Airbus A321XLRs to replace New Zealand’s ’embarrassing’ Boeing 757s
An Airbus A321XLR in Promotional Livery
While not the sole reason for the aircraft replacement, a series of high-profile aircraft failures have amplified calls to address the vulnerability of the NZDF’s ageing fleet
During Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade mission to Japan in June 2024, a Boeing 757 was grounded in Papua New Guinea due to a blown fuse. Luxon was forced to switch to a commercial flight, and 50 delegates were stranded in Port Moresby. Another mechanical issue affected another NZDF Boeing 757 during a trip to Melbourne in March this year.
The Airbus A321XLRs will replace these two 30-year-old 757s and are being acquired through a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement. The deal carries a capital cost of $620 million and an operating cost of $80.86 million over four years.
With the ability to fly up to 8,700 km (5,400 miles) non-stop, the A321XLR significantly increases New Zealand’s strategic airlift capacity. The aircraft will be based at Whenuapai and operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron, supporting a range of missions including:
During Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade mission to Japan in June 2024, a Boeing 757 was grounded in Papua New Guinea due to a blown fuse. Luxon was forced to switch to a commercial flight, and 50 delegates were stranded in Port Moresby. Another mechanical issue affected another NZDF Boeing 757 during a trip to Melbourne in March this year.
The Airbus A321XLRs will replace these two 30-year-old 757s and are being acquired through a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement. The deal carries a capital cost of $620 million and an operating cost of $80.86 million over four years.
With the ability to fly up to 8,700 km (5,400 miles) non-stop, the A321XLR significantly increases New Zealand’s strategic airlift capacity. The aircraft will be based at Whenuapai and operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron, supporting a range of missions including:
- Military transport of troops and cargo
- Humanitarian and disaster relief across the Pacific
- Support for Antarctic operations
- Diplomatic and trade missions involving large delegations
Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence Force, said the aircraft’s extended range offers greater flexibility compared to the current 757s. “This range is equivalent to flying from Auckland to Singapore. It allows missions with fewer stopovers and the ability to return from Antarctica if conditions on the ice prevent landing,” he said.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered in early 2028, with final contract negotiations nearing completion.
Aerospace Global News
From: Gordon Gray, Powick, Worcs
Subject: ‘Bought Downroute’
Hello Tony, again amazing!
Your topics for the monthly newsletter always jog my firmly fixed and mostly cherished memories of UKMAMS life, despite it ceasing in 1985.
So, back to 1977, my first posting to Lyneham UKMAMS and onto Base Movements. Mobile tasks then were alternated with Base on a three-monthly rotation.
The ‘opportunity’ arose for some welcome relief from a few Base shifts for a minor task (more like a supernumerary job), to Nairobi via Bandar Abbass where we were to uplift Naval Equipment for return to UK. The attached signals here explain the detail, which I cannot imagine will be contentious after nearly 50 years. [Ed: I reproduced them to make them more legible]
Subject: ‘Bought Downroute’
Hello Tony, again amazing!
Your topics for the monthly newsletter always jog my firmly fixed and mostly cherished memories of UKMAMS life, despite it ceasing in 1985.
So, back to 1977, my first posting to Lyneham UKMAMS and onto Base Movements. Mobile tasks then were alternated with Base on a three-monthly rotation.
The ‘opportunity’ arose for some welcome relief from a few Base shifts for a minor task (more like a supernumerary job), to Nairobi via Bandar Abbass where we were to uplift Naval Equipment for return to UK. The attached signals here explain the detail, which I cannot imagine will be contentious after nearly 50 years. [Ed: I reproduced them to make them more legible]
Anyway, to the point of this; that period in 1977 was critical for coffee supply in that there was a Global shortage caused by Brazilian weather, political and economic issues in places like Uganda, Ethiopia and Angola. That encouraged purchase of coffee across the border from Uganda in Kenya at ridiculously cheap prices in Nairobi. Needless to say with the long and unplanned stay, as well as occasional top-ups from the Flight Imprest holder, Gray managed to ’fill his boots’ and bring home as much coffee that his kitbags could be stuffed with.
Additional to the coffee, I bartered for a brown leather and Zebra skin handbag for my wife Brenda, complete with certificate to export the ‘trophy.’ But, to this day it has never been used, nor taken out in public by her as too sensitive because of animal rights views etc. Perhaps it will become a collectors item, or a museum piece! A few various wooden and leather animals bought in the market still feature in our house, but often threatened with disposal!
Customs at Lyneham on return had no concerns over either of my imports.
Our task on Herc 4833 did not stage through Bandar Abbas for whatever reason unknown to me, I doubt it was the load uplift with just the two of us as there would have been Naval personnel to assist. It had occurred that it might be political as this was close to Iranian unrest in the October, the prelude to the uprising the following year.
Anyway we were revitined to a night stop at Port Sudan then on to Nairobi. There, after several days of aircraft engine oil flushes and delays waiting for an eventual replacement engine, I was called back to UK as Brenda was about to go into Wroughton Hospital for planned surgery.
Thanks to Liam Devlin in MAMS Ops, he did a slick job, along with Mike Perks, of getting me back in time with Air Mauritius into Heathrow and fast transport home.
4833 task took nearly another week to complete after my return on 2 December.
Willy Hamilton, our Manifest clerk, missed 3 weeks shift pattern, over which I cannot imagine he was too concerned.
Our time in Nairobi, apart from shopping, included Safari trips and sightseeing, as well as being hosted on occasion by the Air Attaché staff chap and his wife at their armed-guarded house in town.
Happy memories of my initial foreign UKMAMS ‘adventure!’
My best wishes and thanks to you Tony for keeping these memorable aspects of MAMS alive.
Regards,
Gordon
Additional to the coffee, I bartered for a brown leather and Zebra skin handbag for my wife Brenda, complete with certificate to export the ‘trophy.’ But, to this day it has never been used, nor taken out in public by her as too sensitive because of animal rights views etc. Perhaps it will become a collectors item, or a museum piece! A few various wooden and leather animals bought in the market still feature in our house, but often threatened with disposal!
Customs at Lyneham on return had no concerns over either of my imports.
Our task on Herc 4833 did not stage through Bandar Abbas for whatever reason unknown to me, I doubt it was the load uplift with just the two of us as there would have been Naval personnel to assist. It had occurred that it might be political as this was close to Iranian unrest in the October, the prelude to the uprising the following year.
Anyway we were revitined to a night stop at Port Sudan then on to Nairobi. There, after several days of aircraft engine oil flushes and delays waiting for an eventual replacement engine, I was called back to UK as Brenda was about to go into Wroughton Hospital for planned surgery.
