The Wings Over New Zealand Show Episode 304 – Roy Boston is now online. I interview 96-year-old former engineer and private pilot Roy Boston, who started as a teenaged apprentice with de Havilland at Stag Lane, Edgeware, in 1944.
He ended up working in various roles testing engines and propellers that were being developed for aircraft for both de Havilland and for other companies. He was involved with all sorts of aeroplanes, and witnessed other projects under development including jet engines and turboprops. He also reveals some interesting stories and secrets about the company’s projects, an may well be the last living witness to some of those developments of the 1940s by de Havilland.
He talks about flying in all sorts of aeroplanes during test flying too, from Lancaster and Halifax bombers to the rarities like the Vickers Warwick and the de Havilland Hornet!
After leaving the company in 1950 he emigrated to New Zealand, to rejoin his family who’d moved here some years beforehand. He ended up working first as a civilian instructor on engines with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and then was commissioned as a serving officer in the Education branch of the RNZAF.
These days Roy is a celebrated artist, and he also volunteers as a guide at the Aviation Heritage Centre at Omaka, Blenheim.
cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2024/04/wonz-304-roy-boston/
By: Dave Homewood - 3rd May 2024 at 12:51
One thing that really interested me in this episode was the story of the originally-planned engines for the DH Dove/Devon. What a very different type it would have been had that plan come to fruition. Really fascinating that it was conceived, failed and was covered up.
By: Dave Homewood - 3rd May 2024 at 11:46
Hahaha, I am glad you enjoyed it that much.
By: powerandpassion - 1st May 2024 at 08:55
Really interesting, ate the whole chocolate bar instantly, thanks.
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April 30, 2024 at 9:49 pm