The Canadian Museum of Flight
Glidepath News
Issue 67
Phone (604) 532-0035
Fax: (604) 532-0056
Hangar #3-5333 216th Street Langley, B.C., V2Y 2N3
Email: museum@direct.ca
Fall 2000
Whenever there is discussion about” our next project” the question arises as to the relationship of the project to Western Canadian Aviation history, or, overall Canadian History. Just to confuse, the Bolingbrokes built in Canada in quantity were called Blenheims in other parts of the world. The Bristol Blenheim was a military development of the six-passenger Bristol Type: 142 built for executive duties. The military prototype flew for the first time on 25 June 1936; achieving 280 mph in level flight while carrying its full design load. This was some 40 mph faster than the best fighters of the day.
In 1937, the Bolingbroke, type 149, a derivative of the RAF Blenheim, was chosen as one of the cornerstones in the revitalization of the RCAF, and was licence produced in Canada by Fairchild Aircraft Company at Longueil, Quebec.
In Canada it was used for Coastal reconnaissance, anti-submarine patrol, and bombing and gunnery training during WWII, and assisted the U.S. Forces facing the Japanese in the Aleutians. As the RAF’s Blenheim, it saw service through 1943 as a fighter- bomber in all campaigns throughout the world.
At the end of WWII, many were sold to farmers for as little as $30, who stripped them over the years for useable materials. These farm hardware stores” later became the treasure troves for Museums and collectors.
Many people ask, “What protected the pilot? What stopped the bullets?” Nothing. The men who flew these airplanes did not have the protection that people would like to think they had. That is the way it was in WWII.
WHAT IF?
You have a Bolingbroke to restore to display status but no space to do the work and precious little money or people power. Then you restore and display part of a Bolingbroke.
CMF has the front end of a fuselage, from the wing leading edge forward, which will make a real” dandy” hands on display. Our “Boly” nose was missing a few bits (probably about 90% missing), but our Don Butterley felt that with a little luck and a lot of work, the missing control wheels, quadrants, seat and all the myriad components could be located and bolted to the structure. After Don started the search, negotiations with the British Columbia Aviation Museum in Sidney, BC and the Nanton Lancaster Museum in Nanton, AB began to unearth the missing pieces. The swapping of items then started with everyone getting items that were required for projects they were working on.
Until we can rebuild the entire aircraft, we will make do with the nose section, always firm in the conviction that we will someday have facilities large enough for the Boly and our Lysander, Norseman, Fairchild 71, Cornell and on and on. The “nose” should be on display in the new year so drop by and have a look, Don and helpers have done a mighty fine job..
The CMF Newsletter is published quarterly by the Canadian Museum of Flight. Contributions in the form of articles, news items, letters and photos are welcome, as are comments and criticism. No payment can be made for any manuscripts that are submitted for publication in the CMF Newsletter. The Editor reserves the right to make changes in the manuscripts without altering the meaning. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact either Gogi or Sandy at the Museum by calling (604) 532-0035. Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m- 4:00 p.m.
CMF Board of Directors
- Terry Wadhams – President
- Werner Griesbeck – Vice President
- Mike Davenport – Treasurer
- Don Butterley
- Jane Robinson
- Gil Fanslau
- Doug Schwann
- Dan Holliday
- Bill Thompson
UPCOMING EVENTS
Quarterly Dinner Meeting
Saturday, October 21st, 2000
20.00 Per Person (GST Included)
RSVP by October 17th, by calling Sandy at 532-0035.
Location: Cruisers Pit Stop Diner
(Just around the corner from the Museum)
Live entertainment by “Elvis”
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Buffet Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Entertainment starts at 8:30
This is our first ever Halloween Bash, those wishing to come in costume will have the chance of winning some wonderful prizes. Having the dinner meeting at Cruisers will allow a WORK FREE evening for the Dinner Meeting volunteers.
COME ON OUT FOR A GREAT TIME!
Volunteer of the Quarter
The Museum would not be at any special events if it was not for our Volunteer of the Quarter John Clark. If we need the Sopwith Camel in a mall at 7:00 pm on a Sunday evening it’s there. He will have the Camel out of the trailer, in the mall and set up before you are even sure where you want it. John also is our house “electrician” and is presently working on getting our Frasca Simulator operational for the new ” Millennium Kids Room”. From all of us at the Museum, a very heartfelt thank you John for all you do.
A special thank you to Ralph and his staff at Cruisers for donating a complimentary Dinner for Two for our Volunteer of the Quarter.
Visit Cruisers Pit Stop Diner at 21671 Fraser Hwy to enjoy a relaxing meal, surrounded by nostalgic automotive memorabilia.
Don Butterley (standing left)
Bob Fowles (kneeling left)
and Mike Davenport (kneeling right)
prepare the Bolingbroke nose for painting.