Thanks to Liam Devlin in MAMS Ops, he did a slick job, along with Mike Perks, of getting me back in time with Air Mauritius into Heathrow and fast transport home.
4833 task took nearly another week to complete after my return on 2 December.
Willy Hamilton, our Manifest clerk, missed 3 weeks shift pattern, over which I cannot imagine he was too concerned.
Our time in Nairobi, apart from shopping, included Safari trips and sightseeing, as well as being hosted on occasion by the Air Attaché staff chap and his wife at their armed-guarded house in town.
Happy memories of my initial foreign UKMAMS ‘adventure!’
My best wishes and thanks to you Tony for keeping these memorable aspects of MAMS alive.
Regards,
Gordon
All aboard the Spartan!
In August, VIPs from the Solomon Islands took a flight on a RAAF C-27J Spartan deployed as part of Operation Solania 25-3
The Solomon Islands and Australia work together as member nations of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency, with one goal in mind; to ensure the protection of the region’s valuable fishing resources.
Royal Australian Air Force
The Solomon Islands and Australia work together as member nations of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency, with one goal in mind; to ensure the protection of the region’s valuable fishing resources.
Royal Australian Air Force
From: Dougie Russell, Carlisle
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Whilst serving on detachment in Dhahran Mobile Supply Flight (MSF) for 3 months in 1993, I had a request from friends in Germany for Lex Lemon from Cyprus for brandy sours they wanted at a BBQ in Wildenrath.
So, there was a Herc currently on the ground in Cyprus heading for Dhahran. I contacted Air Movements in Akrotiri and purchased 6 bottles (cash on delivery). When they arrived, I transferred them to a VC-10 on the ground in Dhahran which just happened to be bound for Wildenrath. So, within 24 hours they had the special brandies at the BBQ. My supply officer couldn’t believe I could move stuff faster than he could get AOG's from the UK!
Dougie
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Whilst serving on detachment in Dhahran Mobile Supply Flight (MSF) for 3 months in 1993, I had a request from friends in Germany for Lex Lemon from Cyprus for brandy sours they wanted at a BBQ in Wildenrath.
So, there was a Herc currently on the ground in Cyprus heading for Dhahran. I contacted Air Movements in Akrotiri and purchased 6 bottles (cash on delivery). When they arrived, I transferred them to a VC-10 on the ground in Dhahran which just happened to be bound for Wildenrath. So, within 24 hours they had the special brandies at the BBQ. My supply officer couldn’t believe I could move stuff faster than he could get AOG's from the UK!
Dougie
From: Ian Place, Leeds, West Yorks
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Tony,
The only thing of any substance was the big demi-john of sherry or wine purchased in Akrotiri. It was a good thing HM Customs turned a blind eye as we generally had hard liquor and cigarettes as well.
Ian
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Tony,
The only thing of any substance was the big demi-john of sherry or wine purchased in Akrotiri. It was a good thing HM Customs turned a blind eye as we generally had hard liquor and cigarettes as well.
Ian
PNG Celebrations Showcase Military Aircraft
More than 15,000 people have turned out in Port Moresby as the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing hosted a static aircraft show to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. The event featured multiple fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft, including the PNGDF’s own PAC 750, giving aviation enthusiasts and curious onlookers a rare chance to see military aircraft up close.
The Royal Australian Air Force contributed to the display with a C-130J Hercules, a C-27J Spartan and a KA350 King Air – aircraft that had earlier entertained crowds during the Ela Beach Air Show on September 6.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were PNG Secretary of Defence Hari John Akipe, PNGDF Commanding Officer Air Transport Wing Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Director of Air Operations Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii.
The ADF is contributing personnel and assets to the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, which will run until mid-September, at the invitation of the PNG government under Operation Wantaim.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Commander 1st (Australian) Division, Major General Ash Collingburn also attended.
Air Marshal Chappell said he was honoured to take part in the celebrations for one of Australia’s closest Pacific partners. “I’m excited to be able to visit Papua New Guinea on such a momentous occasion for their country and I’m proud to see so many RAAF personnel and assets supporting the events of PNGDF Week. We deeply appreciate being invited to participate and share in such a significant national milestone for the people of Papua New Guinea. It was also a privilege to see our sailors, soldiers, aviators and APS coming together as an integrated force, and combine with their PNGDF, NZDF [New Zealand Defence Force] and other partner forces under the PNGDF JTF-50 [Joint Taskforce 50]."
defence.gov.au
The Royal Australian Air Force contributed to the display with a C-130J Hercules, a C-27J Spartan and a KA350 King Air – aircraft that had earlier entertained crowds during the Ela Beach Air Show on September 6.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were PNG Secretary of Defence Hari John Akipe, PNGDF Commanding Officer Air Transport Wing Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Director of Air Operations Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii.
The ADF is contributing personnel and assets to the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, which will run until mid-September, at the invitation of the PNG government under Operation Wantaim.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Commander 1st (Australian) Division, Major General Ash Collingburn also attended.
Air Marshal Chappell said he was honoured to take part in the celebrations for one of Australia’s closest Pacific partners. “I’m excited to be able to visit Papua New Guinea on such a momentous occasion for their country and I’m proud to see so many RAAF personnel and assets supporting the events of PNGDF Week. We deeply appreciate being invited to participate and share in such a significant national milestone for the people of Papua New Guinea. It was also a privilege to see our sailors, soldiers, aviators and APS coming together as an integrated force, and combine with their PNGDF, NZDF [New Zealand Defence Force] and other partner forces under the PNGDF JTF-50 [Joint Taskforce 50]."
defence.gov.au
From: Ian Berry, Eastleaze, Swindon, Wilts
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
I actually got my Noritake china dinnerware via the RAFLO in Colombo. Later on I was even able to visit the factory there and increase my set by a coffee service. Especially during my Abingdon days, we all used to visit the Class 6 Store and the PX at Lajes in the Azores and each time I purchased a Zippo lighter on behalf of someone else. Although I never bought any fish myself, there was also the cod and salmon from Gander and Andoya. Add to that the crayfish from Masirah
When we relocated from Abingdon to Lyneham, my team were one of the first to complete a four-month Base Shift stint. This was when a new Comms system was being installed called Megadata. At that time as well, I was driving an American Ford Maverick. On my last visit back to Gordon Gourdie, still at Abingdon, I was showing off and stomped on the accelerator of my Maverick. It shot forward with a mighty bang but in my rear view mirror I could see a smoking exhaust pipe lying in the road. Now the quandary was US exhaust pipes for Mavericks were not common in the UK. Fortunately one of my pals was doing a Dulles detachment and so with the use of Megadata he was able to get the details and bought me a replacement in a local Muffler Clinic which would arrive at Lyneham on a C130... Unfortunately, The OC, Wg Cdr JD Lambert, saw the message and I got a grilling and chest poke about misuse of government equipment, private airline etc. It was worth the bollocking and my new exhaust (muffler) soon arrived and was fitted.
