The Shuttleworth Collection 4th Annual Aviation Lecture was held yesterday at Old Warden. Record numbers attended and the presentation by Wing Commander Ken Wallis was superb in every respect.
Here Wg Cdr Wallis describes when returning to England in a Wellington, he and his crew were suffering with severe engine problems and whilst attempting to land at night, his port wing was snagged by a barrage balloon cable, which sheared through the leading edge of the wing and half way through the main spar. Fortunately the a/c was forced landed rather than the normal fate of spinning in to the ground minus a wing.
Having left the RAF, Wg Cdr Wallis created a number of Autogyros. This one was one of three trialled by the Army who eventually procured the Bell 47.
His wartime operational service began on Lysanders, flying observation sorties.
Trevor Roche, The Collection’s Chief Pilot, enjoyed a few minutes chatting with Wg Cdr Wallis about his experiences in particular with one on the a/c he created, Little Nellie, as used in the Bond Film, You Only Live Twice.
Following a first class buffet, the raffle draw was held and then guided tours of the hangars conducted by the Collection’s pilots.
In all a very memorable day and one made especially so by the incredible Wg Cdr Ken Wallis whose flying skill and engineering expertise are truly remarkable.
By: Rob68 - 16th November 2009 at 20:19
Im on the picture with the Mrs in the lecture theatre, this was a Heineken lecture!!!
By: Mark Hazard - 16th November 2009 at 00:01
I’m just sorry that I couldn’t make it yesterday. I have corresponded with the Wing Commander since the mid-80s (when I was writing an article for a James Bond fan magazine), although I first met him in 1982, and have chatted with him on a number of occasions – usually at James Bond events. I also attended one of his lectures at one of the Wallis Days some years ago. He is always an interesting man to listen to and imagine that his lecture yesterday was no different. A great man.
By: merlin70 - 15th November 2009 at 10:13
Last part
Distance Record breaking Gyro over flying the WallBro Flyer replica
The guests enjoying the Wg Co’s lecture.
Lysander and Little Nellie
Trevor enquiring how the rotor blades were constructed.
The Collections PO2 rudder construction being discussed.
Hangar tour
Hangar Tour
Roger Bailey explaining how the steerable tail skid moved with the rudder and eased ground handling of the Tiger Moth.
If you attended the event please feel to add your thoughts, feelings and observations from the day. I am writing a couple of articles and would like to have some quotes.
By: merlin70 - 15th November 2009 at 10:12
part 2
Included below are a few more pics from today. Credit for these goes to Wg Cmr Wallis himself as my shots are merely captured from within the lecture theatre during his presentation. Not shown are the many slides that he used of the many speed boats, sports cars, motorcycles, pistols, model racing cars and cameras and other gadgets that he designed and built.
Lysander Ops during WWII.
The two larger pistols he built himself. Making the ammo was a problem, but they were accurate and could have been lethal.
When sent on a posting to the US Strategic Air Command his Rolls Royce travelled in the hold. Wg Cdr Wallis completely rebuilt the coachworks on this car prior to the trip and won a number of awards and trophies at car shows all over the US.
Whilst in the US he raced speed boats and one many times collecting further trophies.
The first of the autogyros designed and built from scratch. This one had a Mossie pilot’s seat.
Whilst promoting the Bond film in Germany, Adolf Galland showed some interest in Little Nellie.
His collection of Autogyros, all designed and crafted by himself.
The original Wallbro flyer had been built by his Father and Uncle. Wing Co Wallis decided to build a flying replica. There are clearly no limits to his capabilities.
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November 15, 2009 at 10:10 am