What’s to see at the Air Force Museum? 28 classic aircraft for a start, many aircraft being restored, plus much, much more. We started our visit with a guided “behind the scenes” Restoration and Reserve Collection tour. “The restoration demands the preservation of the maximum amount of the original aircraft”, I read. Where possible, parts are sourced from scrapped aircraft, the correct type of timber is sourced from overseas, and metal pieces are meticulously fashioned.
Britain sent several Vickers Vildebeest Biplanes to New Zealand during WW11, and none survive today. The restorers were working off drawings making all the pieces to put the frame together. When this huge job is finally complete this will be the only aircraft of this type in the world.
Aircraft big and small are slotted in to place in this hanger. The smaller Strikemaster jet training aircraft, and the Westland Wasp Navy Chopper look tiny alongside the huge Bristol Freighter, with an Army Jeep still in the hold.
We walked right through the Hawker Siddley Andover, a multi roled plane used to carry servicemen, freight and vehicles, It was also used for parachute training. The trainees sat with their parachutes in the seats with netting, their chutes were clipped on to the overhead rail, and one by one they moved towards the open door and jumped. Any who hesitated at this point failed the course.
It was an eerie experience walking back into the main exhibition hall. We could see the planes on display through the dim lighting while over the speakers came the haunting sound of the song, “Coming home on a wing and a prayer”. So many of the Air Force boys must have done just that during the war years.
The Memorial Alcove is an enduring tribute to the thousands of New Zealanders who gave their lives in the defence of their country in theatres of air operations around the world. The window was made by stained glass artist Rena Jarowsewitch and Official RNZAF Artist Wing Commander Maurice Conley. The bent propeller is a reminder of aircraft which took the lives of servicemen and women during the war.
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