I must mention the initiative of Douggie Betambeau in later years when he agreed to run the squadron Christmas raffle. Instead of the usual boring prizes of bottles of spirits etc., Doug would "ping" a team travelling to the USA, Bahrain or the like and say "Buy me two mountain bikes, or get me some real gold necklaces..." That Christmas there was a raffle to remember.
Ian
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
I actually got my Noritake china dinnerware via the RAFLO in Colombo. Later on I was even able to visit the factory there and increase my set by a coffee service. Especially during my Abingdon days, we all used to visit the Class 6 Store and the PX at Lajes in the Azores and each time I purchased a Zippo lighter on behalf of someone else. Although I never bought any fish myself, there was also the cod and salmon from Gander and Andoya. Add to that the crayfish from Masirah
When we relocated from Abingdon to Lyneham, my team were one of the first to complete a four-month Base Shift stint. This was when a new Comms system was being installed called Megadata. At that time as well, I was driving an American Ford Maverick. On my last visit back to Gordon Gourdie, still at Abingdon, I was showing off and stomped on the accelerator of my Maverick. It shot forward with a mighty bang but in my rear view mirror I could see a smoking exhaust pipe lying in the road. Now the quandary was US exhaust pipes for Mavericks were not common in the UK. Fortunately one of my pals was doing a Dulles detachment and so with the use of Megadata he was able to get the details and bought me a replacement in a local Muffler Clinic which would arrive at Lyneham on a C130... Unfortunately, The OC, Wg Cdr JD Lambert, saw the message and I got a grilling and chest poke about misuse of government equipment, private airline etc. It was worth the bollocking and my new exhaust (muffler) soon arrived and was fitted.
I must mention the initiative of Douggie Betambeau in later years when he agreed to run the squadron Christmas raffle. Instead of the usual boring prizes of bottles of spirits etc., Doug would "ping" a team travelling to the USA, Bahrain or the like and say "Buy me two mountain bikes, or get me some real gold necklaces..." That Christmas there was a raffle to remember.
Ian
From: John Scott, Waterloo, ON
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Popular items bought down route were; Komodo Pots1, Pachinko machines (vertical pinball), Kenyan coffee (25kg bags), Arctic char from Iqualit (Frobisher Bay), Inuit soap stone carvings, stereos from the US Base PX in Japan (our hero had so many stereo units and speakers we renamed the CC-130 the “Stereo Express”).
Cheers,
John
1The Komodo Pot, as it was called back in the day, is now called the "Big Green Egg". It is a very heavy, large pottery egg, charcoal smoker and grill. This is the most fantastic way to smoke salmon or steaks.
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Popular items bought down route were; Komodo Pots1, Pachinko machines (vertical pinball), Kenyan coffee (25kg bags), Arctic char from Iqualit (Frobisher Bay), Inuit soap stone carvings, stereos from the US Base PX in Japan (our hero had so many stereo units and speakers we renamed the CC-130 the “Stereo Express”).
Cheers,
John
1The Komodo Pot, as it was called back in the day, is now called the "Big Green Egg". It is a very heavy, large pottery egg, charcoal smoker and grill. This is the most fantastic way to smoke salmon or steaks.
RAF Brize Norton 'much safer' after Palestine Action break-in
RAF Brize Norton is now "much safer" after pro-Palestinian activists broke into the base and caused £7m damage earlier this year, the defence secretary has said. The incident on 20 June saw a group of protesters break into the air base and spray-paint two RAF Voyager planes.
John Healey said new technology and surveillance had since been installed at the Oxfordshire base, alongside the recruitment of more security guards. He made the comments whilst on a visit to RAF Brize Norton to announce the UK's support for the NATO mission to bolster its eastern flank, following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace last week.
"Brize is safe - it is a critical operational hub for our forces, and this is one of the bases from which the UK's contribution to NATO's new air policing on the eastern flank will be based," Healey said. The air base was "now much safer" following the Palestine Action break-in, he added.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident, saying it was a protest against the UK's support of Israel's war in Gaza.
The government proscribed the group as a terrorist organisation soon after. Five people have been charged in connection with the incident.
bbc.com
John Healey said new technology and surveillance had since been installed at the Oxfordshire base, alongside the recruitment of more security guards. He made the comments whilst on a visit to RAF Brize Norton to announce the UK's support for the NATO mission to bolster its eastern flank, following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace last week.
"Brize is safe - it is a critical operational hub for our forces, and this is one of the bases from which the UK's contribution to NATO's new air policing on the eastern flank will be based," Healey said. The air base was "now much safer" following the Palestine Action break-in, he added.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident, saying it was a protest against the UK's support of Israel's war in Gaza.
The government proscribed the group as a terrorist organisation soon after. Five people have been charged in connection with the incident.
bbc.com
From: Dudley Olsen, Caloundra, QLD
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Tony,
Hopefully this will stop you and Andy Spinks having to wonder if we Aussie movers had satisfied shopping habits while travelling on duty.
My memory isn’t what it used to be, but items that come to mind are fishing plus stereo and camera gear from Singapore, coffee and wooden masks from Papua New Guinea, plant pots from Malaysia and clothing from Thailand.
Thanks for your great work.
Regards
Dudley Olsen
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Tony,
Hopefully this will stop you and Andy Spinks having to wonder if we Aussie movers had satisfied shopping habits while travelling on duty.
My memory isn’t what it used to be, but items that come to mind are fishing plus stereo and camera gear from Singapore, coffee and wooden masks from Papua New Guinea, plant pots from Malaysia and clothing from Thailand.
Thanks for your great work.
Regards
Dudley Olsen
From: Tony Street, Fort Erie, ON
Subject: Things Bought Downroute - Here’s my story
Hi Tony,
When I was with 435Sqn we were tasked to go on a multi stop trip - a bit of a swan in South America to compare airdrop procedures. To make this short, my fellow Loadie, Larry, was a guy who was obsessed with Peanut Butter (PNB). He ate it whenever and wherever he could. He loved this trip throughout South America as he was going to be exposed many new PNB opportunities.
After work, he’d go to a local store and enquire what the local PNB situation was (in High School Spanish). He found success in Bogota, Quito, Lima, La Paz and Santiago. He was in rapture; he was hypnotized by the color and designs of the labels of his beloved PNB. He started collecting.
