Blue Skies- Michael Le Mesurier RNZAF TAF Mustang Pilot

As an ex RNZAF mechanic, i underwent training at No 4 TTS at Woodbourne sometime around 1980. It was common knowledge of Mr Smith’s collection, and the fact that if you supplied the Avgas, he would run up the Mossie. A few of us made friends with the MT flight guys and started collecting drain offs from the tankers. We filled up a car boot load of containers and drove off to see Mr Smith. True to rumour, we handed over the precious liquid and soon after, Merlin’s filled the air.

I understand John Smith has asked people not to share photos of his collection online but if you have permission I’d love to see them!

I believe you about the Mossie, I’ve spoken to people who have seen it!
Please keep on sharing.

Mustang NZ2423

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Dear ErrolC,
I have attached the pictures that I took of the previously mentioned RNZAF TAF Mustang survivor NZ2423 stored in that barn in New Zealand. I will try and write up the amazing story of my visit to this barn and the eccentric chap who had all these old aeroplanes in there, including, and you’re probably not going to believe me, a complete de Havilland Mosquito. I also have some colour photographs from slides of the TAF Mustangs at Ohakea, which I will post next time I visit the forum.

Regards

Foxtrot 01

Dear ErrolC,
I have also attached a list of all the TAF Mustangs Mike flew; the tally is the number of times that he flew each Mustang indicated.

Dear ErrolC,
I have attached the set of postcards of NZ2417 in its Mobile Oil colour scheme whilst attempting a record attempt. Does anyone have any further information about this record attempt?

Dear Baz62,

Thanks for the information about one of the Harvards Mike flew.

Thanks for sharing the logbook.
The TAF squadrons only had a few P-51s each, so the boss must have held on to ‘his’ tight!

Some bonus air-to-airs of NZ1024 from Gavin Conroy
http://classicaircraftphotography.com/gallery/2016-harvard-nz1024-air-2-air-in-australia/#/gallery/2016-harvard-nz1024-air-2-air-in-australia/a63w9724/

Wings over NZ forum with pictures of ZK-CCG (NZ2417) on page 3
http://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/17797/graeme-cossgroves-visiting-civil-aircraft?page=3

I see he also flew Harvard NZ1024 which is also still airworthy in Australia.

Dear Errol C,

I have checked Mike’s log book and found that he hadn’t flown NZ2415, which is undoubtedly due to it having been his squadron leader’s personal aircraft. I have attached a page from his log book, which shows many of those he flew, including two of the 4 survivors: NZ2417 and NZ2406, which are both airworthy and based in America ( Mike was a close personal friend and would have been happy for me to share his log book information with enthusiasts). The page from his log book is undoubtedly that of the annual get together of all the TAF squadrons at Ohakea, which explains Mike’s flying other squadron’s aircraft as they were undoubtedly pooled. I have some pictures I took of another survivor NZ2423, which was in a barn/shed in New Zealand near to where I worked as an apple thinner. I will try to find them along with some nice postcards I have of NZ2417 whilst in its Mobile Oil colour scheme and attempting a record attempt in 1965.

Regards

Foxtrot 01

Dear ErrolC,
I forgot to thank you for posting the pictures of the Thunder Mustang and the appropriately registered ZK-TAF, which wears the identity of 2415, which, I am almost certain, appears in Mike’s log book.

Thanks

Foxtrot 01

Dear Tim,
The information you requested, concerning Mike’s diary entry wasn’t accurate. I have now found the exact information on another email; unusually, I used the article as a means of verifying my identity, and link to Mike’s home, to UPSD at the end of September last year. Anyway, the article was in Air Enthusiast Magazine titled Kiwi Mustang/Reborn Kiwi P51,Nov/Dec 2003.

Foxtrot 01

Dear Tim,

There was a slight omission from the diary entry I posted due to child safe-guards on the library computer, which blocked the second word. Mike’s comment following his first Mustang landing should have read ” Split-esra.” I have had to spell the second backwards! This reminds me of another entertaining supply teaching story, which revolved around Queen Victoria’s husband!

Blue Skies- Michael Le Mesurier RNZAF TAF Mustang pilot- Photographs added

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Dear Yak 11,

I may have met you that day. I drove with Mike up to Hardwick. I ended up driving him all the way home because he was so exhausted by the days excitement! I will post some pictures of the day’s events, and some local newspaper coverage etc., although I may have to start a new thread as I am experiencing difficulties attaching them to this ” quick reply”.

Regards Foxtrot 01

Dear Tim,

The extract from Mike’s diary was published in Air Enthusiast Magazine October/November 2003. The article was titled, ” Mustang Reunion.”

Foxtrot 01

Sad to hear this news, I had the great pleasure of meeting Michael when he visited Hardwick in 2003. It was great speaking to him and hearing his recollections of flying the Mustang in New Zealand.

Foxtrot 01, you mention that Le Mesurier’s diary has been previously publishing. Just wondering if you could give a few details, title, etc, as I’d be keen on getting a copy.

Thanks,

Tim

Blue skies, Mr Le Mesurier.
NZ is graced by a P-51D in the markings of No.3 Canterbury Squadron, here it is at NZ Warbirds founding President Trevor Bland’s funeral.

ZK-TAF tribute pass – TT Bland by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

And here is the Thunder Mustang that Simon Gault part-owned.
Thunder Mustang by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Thanks for bringing to our attention Foxtrot01.