The latest Wings Over New Zealand Show episode is now online; Episode 97 – Lindsay Budge – B-17 Gunner.
In this episode Dave Homewood chats with WWII RNZAF veteran Lindsey Budge of Tauranga, who is now aged 96. He was a herd tester before the war, then spent some time in the Army before he transferred to the RNZAF to train as aircrew. He trained in Canada and by the time he was ready to proceed to England he was a qualified Air Gunner.
Lindsay served on Special Operations squadrons, first briefly with the spy dropping Short Stirlings at RAF Tempsford, and then later as the rear gunner of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers that were engaged in electronic warfare amongst the bomber stream with No. 100 Group.
Here’s the show link:
http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2016/01/episode-97-lindsay-budge-b-17-gunner/
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By: Ian Hunt - 22nd January 2016 at 15:00
I wonder if Lindsay Budge recalls a 214 Sqn colleague Sgt Walter Perkins, Air Gunner (Waist position) who was lost on the night of the 21/03/1945 in Fortress III HB785 BU.A.
John
Hi John
Any particular reason for your enquiry?
I’ve researched all of 214’s wartime ops and listed all of their aircrew who flew ops on Fortresses.
Ian
By: John Aeroclub - 22nd January 2016 at 11:44
I wonder if Lindsay Budge recalls a 214 Sqn colleague Sgt Walter Perkins, Air Gunner (Waist position) who was lost on the night of the 21/03/1945 in Fortress III HB785 BU.A.
John
By: Ian Hunt - 22nd January 2016 at 09:17
Hi Adrian
Yes, I believe (not near my books at the moment) those are the ‘Airborne Grocer’ installation aerials, against nightfighter radar. 214 Sqn at Oulton, Norfolk, 1944-45.
(Incidentally many books and articles also refer to 223 Sqn who were also based at Oulton, and show drawings of their Fortresses but 223 flew Liberators in the RCM role and were only converting to Forts at the very end of the war – they only flew 10 Fortress sorties in total, compared with 214’s approximately 1,275).
Unfortunately I’ve no internet connection at home at the moment, but can’t wait for it to be restored so I can listen to this interview.
Ian
By: adrian_gray - 21st January 2016 at 22:00
Looks like he had great TV reception! Seriously, what is that aerial fit? Jamming nightfighter radar?
Adrian
By: Zac Yates - 21st January 2016 at 19:37
I’m only partway into the episode but already I’ve found I went to the same school as Mr Budge! Albeit seven or so decades later. Fascinating stuff and well worth a listen!
By: DaveF68 - 21st January 2016 at 11:57
Thanks Dave,
So glad someone is preserving the memories of this generation.
Interesting ‘smooth’ finish on the B-17
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January 21, 2016 at 5:06 am