Our last stop was in Caracas, to crew rest and refuel. When packing his suitcase before heading to Caracas, he took the layered approach to keep his stash of exotic PNB safe. He put in a layer of clothes, a couple of PNB jars, more clothes, more PNB, another layer of clothes, etc. It made for a very heavy suitcase.
When his turn at customs in Caracas arrived, my fellow Loadie lifted his suitcase onto the table. The customs guy could see it was heavy. “Open up,” he requested in broken English. The customs guy was curious to know what made the suitcase so heavy, so he removed the top layer of clothes. His eyes widened, rapidly flashing back and forth between my Loadie chum and the PNB stash, as if asking for guidance. Digging further, he rapidly had all the jars on the counter and called for his supervisor. “He’s obviously hiding something inside and we must look further” is what we assume he said. He picked up a jar, the supervisor looked closely at the label and opened the jar. You could hear the sharp intake of the PNB-lover’s breath nearby. The supervisor smelled the PNB. Nothing. With a flick of his wrist, drove his middle finger into the jar, and wiggled it around as he looked for contraband. Nada. Finding no foreign substances, he scraped his finger clean on the jar’s rim, screwed the top back on and put it back in the suitcase. He repeated this until he had checked all the jars and then waved us on. My chum remained calm until we were on the crew bus to Base Ops. I don’t need to tell you anymore. He is legend!
Best regards,
Tony
Subject: Things Bought Downroute - Here’s my story
Hi Tony,
When I was with 435Sqn we were tasked to go on a multi stop trip - a bit of a swan in South America to compare airdrop procedures. To make this short, my fellow Loadie, Larry, was a guy who was obsessed with Peanut Butter (PNB). He ate it whenever and wherever he could. He loved this trip throughout South America as he was going to be exposed many new PNB opportunities.
After work, he’d go to a local store and enquire what the local PNB situation was (in High School Spanish). He found success in Bogota, Quito, Lima, La Paz and Santiago. He was in rapture; he was hypnotized by the color and designs of the labels of his beloved PNB. He started collecting.
Our last stop was in Caracas, to crew rest and refuel. When packing his suitcase before heading to Caracas, he took the layered approach to keep his stash of exotic PNB safe. He put in a layer of clothes, a couple of PNB jars, more clothes, more PNB, another layer of clothes, etc. It made for a very heavy suitcase.
When his turn at customs in Caracas arrived, my fellow Loadie lifted his suitcase onto the table. The customs guy could see it was heavy. “Open up,” he requested in broken English. The customs guy was curious to know what made the suitcase so heavy, so he removed the top layer of clothes. His eyes widened, rapidly flashing back and forth between my Loadie chum and the PNB stash, as if asking for guidance. Digging further, he rapidly had all the jars on the counter and called for his supervisor. “He’s obviously hiding something inside and we must look further” is what we assume he said. He picked up a jar, the supervisor looked closely at the label and opened the jar. You could hear the sharp intake of the PNB-lover’s breath nearby. The supervisor smelled the PNB. Nothing. With a flick of his wrist, drove his middle finger into the jar, and wiggled it around as he looked for contraband. Nada. Finding no foreign substances, he scraped his finger clean on the jar’s rim, screwed the top back on and put it back in the suitcase. He repeated this until he had checked all the jars and then waved us on. My chum remained calm until we were on the crew bus to Base Ops. I don’t need to tell you anymore. He is legend!
Best regards,
Tony
A400M - 360º - Virtual Reality
I strongly recommend watching this video on YouTube where the full functionality of the 360º experience is available. You will be able to use your mouse to move the image - try it - you can thank me later! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBl1uPI1qVA&t=5s
From: Syd Avery, Alicante
Subject: Bought Downroute
Hi, Tony,
Being fortunate enough to be on a mobile squadron gave us the opportunity to obtain items which we could not have on normal postings.
Benbecula – kippers. (I remember someone had an order for so many pairs, ordered that number in singles [50 pairs = 100 kippers, and the supplier transferred that singles number into pairs, 100 pairs = 200 kippers!] And that’s not a fishy tail!
Cyprus – Citrus fruit.
Gander – A couple of times, arctic char, bit like a poor man’s salmon. Canadian Armed Forces parka.
Nairobi - All types of fruit. (one time a team member was despatched to buy the fruit and came back with... instead of bananas... plantain. Looks the same but certainly not the same!)
Tehran – Chaffin dishes. In 1972, I bought a lamp made of chunky coloured cut glass lumps there. Still works and only on the second bulb. Quite pretty.
Masirah – crayfish tails and sea bream.
Malta – hams, pies, bacon. There was a subsidiary of, I think, Bowyers. They had a factory in Chippenham.
Kathmandu – the hairy Yak Jacket. Semi precious and precious stones.
Gan – carved wooden Dhoni boats and painted coconuts.
U.S.A – clothing. (Someone bought a ride-on grass cutter.)
Decimomannu – model electric train sets and slot racing car sets.
Pakistan – onyx ashtrays and wine goblets.
And of course, as and when possible, the usual “bottle ‘n’ 200”.
During a civilian incarnation, not a lot (of big things ) could be brought back to the U.K. due to having to commercial back from where I left my aeroplane. Ikra (caviar) from Petropavlosk-Kamchatsky when we went back into Kiev. I was given 1,000 long-stemmed roses from Malawi just before Valentine’s Day. Many happy ladies! A Meade telescope, tripod plus filters. I well remember being “let go” from my first civilian company, working from Rome, and travelling back to Heathrow with all the bits I’d accrued during my stay. I decided best to go for the Red Channel. Charming young Customs Lady gave me the spiel “Well” I said. “I have several bottles of spirits, many cigarettes, a diamond, a couple of bits of electronics, I’ve just been fired and it’s my birthday.” (It was.) Arms folded stern look from the other side of the counter, “That’s fine Sir. Have a good day, and Happy Birthday.”
Cheers to all, keep safe and look after each other.
Regards,
Syd.
Subject: Bought Downroute
Hi, Tony,
Being fortunate enough to be on a mobile squadron gave us the opportunity to obtain items which we could not have on normal postings.
Benbecula – kippers. (I remember someone had an order for so many pairs, ordered that number in singles [50 pairs = 100 kippers, and the supplier transferred that singles number into pairs, 100 pairs = 200 kippers!] And that’s not a fishy tail!
Cyprus – Citrus fruit.
Gander – A couple of times, arctic char, bit like a poor man’s salmon. Canadian Armed Forces parka.
Nairobi - All types of fruit. (one time a team member was despatched to buy the fruit and came back with... instead of bananas... plantain. Looks the same but certainly not the same!)
Tehran – Chaffin dishes. In 1972, I bought a lamp made of chunky coloured cut glass lumps there. Still works and only on the second bulb. Quite pretty.
