Personally, though I would loved to have seen the Walrus, an airworthy Blenheim excites me more. I’m glad to hear that Shane is backing it. He has some other ideas up his sleeve too to make up for the loss of the Walrus to join his collection.

I see your point David, but I think that the group in NZ had to publicise beforehand to put together a syndicate that could fund such a project, and also raise awareness of the type as it is largely unheard of in the NZ public. They did get a big response to their public meeting according to the news on TV.

Jeepman, my remark was not meant as a personal slur on Mr Melton, I have a great deal of respect for him. But I am told his original intention for the sale was that he’d ONLY sell it to someone or a group that would make it airworthy. After lengthy and expensive negotiations by the NZ’ers, this policy was then changed suddenly it seems, and he’s sold it to a static museum for a higher price. That is his decision, and fair play to him. But we shall never ever see one flying now, will we. That was my point.

The ace I am researching is Gp Capt Edward Preston “Bill” Wells DSO, DFC and Bar.

Bill flew in the Battle of Britain and later commanded 485 (NZ) Squadron, and then several wings. I have a list here of several of the aircraft he shot down, damaged or probably shot down. As I’m currently putting together a page on him for my site, (he was born & bred in Cambridge, NZ) I thought it’s be interesting to add in some detail of the aircraft he combatted with, such as the serial number, pilot/crew, the actual fate. These are the ones I know of, if you can fill any details in I’d be very grateful.

DESTROYED

17th of October 1940, Messerschmitt Bf109 shot down into the sea off Boulogne

2nd of November 1940 Bf109 (?)

11th of November 1940 4 x Fiat CR42s (only claimed one)

27th of November 1940 Bf109

5th of July 1941 Bf109

19th of August 1941 over Gravelines (Combat 11.10hrs) Me 109 destroyed

18th of September 1941 – west of Rouen Combat 1500hrs Me 109E destroyed. 3 sec. Burst

21st of September 1941 (Combat 1530-1540hrs)
– one Bf109F over Desvres 3 sec. burst
– another Bf109F 5 miles west of Boulogne 2 sec. burst.

16th of August 1941 Me 109E over Calais Marck aerodrome

PROBABLY DESTROYED

29th of October 1940 Bf109

17th of September 1941 east of target area (Marquise) (Combat 1740hrs) Me 109F

2nd of October 1941 Bf109

DAMAGED
27th of November 1940 damaged a German Henschel HS126 fighter

5th of July 1941 Bf109.

19th of August 1941 over Gravelines Combat 1110hrs Me 109 damaged

At this stage I haven’t got any of his later war claims available.

Thanks Don. I’ll give those links a try.

Good to see you back too mate, even if it’s temporary.

I am not sure where it is going to John.