On 18 September the Irish Air Corps base at Baldonnel was the venue for a reunion of pilots, technicians and film production personnel who were involved in the Blue Max, Darling Lily, Zeppelin, The Red Baron and others, all made in Ireland.
It stemmed from an idea of Geoffrey O’Byrne White CEO CityJet who set the wheels in motion and sponsored the event. The Air Corps in turn hosted the occasion and it proved to be an enjoyable experience,
Geoff’s and CityJet’s sponsorship is an indication of practical support for Irish aviation events, who were also responsible for bringing the former Air Corps Spitfire Tr9 161/PV202 back on a visit to Baldonnel for a wings ceremony a few years ago.
It was also an opportunity to meet and chat with Derek Pigott (who was chief pilot) a most charming gentleman who regaled us with stories of the period. It also provided the opportunity to meet fellow forumite “Blue Max” whose father was tragically killed during flying sequences. Great to meet you Matthew.
Some Pics are ,
Derek Pigott with Paddy O’Meara (who organised the event)
Tiger Moth EI-AWP Dave Bruton from Abbeyshrule.
Tiger moth EI-AHI J J Sullivan from Wexford
Stampe EI-BAJ Brendan Bruton (no relation) fro Trim Co Meath.
By: The Bump - 5th October 2008 at 11:45
Sure, once you empty it….and pay to build a bigger one. It’s a bit too crouded for photos
And during the emptying phase, spirit the Hog to its rightful home over at Bentwaters for the Bentwaters Cold War Museum:)
By: J Boyle - 4th October 2008 at 00:19
“blow up another hangar” Please can it be the American one,
John
Sure, once you empty it….and pay to build a bigger one. It’s a bit too crouded for photos. 😀
By: John Aeroclub - 3rd October 2008 at 23:11
“blow up another hangar” Please can it be the American one,
John
By: Tony Kearns - 3rd October 2008 at 17:53
Glad that you enjoyed the reunion Blue Max and of course your Dad is very well remembered and held in high regard.
I have no doubt that another event will come about in the future.
A Battle of Britain film reunion akin to the Irish event sound like a great idea!
Tony K
By: colin.barron - 3rd October 2008 at 10:30
Wasn’t there one a few years ago? I remember reading about some of the artifacts (clapper board, Heinkel nose section) being displayed, and many of the film personnel being there. Can’t remember if that was in Flypast…or ‘[I]that[I] other magazine’….:eek:
There have been two such events at Duxford in the past 20 years,both held at the Officer’s Mess. The first was in Summer 1989 organised by “Warbirds Worldwide” featured Hamish Mahaddie and Robert Rudhall as speakers. An even more elaborate event was held in September 1999. This was organised by “Aeroplane” magazine. I was fortunate enough to attend both.
As you say it would be great if we could have another one next year.
Colin
By: Frazer Nash - 3rd October 2008 at 05:38
Wasn’t there one a few years ago? I remember reading about some of the artifacts (clapper board, Heinkel nose section) being displayed, and many of the film personnel being there. Can’t remember if that was in Flypast…or ‘[I]that[I] other magazine’….:eek:
By: Flightpath - 3rd October 2008 at 05:23
What a fantastic idea!
How about it, Duxford? Battle of Britain movie reunion next year? I dunno what pilots/crew they could get together, but you could possibly get:
Spitfires:
AR213*
P7350*
AB910*
AR501*
BM597 (OK, she was only the static mould master, but still!)
EP120
MH434
PM631
PS853Buchons – both of ’em…
Maybe they can blow up another hangar! :diablo:
Good idea diablo,
I think a Battle of Britain film reunion next year would be GREAT!!!
The above aircraft have may have faired pretty well but I wonder who’s still around as far as the actors and pilot’s go?
cheers,
-John
By: The Blue Max - 2nd October 2008 at 23:09
Great to finally meet you as well Tony, a wonderfull day and loverly to finally return to Baldonnel and meet with so many people who remembered Dad.
Returning to Ireland was somthing i had meant to do for many years, the two days spent visiting Baldonnel and Weston (the site of Dads accident) the day before was a wonderfull and very emotional experience. Listening to many stories of flying with dad and all the great times they had, nice to know he is still remembered and still held in high regard. Hopefully it wont be a one off and will happen again:)
By: DazDaMan - 2nd October 2008 at 22:47
What a fantastic idea!
How about it, Duxford? Battle of Britain movie reunion next year? I dunno what pilots/crew they could get together, but you could possibly get:
Spitfires:
AR213*
P7350*
AB910*
AR501*
BM597 (OK, she was only the static mould master, but still!)
EP120
MH434
PM631
PS853
Buchons – both of ’em…
Maybe they can blow up another hangar! :diablo:
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October 2, 2008 at 7:56 pm