Masirah – crayfish tails and sea bream.
Malta – hams, pies, bacon. There was a subsidiary of, I think, Bowyers. They had a factory in Chippenham.
Kathmandu – the hairy Yak Jacket. Semi precious and precious stones.
Gan – carved wooden Dhoni boats and painted coconuts.
U.S.A – clothing. (Someone bought a ride-on grass cutter.)
Decimomannu – model electric train sets and slot racing car sets.
Pakistan – onyx ashtrays and wine goblets.
And of course, as and when possible, the usual “bottle ‘n’ 200”.
During a civilian incarnation, not a lot (of big things ) could be brought back to the U.K. due to having to commercial back from where I left my aeroplane. Ikra (caviar) from Petropavlosk-Kamchatsky when we went back into Kiev. I was given 1,000 long-stemmed roses from Malawi just before Valentine’s Day. Many happy ladies! A Meade telescope, tripod plus filters. I well remember being “let go” from my first civilian company, working from Rome, and travelling back to Heathrow with all the bits I’d accrued during my stay. I decided best to go for the Red Channel. Charming young Customs Lady gave me the spiel “Well” I said. “I have several bottles of spirits, many cigarettes, a diamond, a couple of bits of electronics, I’ve just been fired and it’s my birthday.” (It was.) Arms folded stern look from the other side of the counter, “That’s fine Sir. Have a good day, and Happy Birthday.”
Cheers to all, keep safe and look after each other.
Regards,
Syd.
Ex Cobra Warrior takes off from rain-hit RAF Waddington with F-18s, Typhoons and Hercules
Canadian Hercules takes to the skies of a gloomy RAF Waddington
Rain lashed the runway at RAF Waddington as Canadian Hercules, F-18s and German Typhoons roared into the Lincolnshire skies at the start of Exercise Cobra Warrior. The exercise brings together forces from Canada, Germany, Italy, and the United States for three weeks of intensive air combat training hosted by the Royal Air Force. Drills will aim to develop the joint mission planning, integration, and tactical skills of the UK and its partners.
Lieutenant Colonel Maxime Renaud, the Air Task Force Commander, said, "Our job is to understand the threat, plan for the threat and then defeat the threat airborne."
Canada's Fighter jets, refuelling tankers, reconnaissance aircraft and a US B-52 bomber are involved in a collective effort with ground forces coordinating the effort.
Jill Matterface, Officer Commanding Base Support Wing at RAF Waddington, said: "So, whilst we all may have similar equipment, it's our opportunity to run through how we operate, run through our tactics, and it's also a really good opportunity for 92 Squadron to train their qualified weapons instructors."
The drills began on 12 September and will run until 3 October, using several UK bases to test different skills across the allied nations.
forcesnews.com
Lieutenant Colonel Maxime Renaud, the Air Task Force Commander, said, "Our job is to understand the threat, plan for the threat and then defeat the threat airborne."
Canada's Fighter jets, refuelling tankers, reconnaissance aircraft and a US B-52 bomber are involved in a collective effort with ground forces coordinating the effort.
Jill Matterface, Officer Commanding Base Support Wing at RAF Waddington, said: "So, whilst we all may have similar equipment, it's our opportunity to run through how we operate, run through our tactics, and it's also a really good opportunity for 92 Squadron to train their qualified weapons instructors."
The drills began on 12 September and will run until 3 October, using several UK bases to test different skills across the allied nations.
forcesnews.com
From: David Powell, Princes Risborough, Bucks
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Although some of this tale of down route procurement may have appeared in an earlier issue, as it seems to have become part of UKMAMS Abingdon folk law, I''ll give the grey cells a shake! This is the real story. It's November 1968 and F team was tasked for the return phase of an Army training exercise, Exercise Street, from Nairobi. Bit of background, the original RAF base at Nairobi was RAF Eastleigh. However, by the 1950s, its short runways and high elevation of 5,500' made it unsuitable for larger aircraft. The solution was to build the nearby Nairobi Embakasi Airport, later to become Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (HKJK), but back to the task.
Out bound was by Britannia XL 657 to Nairobi with a crew change and a refuel on the way at RAF Luqa, Malta. The Brit was for the recovery of the main body of the now exercised troops, leaving behind a couple of Landrovers, assorted kit, and a small rear party to be collected by a Hercules a couple of dy's later at RAF Eastleigh.
Our returning ride, Hercules XV221 duly turned up on the 20th November. However, they were obviously having a bad day at Lyneham and a hurried departure, because most of the chains were missing.. But at least there were plenty of strainers. Meanwhile, the on-load of a couple of Landrovers and trailers was not exactly compatible with a few fabric strops and some lashing tape. The aircrew solution was to blame the movers and go home and send for another and correctly prepped aircraft.
But this was F Team! We press-ganged the local RAF supply flight's local purchase order (LPO) clerk and set off for the Nairobi market, famous for being the source for anything, if no questions were asked. We duly located a trader with a stack of ironmongery, including about 300' of chain which appeared similar to our needs.
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Although some of this tale of down route procurement may have appeared in an earlier issue, as it seems to have become part of UKMAMS Abingdon folk law, I''ll give the grey cells a shake! This is the real story. It's November 1968 and F team was tasked for the return phase of an Army training exercise, Exercise Street, from Nairobi. Bit of background, the original RAF base at Nairobi was RAF Eastleigh. However, by the 1950s, its short runways and high elevation of 5,500' made it unsuitable for larger aircraft. The solution was to build the nearby Nairobi Embakasi Airport, later to become Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (HKJK), but back to the task.
Out bound was by Britannia XL 657 to Nairobi with a crew change and a refuel on the way at RAF Luqa, Malta. The Brit was for the recovery of the main body of the now exercised troops, leaving behind a couple of Landrovers, assorted kit, and a small rear party to be collected by a Hercules a couple of dy's later at RAF Eastleigh.
Our returning ride, Hercules XV221 duly turned up on the 20th November. However, they were obviously having a bad day at Lyneham and a hurried departure, because most of the chains were missing.. But at least there were plenty of strainers. Meanwhile, the on-load of a couple of Landrovers and trailers was not exactly compatible with a few fabric strops and some lashing tape. The aircrew solution was to blame the movers and go home and send for another and correctly prepped aircraft.
But this was F Team! We press-ganged the local RAF supply flight's local purchase order (LPO) clerk and set off for the Nairobi market, famous for being the source for anything, if no questions were asked. We duly located a trader with a stack of ironmongery, including about 300' of chain which appeared similar to our needs.
