Great clip from Wings there low ‘n’ slow. I used to love that series and wish I’d taped it when it repeated in the 1990’s. Was that the full size replica in all those shots or were some shots of models? Only I recall reading the replica was filmed only in the USA but it looked very English/French to me.

I was thinking about the series only the other day, and how it had tainted my opinion of that actor Michael Cochrane who played Gaylion for life. Every time he pops up on TV I think “Oh that awful pompous pilot from Wings again”

The first is me holding what ????

Your face? 😀 😉

Great photos Alan. Thanks for posting them. That’s the best version I’ve seen of your father’s aircraft, Rongotea.

A couple of facts about Amy Johnson – the Jack Hylton Orchestra recorded a song about her called Amy in 1930. You can download it here
http://www.jackhylton.com/

Go to Downloads and then ‘A’ and look down the list for Amy.

Also, though her death was mysterious for many decades it was finally revealed she was killed by a Royal Navy ship’s propellor! You can hear all about it in the Radio 4 ‘Making History’ programme archived here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/making_history/making_history_spring2003.shtml

There was a certain amount of suspicion by others at Kenley and indeed throughout No. 11 Group regarding claims made by Finucane during his time leading No. 452 Squadron. Other squadrons flying with the Australians in the same wing would see little or no enemy aircraft during a sweep but when they landed would discover that many claims of destroyed aircraft were lodged by the Aussies of 452 Sqn and their CO.

This is mentioned in The Road To Biggin Hill by Vincent Orange, a biography of Johnny Checketts. I was also told about this by Edward ‘Bill’ Wells who was leading No. 485 Squadron at the time. When Wells tried to get something done about it the Kenley CO took Finucane’s side, as I believe they were good mates. I’d be interested to see all his kills matched with evidence of aircraft actually being shot down on the days he claimed.