholar that year, Jack Lovelock, who studied medicine and in the 1936 Olympic Games won the 1500 metres gold medal. Talks about returning from Oxford and lecturing in soil science at Massey University before taking an appointment with ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries) in Billingham, Britain, managing a plant making methyl methacrylate - raw material for Perspex, an essential development for fighter pilots (World War II). Mentions Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft. Talks about pollution control. Describes work for ICI in Australia before returning to New Zealand to join Fletchers, becoming general manager, Industrial Consulting Division in 1954. Compares company styles of ICI and Fletchers. Mentions company colleagues: L J Stevens (Legal expert); E Lyall Young (Commercial Division), a builder; H L Parker (Housing); R T (Bob) Arkley; I D McAllister; A W (Alec) Craig; S E Kingston; C J Maindonald; W A (Bill) Bourke; J L (Lou) Hahn; A T (Arthur) Jewell; H F (Harry) Molony; George Fraser. Discusses manufacturing activities, e g plywood, particle board, marble company and the use of linseed oil. Explains uses of duroid and bituminous paints. Refers to 1958 start of particle board manufacturing and the Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel construction. Explains background to Pacific Steel. Mentions Kaisers (USA) who built utility ships during World War II and their association with Fletchers feasibility study of iron sands smelting. Mentions A G K N (Guest Keen Nettle-Powles) project. Other projects and contracts discussed include: Lyttelton Tunnel, Kauri Timber Co. purchase (1961); Bechtel Fletcher Wimpy Joint Marsden Oil Refinery Contract (1962); first shopping centre at Pakuranga (1965); Marsden Power Station (1965); Kapuni Pipeline Contract (Jack Smith, product manager); establishment of Fletcher International (1969) and further re-organisation of company in 1970 with reference to Jock Turpin; Rotokawa sulphur deposits. Gives views on Fletcher Challenge merger and contrasts Hugh Fletcher, J C Fletcher and Sir James. Discusses other activities involved with including: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (now National Research Council); Dairy Research Institute; Atomic Energy Committee. Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - 3/88 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 0157.

Date: 31 Aug 2004 to 26 Jan 2005 - 31 Aug 2004 - 26 Jan 2005

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Gotlieb, Gerald, 1923-2006

Reference: OHInt-0938-05

Description: Interview with Gerry (Gerald) Gotlieb, born in Wellington in 1923. Talks about his immigrant parents (father born in Latvia) and growing up in the Wellington Jewish community. Refers to starting training as a cabinet maker after leaving school in 1938, and volunteering for the Air Force in 1941 when he turned 18. Talks about completing their prerequisite correspondence course and then having initial training at Levin and then in Rotorua. Discusses learning to fly in Tiger Moths at Taieri, followed by training in Harvards at Woodbourne (Blenheim) including bombing and air gunnery training, emergency landings and survival. Mentions getting his wings and promotion to sergeant pilot at the end of 1942 and then being sent to Briatin. Comments on spending time in No 61 Advanced Flying Unit at Ridwell training in Spitfires. Talks about flying Spitfires, their armaments, learning to shoot successfully at moving aircraft, formation flying, escorting bombers, and combat. Discusses joining Spitfire Squadron 504 at Castleton, Scotland for two months in 1944, then transferred to Digby and then Detling in Kent when he began his main operational flying. Describes taking part in a fighter-bomber raid on a prison in Lille to breach its wall and allow prisoners to escape. Refers to flying escorting missions when gliders were towed to Arnim (Operation Market Garden) as part of the invasion. Mentions an advance base in Holland after the invasion where escort Spitfires refuelled for long bombing raids into Germany. Recalls flying in an escort for Winston Churchill when he went to Paris. Describes leave in London every six weeks, staying with a relation and visiting a jazz club. Refers to heavy drinking in the mess after operations. Comments that he did not know about the concentration camps and the fate of Jews in Europe until after the War. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Photocopy of Gerry Gotlieb's Pilot's flying log book; additional notes (4 p.) Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017221-017231; OHLC-009544-009554 Quantity: 11 C60 cassette(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 11 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available unedited transcript, sides 1-19 only, OHA-6153 OHDL-000395. Search dates: 1923 - 1939 - 2005 - 1945