It was while the LPO negotiations were being concluded and the chain loaded onto the Supply Flight's vehicle, and with the clock ticking, that I spotted a nearby stall selling desert (or Bondu) boots, one of my route trip target acquisitions. I tried one on. It was a good fit. Barter quickly and we headed back to the RAF Eastleigh workshops to cut the chain into 10' lengths. The first section was successfully stress tested using a mobile crane and a large weight, which we then halved in value (for safety insurance) to calculate a revised lashing plan for the vehicles, with each section of chain secured by a strainer at each end.
With loading completed and the Army rear party on board, we set off for home, almost on time. But first we had to fly up, round, over the road and back to Embakasi International for fuel!
With loading completed and the Army rear party on board, we set off for home, almost on time. But first we had to fly up, round, over the road and back to Embakasi International for fuel!
The run home via Muharraq (Bahrain) and Nicosia (Cyprus) to RAF Fairford (then home to 47 Sqn) was mainly uneventful. That was until the last leg, when I came to put on my new Bondu boots to get them a bit scuffed and used before facing the UK customs inspectorate. It was only then that, in the operational haste at Nairobi market, did I discover that I was now the proud owner of two matching boots left foot!
Thank you, Tony, for reminding me of that particular embarrassment!
David Powell, F Team UK MAMS, RAF Abingdon 1967-69
Thank you, Tony, for reminding me of that particular embarrassment!
David Powell, F Team UK MAMS, RAF Abingdon 1967-69
Military Training Mishaps
From: Steve Harpum, Faringdon, Oxon
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Well, funny you should ask about that. Of course I bought all sorts of stuff while travelling the world as a Team Leader at Her Majesty's expense. I recall being tasked by the Cargo Officer (Phil Britton) with bringing back a pallet-load of coffee beans from the Kenyan Air Force Base Eastleigh NAAFI, and I brought my girlfriend (now wife) some silver earrings from Ethiopia that have never seen the light of day since I handed them over, but to this day my family delight in re-telling the story of my famous purchase of salad servers in a market in Nairobi.
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Hi Tony,
Well, funny you should ask about that. Of course I bought all sorts of stuff while travelling the world as a Team Leader at Her Majesty's expense. I recall being tasked by the Cargo Officer (Phil Britton) with bringing back a pallet-load of coffee beans from the Kenyan Air Force Base Eastleigh NAAFI, and I brought my girlfriend (now wife) some silver earrings from Ethiopia that have never seen the light of day since I handed them over, but to this day my family delight in re-telling the story of my famous purchase of salad servers in a market in Nairobi.
In the mid 1980's there were about 20 Kenyan shillings (KES) to 1 British Pound, and we felt very well-off when we went shopping out there (or bought beer in the various nightclubs!). One afternoon I went to a local market to get some souvenirs and spotted a pair of carved wooden salad servers. "Just the thing" I thought. The vendor wanted 200 KES for the pair, and after a bit of highly-skilled negotiating on my part (or so I thought) I got him down to 80 KES.
Highly satisfied I packed them away and resumed work the next day. About a week or so later we had one last afternoon in Nairobi before Fat Albert came to take us home, and I went with a couple of the team back to the market for one last look-see. I paused in front of the same vendor's stall and he offered me a pair of salad servers at the 200 KES price. I laughed nonchalantly and told him no thanks, I already had a pair. OK, he said, how about 100? No, thanks - I repeated that I had bought some from him the week before. OK, OK, how about 50? Now slightly peeved that I had paid too much the week before, my answer was still no. I moved on the next stall, but he followed me and once more dropped his price - now to 30 KES. Now more embarrassed than peeved, I turned to walk away completely, and of course he followed me down the market and made an even more outrageous offer.
So, that's how I ended up by a second pair of salad servers in a Nairobi market for £1. Moral of the story? You get the best prices on the things you don't really want!
Cheers,
Steve
Highly satisfied I packed them away and resumed work the next day. About a week or so later we had one last afternoon in Nairobi before Fat Albert came to take us home, and I went with a couple of the team back to the market for one last look-see. I paused in front of the same vendor's stall and he offered me a pair of salad servers at the 200 KES price. I laughed nonchalantly and told him no thanks, I already had a pair. OK, he said, how about 100? No, thanks - I repeated that I had bought some from him the week before. OK, OK, how about 50? Now slightly peeved that I had paid too much the week before, my answer was still no. I moved on the next stall, but he followed me and once more dropped his price - now to 30 KES. Now more embarrassed than peeved, I turned to walk away completely, and of course he followed me down the market and made an even more outrageous offer.
So, that's how I ended up by a second pair of salad servers in a Nairobi market for £1. Moral of the story? You get the best prices on the things you don't really want!
Cheers,
Steve
Matured Motley MAMS Muppets Meet in Mons
From: Mark Stephenson, Dieppe, NB
Subject: European Vacation
Hi Tony,
Subject: European Vacation
Hi Tony,
Former UKMAMS Team Leaders; Mark Stephenson, John Hunter and Simon Fletcher
We met in Mons where John is finishing 20 years contract work at SHAPE. Simon (Fletch) is now retired and was on the way back from a holiday in Antibes, France. I was on a family visit in Rixensart (South of Brussels). We decided it was too good to miss a reunion! Incidentally, Bob Simmons contacted me the day after to say that he was also in Mons - we were a day late to add him to the lineup!
Mark Stephenson
Mark Stephenson
RNZAF Cook Islands Aviator Returns Home
The RNZAF’s Sergeant Matatunoa Mata got an enthusiastic welcome when he landed at his home island of Ma’uke in the Cook Islands for Exercise Tropic Twilight. He has flown around the world and into plenty of hotspots with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) but he has ticked off his top destination – his tiny home island of Ma’uke in the Cook Islands.
Sergeant Mata, a logistics specialist, is flying on the bulk of the C-130J Hercules flights into Ma’uke this month and next, as the aircraft delivers personnel and materials for island upgrades as part of Exercise Tropic Twilight.
He was born and raised on Ma’uke, population about 240, before he left for Auckland as a 16-year-old in 2004. He joined the RNZAF on leaving high school. He has flown into Afghanistan, Iraq and around most of the Pacific, and made many trips with prime ministers to Southeast Asia. However, landing on Ma’uke’s crushed coral runway topped those for satisfaction, he said.
He has rich memories of spending time at the local harbour where the sunsets are spectacular, at the water caves and sports fields. Returning in uniform felt like a complete circle, he said.
“When I was little, I remember the C-130 coming home to drop cargo off. It’s always been a big event and ever since I joined up I always wondered if I would do a flight back home. So when this exercise came about, I told my bosses to put me on the flights. If I don’t get any more trips out of this, I’ll be happy.”
scoop.co.nz
Sergeant Mata, a logistics specialist, is flying on the bulk of the C-130J Hercules flights into Ma’uke this month and next, as the aircraft delivers personnel and materials for island upgrades as part of Exercise Tropic Twilight.
