How about this for a cracking shot and a chance find. I had a few Wings Over New Zealand Forumites over on Saturday for a natter. Les Bilcliff was showing a few of us some of his old photos. Evan Yates picks this one up and reads the name Cpl R.G. Hanna on the back. He looks at me and says, “That wouldn’t be…?” I looked at the photo and together we said “It is!!”
The full caption on the back reads:
ATC Flying Training, Mangere 17 Jan 1948
Left to right: Sgt P J B Henderson (19 Sqdn), Cpl G N White (19 Sqdn – 1st cadet to solo), Cpl R G Hanna (19 Sqdn), R J Prentice (Chief Instructor Auck. Aero Club)
Whites Aviation Neg 11757.
Thanks to Les, who never knew the significance of the photo till now, and Evan for pointing it out! Ray Hanna aged 19 I believe.
By: Dave Homewood - 8th May 2012 at 23:28
I’m glad you all liked it as much as me. I sent an email to the OFMC website email giving them a heads up last night to this thread, and the one running on the Wings Over New Zealand Forum, so they will hopefully be aware of the photo now.
By: DazDaMan - 8th May 2012 at 22:00
The absolute image of Mark, too.
I thought that, too. Great find.
By: DragonRapide - 8th May 2012 at 19:10
Fabulous image!
Does explain why Ray and Mark were both such keen supporters of the ATC – I seem to recall that Mark was in the RAF section of the CCF when he was at Kimbolton School.
I served with Sawston Sqn ATC – the closest unit to Duxford – for 20 years, and made the most of our links with Duxford and the IWM (my employers for much of that time!). Mark always had time for the Squadron and did some brilliant things for us in the mid-80s, including a private display from ‘434 one unforgettable evening!
By: trumper - 8th May 2012 at 16:39
🙂 Spitting image of Mark , i do miss their flying 🙂
By: jimbob1194 - 8th May 2012 at 16:22
I was thinking the same.
What a lovely find I hope OFMC can get hold of a copy if they do not already have one.
I thought it was Mark at first and that someone had put Ray by mistake 😮 But then looked at the date etc.
Such a brilliant shot.
James
By: duxfordhawk - 8th May 2012 at 16:01
The absolute image of Mark, too.
I was thinking the same.
What a lovely find I hope OFMC can get hold of a copy if they do not already have one.
By: Dave Homewood - 8th May 2012 at 14:08
19 Sqdn (Albeit RAF) was the first to operate the Spifire.
Well No. 19 Squadron RNZAF were flying P-40’s in WWII, and Corsairs too, in combat. I believe Ray was partial to both those aircraft, especially the P-40.
By: Flygirl - 8th May 2012 at 12:26
What an amazing find . Great shot.
By: Arabella-Cox - 8th May 2012 at 12:20
The absolute image of Mark, too.
By: Olympus - 8th May 2012 at 12:18
It seems as though the Spitfire link was there from the start.
19 Sqdn (Albeit RAF) was the first to operate the Spifire.
By: Propstrike - 8th May 2012 at 11:31
Great find ! Hope they spot this at OFMC.
Still missed.
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May 8, 2012 at 11:27 am