Date: 12 Dec 2007

From: From memory oral history project

By: Aspinall, Harold Lex, 1919-

Reference: OHInt-0981-04

Description: Interview with Lex Aspinall, born in Dunedin in 1919. Mentions his family background. Refers to joining the Otago Mounted Rifles (a territorial regiment) while he was studying law at University and there was talk of war. Describes switching to the Fleet Air Arm because he wanted to be a pilot and it was quicker to enter than the Air Force. Recalls going to Britain when he was 21, training, naval discipline, and pilot flight training with RAF instructors. Talks about going to Canada for further flight training in Harvards, then returning to Britain, being commissioned as a sublieutenant and attending a "knife and fork" course at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Mentions he was drafted to the second line air squadrons, not yet required for operations, and trained in various aircraft including Spitfires in Scotland. Describes flying his first Seafire, deck landings and a bad landing he made later. Refers to spending a period in a convalescent home after breaking an ankle in a road accident. Talks about being posted to 809 Royal Navy Squadron in November 1943 but not being assigned to a ship until May 1944, continuing training in new aircraft, and being sent on a commando course with the Forward Air Link (FAL; the RAF Desert Air Force). Mentions being promoted to Lieutenant and posted to the carrier HMS Stalker. Talks about the sense of anticipation, shipboard life, flying day missions only, and the roles of the ground and flight crews. Describes the differences between Seafires and modified Spitfires, and the British navigation system at sea. Refers to sailing in a fleet to Gibralta, flying to Algiers and spending a few weeks there before flying to Corsica for a period, then being posted to an RAF front line unit. Refers to rejoining the Stalker in August 1944, and involvement with the invasion of southern France including an incident when a moving train was destroyed. Describes events in the Aegean Sea in late 1944 during the German withdrawal, including dive-bombing German vessels and giving air cover during the liberation of Athens. Refers to a jungle training course in preparation for the East Indian Fleet but being sent home on leave instead, arriving in June 1945. Comments that VJ Day came before he returned to service. Refers to completing his law studies, and marrying dental nurse Sheila Reid in 1946. Reflects on his experiences overseas during the war. Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001378 (files 4-10) Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 digital photograph(s) - Jpeg files. 19 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s) - tiff and jpeg files. 1 interview(s). 3.51 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Image files - Tiff, Jpeg Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7241. Scans of 19 black and white photographs of: Lex Aspinall during the war (largely), ships he served on and John Aspinall (brother); three colour digital photographs of Lex Aspinall (December 2007). List of photographs in OHDL-001379 Search dates: 1919 - 1939 - 2007 - 1945

Date: Date unknown

From: Bridle, Marcus, 1970-: Photographs of New Zealand aircraft and related subjects

Reference: 1/4-127840-F

Description: Shows a group of aircraft. Title transcribed from item enclosure. Note on centre of enclosure: 'S.P. General C HP3'. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Black and white original negative, approximately 7 x 11.5 cm

Date: Date unknown

From: Bridle, Marcus, 1970-: Photographs of New Zealand aircraft and related subjects

Reference: 1/4-127839-F

Description: Shows a group of aircraft parked in a line. Title transcribed from item enclosure. Note on cente of enclosure: '3/4 F.S. General. C HP3'. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Black and white original negative, approximately 7 x 11.5 cm

Date: 1939-1945

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PA1-q-289-1637

Description: New Zealand fighter pilot completing the sign "Auckland (Remuera)" on the fusilage of his Spitfire fighter plane. This is one of a group of photographs of New Zealand fighter pilots in the RAF during the Second World War Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1939-1945

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PA1-q-289-1639

Description: Pilot entering the cockpit of a Spitfire fighter plane parked ready for take off photographed by an unknown photographer This is one of a group of related photographs of New Zealand fighter pilots in the RAF, in the Second World War Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1942

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: McIntyre, Peter, 1862-1922

Reference: PA1-q-289

Description: Official photographs from World War II, many of which have captions giving names, information about activities taking place, and places. Some of the names noted are listed above. The album opens with a number of reproductions of paintings by New Zealand war artist Peter McIntyre (10 paintings (p 1-4)), 1 of McIntyre sketching in the field (p 9), and 7 further paintings (p 16-17, p 91, p 109)). Pages 17-22 have scenes with His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Cyril Newall visiting Samoa and Fiji in 1942. Page 24-25 show trainees at the Ninth Army Ski School in Lebanon in 1942, some men chosen from the 28th New Zealand (Maori) Battalion, and some from the 22nd Battalion. Duties included reconnaissance, fighting patrols and rescue work for snow-bound troops. Different occasions are shown including an Anzac day parade and service on 25th April 1942, and a ceremonial parade in Aleppo on 30th April 1942; a group of New zealanders who were at Rouen ready for repatriation when arrangements with german authorities for the mutual repatriation of Prisoners of War broke down, all of whom were returned to Germany; groups of NZ medical personnel who were part of PoW protected personnel which took place between Italy and the Middle East Allie Forces (p 45-46); a group of Australians and New zealanders in the German prison camp Marlag & Milag Nord; a race meeting and sports activities in Transjordan, including races with 6 Arab horses and 6 donkeys which were loaned by the Arab Legion. A group of NZ soldiers visited the stonghold of a tribe of bandits in Syria (p 77-80); scenes in Crete "the price paid by German air invaders"; Winston Churchill being welcomed in the desert; scenes of nurses, convalescents, hospital wards around the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital in Beirut (p 102-106); recipients of recent awards, many not named (p 112-114); a group of NZ airmen who were survivors of a ship which was sunk en route to Britain; Kiwi Concert Party; and a sequence showing the pursuit by a New zealand convoy of the Axis Forces in the Western Desert during the early days of the November advance (p 126-137, showing equipment abandoned by the retreating forces including German special mobile anti-tank guns and trucks, but also the problems with landmines)l. The final views show the advance to Tripoli. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with dark blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 13 Sep 1947

From: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Reference: WA-09327-G

Description: Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Glass negative, 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 30 Apr 1944

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996

Reference: DA-05652-F

Description: Flying Officer L J Montgomery (New Plymouth), a New Zealand Fighter pilot attached to the Royal Air Force, at the controls of his Spitfire aeroplane on the ground near Venafro in the Volturno Valley, Italy. Photograph taken on 30 April 1944 by George Robert Bull. Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosive film negative

Date: 13 Sep 1947

From: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Reference: WA-09333-F

Description: Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative, ¼ plate

Date: 13 Sep 1947

From: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Reference: WA-09323-G

Description: Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Glass negative, 3.25 x 4.25 inches