He was born and raised on Ma’uke, population about 240, before he left for Auckland as a 16-year-old in 2004. He joined the RNZAF on leaving high school. He has flown into Afghanistan, Iraq and around most of the Pacific, and made many trips with prime ministers to Southeast Asia. However, landing on Ma’uke’s crushed coral runway topped those for satisfaction, he said.
He has rich memories of spending time at the local harbour where the sunsets are spectacular, at the water caves and sports fields. Returning in uniform felt like a complete circle, he said.
“When I was little, I remember the C-130 coming home to drop cargo off. It’s always been a big event and ever since I joined up I always wondered if I would do a flight back home. So when this exercise came about, I told my bosses to put me on the flights. If I don’t get any more trips out of this, I’ll be happy.”
scoop.co.nz
From: Ron Turley, Davao
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Tony, one hopes that the statute of limitations applies!
NAIROBI COFFEE
The task involved us staying about 2 weeks in Nairobi during the mid 70s. As usual we had received a huge amount of orders for coffee not just from other members of UKMAMS but also from what seemed like the whole of RAF Lyneham. The accounting was a nightmare as was keeping track of all the deposits paid.
Coffee was duly purchased in Nairobi. There was a lot. My recollection is of cellophane 250 GM bags in larger Hessian sacks. There was enough coffee to just about fill the front belly hold of the recovery VC10 to Brize Norton.
The next problem was Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. I knew the customs officer and also knew he was a bit of a stickler for the rules.
"Anything to declare?"
"Bottle and 200," I said and added, casually, "Oh yes. And the front belly hold is full of coffee."
"Yeah, right," he said not believing.
And that's how we got a lot of coffee into the UK without paying duty.
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Tony, one hopes that the statute of limitations applies!
NAIROBI COFFEE
The task involved us staying about 2 weeks in Nairobi during the mid 70s. As usual we had received a huge amount of orders for coffee not just from other members of UKMAMS but also from what seemed like the whole of RAF Lyneham. The accounting was a nightmare as was keeping track of all the deposits paid.
Coffee was duly purchased in Nairobi. There was a lot. My recollection is of cellophane 250 GM bags in larger Hessian sacks. There was enough coffee to just about fill the front belly hold of the recovery VC10 to Brize Norton.
The next problem was Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. I knew the customs officer and also knew he was a bit of a stickler for the rules.
"Anything to declare?"
"Bottle and 200," I said and added, casually, "Oh yes. And the front belly hold is full of coffee."
"Yeah, right," he said not believing.
And that's how we got a lot of coffee into the UK without paying duty.
PALLETS OF BEER: BELIZE
I had the last UKMAMS detachment at Belize. A bit of a cushy number with only a couple of flights a week, the occasional hurricane and some excellent diving. One aspect of the job was to take a small team on a C130 to Patrick AFB in Florida to pick up a large tank of liquid oxygen (LOx) for the Harrier detachment.
In case it was necessary to offload the LOx tank in a hurry the standard load forbade loading cargo aft of the tank. However, this left a single pallet space forward of the tank. This pallet would be filled to max capacity with alcohol obtained from the PX.
Naturally, no taxes were paid on return to Belize. The booze was shared around the messes but enough was sold to establishments (the Big C, possibly) to allow the purchase of a refrigerator and soft drinks for the movers' accommodation hut. They didn't have to pay for a 'Stim' during the detachment.
LAWNMOWERS
After a deployment to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, I recall returning to the UK with 6 of those rotary lawnmowers. The ones with that little Briggs and Stratton engine.They were half the price of those available in the UK
BOOZE TO RHODESIA
When Operation Agila started, Rhodesia had been essentially blockaded for a number of years. Shortages arose and one of these was whisky. The price of a litre had risen to over £20 a bottle on the black market.
The detachment at Nairobi soon cleared out the NAAFI at RAF Eastleigh where a number of flights to Salisbury stopped. It may well have been that this booze found its way to Salisbury but I couldn't swear to it.
I had the last UKMAMS detachment at Belize. A bit of a cushy number with only a couple of flights a week, the occasional hurricane and some excellent diving. One aspect of the job was to take a small team on a C130 to Patrick AFB in Florida to pick up a large tank of liquid oxygen (LOx) for the Harrier detachment.
In case it was necessary to offload the LOx tank in a hurry the standard load forbade loading cargo aft of the tank. However, this left a single pallet space forward of the tank. This pallet would be filled to max capacity with alcohol obtained from the PX.
Naturally, no taxes were paid on return to Belize. The booze was shared around the messes but enough was sold to establishments (the Big C, possibly) to allow the purchase of a refrigerator and soft drinks for the movers' accommodation hut. They didn't have to pay for a 'Stim' during the detachment.
LAWNMOWERS
After a deployment to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, I recall returning to the UK with 6 of those rotary lawnmowers. The ones with that little Briggs and Stratton engine.They were half the price of those available in the UK
BOOZE TO RHODESIA
When Operation Agila started, Rhodesia had been essentially blockaded for a number of years. Shortages arose and one of these was whisky. The price of a litre had risen to over £20 a bottle on the black market.
The detachment at Nairobi soon cleared out the NAAFI at RAF Eastleigh where a number of flights to Salisbury stopped. It may well have been that this booze found its way to Salisbury but I couldn't swear to it.
BOOZE TO NORWAY
Those of you reading this may well know that the price of a drink in Scandinavian countries is prohibitive and that Norway was the worst.
If 45 Commando were deploying to Norway from RAF Leuchars it would have been possible to order cases of whisky to be kept in bonded store in Dundee and delivered for loading to the flight. If one were devious enough to hatch such a plan it would have been possible to exchange these imports to Scandinavia for various goods and services as well as getting invites to some pretty good parties. The return load of pickled herring would have been less popular!
COFFINS
This happened after I left the RAF when I sold my services to various freight forwarders.
The contract involved 6 Antonov 124s transporting what was, essentially, a mobile power station from various places in Europe to Ghana and getting it all to a gold mine a couple of hundred kms up country. The units of the power station were contained in 20ft ISO containers which could be lifted by the Antonov's internal gantry crane.
On my first trip I noticed that the Ghanian culture involved burying the deceased in the most ornate carved wooden coffins: aircraft, boats, fish etc. one common design was a gin bottle painted green, black and white. I bought one back with me with the intention of turning it into a bar. A friend in the decorative arts business was amazed by it and asked if I could get more. The last Antonov flight recovered to Brize for an RAF charter with 6 of these ornate coffins on board. I recall I paid about £300 each for them and sold them into the trade for over £700.
Just some of the shenanigans.
Ron
Those of you reading this may well know that the price of a drink in Scandinavian countries is prohibitive and that Norway was the worst.
If 45 Commando were deploying to Norway from RAF Leuchars it would have been possible to order cases of whisky to be kept in bonded store in Dundee and delivered for loading to the flight. If one were devious enough to hatch such a plan it would have been possible to exchange these imports to Scandinavia for various goods and services as well as getting invites to some pretty good parties. The return load of pickled herring would have been less popular!
COFFINS
This happened after I left the RAF when I sold my services to various freight forwarders.
The contract involved 6 Antonov 124s transporting what was, essentially, a mobile power station from various places in Europe to Ghana and getting it all to a gold mine a couple of hundred kms up country. The units of the power station were contained in 20ft ISO containers which could be lifted by the Antonov's internal gantry crane.
On my first trip I noticed that the Ghanian culture involved burying the deceased in the most ornate carved wooden coffins: aircraft, boats, fish etc. one common design was a gin bottle painted green, black and white. I bought one back with me with the intention of turning it into a bar. A friend in the decorative arts business was amazed by it and asked if I could get more. The last Antonov flight recovered to Brize for an RAF charter with 6 of these ornate coffins on board. I recall I paid about £300 each for them and sold them into the trade for over £700.
Just some of the shenanigans.
Ron
From: Fred Hebb, Gold River, NS
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Good evening Tony,
Things I bought Downroute: Oh, I bought so many things, mostly in Hong Kong. Some of the more interesting items were eye glasses in the Fleet Club and a suit (the one I got married in). While we remained overnight in Guam, someone 'borrowed' my military pattern shoes which were under my bed, the next morning they were gone, so, I wore my hush puppies when we departed. I went to a shoe cobbler the next day in Hong Kong and described what the shoe looked like and he made a pair that looked exactly like my military issue. They ended up being the most comfortable and best wearing shoes I ever had and no one ever knew the difference.
As I previously said, I bought a lot of things: boots, shirts, toys and a sundry gathering of other things, some of which I still have today.
Cheers,
Fred
Subject: Things Bought Downroute
Good evening Tony,
Things I bought Downroute: Oh, I bought so many things, mostly in Hong Kong. Some of the more interesting items were eye glasses in the Fleet Club and a suit (the one I got married in). While we remained overnight in Guam, someone 'borrowed' my military pattern shoes which were under my bed, the next morning they were gone, so, I wore my hush puppies when we departed. I went to a shoe cobbler the next day in Hong Kong and described what the shoe looked like and he made a pair that looked exactly like my military issue. They ended up being the most comfortable and best wearing shoes I ever had and no one ever knew the difference.
As I previously said, I bought a lot of things: boots, shirts, toys and a sundry gathering of other things, some of which I still have today.
Cheers,
Fred
Publication - The Air Mobility Workhorse
The Air Mobility Workhorse recounts the operational history of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service, spanning the A, E and H models from 1958 to 2012, leaving the current J model to be covered in the future.
The C-130 was the catalyst for a transformational shift from Second World War technology to leading-edge aircraft systems in RAAF air mobility and the broader Air Force.
The Hercules has become iconic in Australian culture as the first thing viewers often see of news reports when Australia reaches out to the rest of the world to offer aid in times of disaster.
The author’s intimate knowledge of the aircraft, along with his extensive service on them, brings an insight that only someone who has flown them in testing times can bring. His extensive connections within the Hercules community have brought their stories ‘from the inside’ to give readers a rare glimpse of service in military aviation.
It is a detailed and balanced reflection of what the mighty Hercules did for Australia and how it affected those who flew it, maintained it, supported it, flew as passengers or benefited from the missions it conducted. This aircraft was truly Australia’s Air Mobility Workhorse.
Two full-colour hardback volumes, limited edition, presented in a slipcase.
amazon.com.au
The C-130 was the catalyst for a transformational shift from Second World War technology to leading-edge aircraft systems in RAAF air mobility and the broader Air Force.
The Hercules has become iconic in Australian culture as the first thing viewers often see of news reports when Australia reaches out to the rest of the world to offer aid in times of disaster.
The author’s intimate knowledge of the aircraft, along with his extensive service on them, brings an insight that only someone who has flown them in testing times can bring. His extensive connections within the Hercules community have brought their stories ‘from the inside’ to give readers a rare glimpse of service in military aviation.
It is a detailed and balanced reflection of what the mighty Hercules did for Australia and how it affected those who flew it, maintained it, supported it, flew as passengers or benefited from the missions it conducted. This aircraft was truly Australia’s Air Mobility Workhorse.
Two full-colour hardback volumes, limited edition, presented in a slipcase.
amazon.com.au
From: Daniel Massicotte, Amherstview, ON
Subject: Henri Breton
Hi Tony,
I just want to pass on that we lost another friend. Breton, Henri Joseph Eugene CD (CWO Ret'd)... passed away peacefully at Belleville General Hospital on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the age of 78.
Regards,
Daniel
Subject: Henri Breton
Hi Tony,
I just want to pass on that we lost another friend. Breton, Henri Joseph Eugene CD (CWO Ret'd)... passed away peacefully at Belleville General Hospital on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the age of 78.
Regards,
Daniel
Henri Breton
From: Derek Barron, Calne, Wilts
Subject: Willie Crossley
Hi Tony,
I have to pass on the sad news that another old "warrior" has passed away. I have just spoken to Willie Crossley's son Matthew and he has told me that Willie died on the 22nd September from an intracranial hemorrhage, possibly from a fall.
The funeral is on the 20th Oct in SouthBorough Cemetary, Kent, at 11:30hrs. I will confirm those details later.
Matthew's mobile number is 07925 131 718. He is happy for anyone to use that number.
Derek
Subject: Willie Crossley
Hi Tony,
I have to pass on the sad news that another old "warrior" has passed away. I have just spoken to Willie Crossley's son Matthew and he has told me that Willie died on the 22nd September from an intracranial hemorrhage, possibly from a fall.
The funeral is on the 20th Oct in SouthBorough Cemetary, Kent, at 11:30hrs. I will confirm those details later.
Matthew's mobile number is 07925 131 718. He is happy for anyone to use that number.
Derek
Tony Gale
ukmamsoba@gmail.com
ukmamsoba@gmail.com
This Newsletter is Dedicated
to the Memories of:
Mike Webb (RCAF)
Henri Breton (RCAF)
Willie Crossley (RAF)
to the Memories of:
Mike Webb (RCAF)
Henri Breton (RCAF)
Willie Crossley (RAF)
,