Welcome to our newest members
Gordon A. Arborak Burnaby, BC George H. Manchester Bellingham, WA Jim & Audrey Beard Langley, BC Ray Masson Prince George, BC Eric Benson Langley, BC Surrey, BC Doug McKie Brian McLaurin Henon, France Richard Boyack Surrey, BC Ed Brunton Maple Ridge, BC Al McNutt Abbotsford, BC Allen Cazes Burnaby, BC Surrey, BC Dave Morgan Chilliwack, BC Vernon W. Clark Douglas Craig Jim Nix Strathcona, AB Two Mountains, Quebec Pedro Nunes Surrey, BC J. Dennis Dahl Langley, BC Irving L. Olson Ferndale, WA David & Gaby Devries Jeff Dittmer Langley, BC Abbotsford, BC Bill Orbeck Ferndale, WA Terry Robinson Vista, CA Mike Dowd Corvallis, OR Al Scott Surrey, BC Dan Gross Surrey, BC Brian Solomon John Spronk Langley, BC Abbotsford, BC Ron Hackett Langley, BC Jim Hauck Langley, BC Dr. Jim Trembath Aldergrove, BC Robert C. Hemphill Port Hardy, BC Edward M. Vaughan Langley, BC Jim Hunter Surrey, BC Langley, BC Dick Waugh Langley, BC Howard Irving Wayne M. Williams Delta, BC Thane Koldingness White Rock, BC Roger D. Yorke Vancouver, BC Shannon Larkin Langley BC Ronald B. Simpson White Rock, BC
CCW PROGRESS REPORT
Our WACO is approaching, believe it or not, completion. We must install instruments and instrument hookups, fabric and paint, and upholstery. We have the technical expertise to do the instruments, we have people really good at fabric work, but we draw a blank when we mention finishing the seats and interior of the Cabin. PLEASE…PLEASE, if you know upholstery work or you know of anyone who does, give Gogi a call at the Museum.
On a sadder note Mrs. Lilla Pickup widow of the late Dr. Jack Pickup who owned the aircraft prior to it being donated to CMF, passed away on Saturday September 2. Mrs. Pickup was kept up to date on the Waco’s progress by photos, and had been in to see the aircraft earlier this year, and was very pleased with the progress. CMF will be inviting Dr. Pickup’s family to be present when CCW takes to the skies once again.
FROM THE DESK OF THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Ken Knutson, CMF Volunteer Coordinator
We had a very busy summer with the Canada Day Open House, Abbotsford Air Show, Chilliwack Flight Fest, Pitt Meadows Fly in, along with West Oaks and Cottonwood Malls. These are excellent opportunities for increasing our exposure to the public and also do some sales. None of this work is particularly challenging but as always staffing is still a problem. If Sandy is required to attend all of these events her work at the Museum cannot proceed and eventually creates a backlog and delays in other projects. As I have said before, I have enjoyed all of the events and put in about 175 enjoyable hours in 4 weeks. When only one person is present there can be no washroom or lunch breaks without closing the display and asking someone near to watch our display. Next year I will try calling people who live near an event and asking if you could come for 3 or 4 hours in the middle of a shift. That would mean a washroom break for us when you arrive; another when you leave and a sandwich break in the middle. You wouldn’t even have to sell but just watch the display while we take a break.
The Cottonwood Mall week was particularly interesting because of the people we met. One fellow worked for Avro on the Arrow and the other fellow was with the French Underground during WWII and each had interesting stories to tell us.
The Arrow was a dream come true for many people and as such they built a future on it. Unfortunately, when the Arrow ended so did their futures. To him the really sad part of the Arrow was the number of employees he knew who committed suicide.
The second interesting fellow was with the French Underground during WWII. During a time when he had to be evacuated to Britain he was sheltered in a barn in Holland along with Canadian and American pilots also waiting to cross to Britain. This spring he returned to Holland, found the barn and during a visit with the owners they gave him a watch that was left by an American pilot. He was now in the process of trying to return the watch to the pilot’s family but didn’t know how to start. Sandy had some ideas and sent him on his way. Two days later he returned with a big smile and news that her suggestions were working.
I would like to thank all our volunteers but especially new members to the Museum who took a turn. Thanks go to Jeff and Michelle Laurie and Rita and Peter Assion. Please consider a turn.
MARILYN GOES TO THE MOVIES
Who is Marilyn you ask? Well, our Fleet Finch is back in the movie business and because Doug Moan was on set to look after her and was making sure everyone was being careful around her and not getting her dirty, the set director called her Marilyn because 1) she was blonde and 2) she had to be pampered.
The movie is titled Christy (www.christy.tv) and takes place in Tennessee circa 1920 when Harriett Quimby (America’s first licenced female pilot) makes a forced landing near Cutters Gap, Tennessee.
Over a period of several weeks the Fleet, I mean Marilyn, was moved in and out of the movie set and Bob Gilmore’s private strip. There were some flying scenes and Werner Griesbeck had to dress up in a purple satin flying suit along with a long red wig to play the role of Harriett. He also had to shave off his trademark beard. Because Doug was always right there watching out for the airplane, it wasn’t long before the movie folks had him in boots and cowboy hat and doing his role as an extra.
One thing we have learned about the movie industry is the days are 16 hours long to shoot 1 hour of film. Thanks to Werner, Doug, Jim McRae and Mike Davenport for all the standing around waiting for something to happen.
As you all may know, the Fleet has about five different shades of yellow paint on her, so with the money she earned at the movies, she will in the very near future have a new paint job. We also will have enough money to pay for the paving of the Courtyard.
Written by Dan Holliday
SUMMER FLYING EVENTS
- June 17th Bellingham Airport Appreciation Day
The Tiger Moth and Werner’s Fairchild 24 represented the Museum. This provided the opportunity to promote the Museum to our neighbors in Washington State. - June 30/July 1 Canada Day at the Langley Airport
The Museum flew all five of our flying aircraft (Tiger Moth, Fleet Finch, SE5a, WACO INF and Harvard) in big circuits around our home airport. There were four flights in all and it brought many visitors to the Museum. - July 7-9 Arlington Fly in (Washington State)
We took the Tiger Moth and loaded the Fairchild 24 with all the Museum signs. On the Saturday, we had no less than 10 Museum volunteers handing out brochures. The Tiger Moth won Best Antique Trophy. - August 11-13 Abbotsford International Air Show
We flew all five aircraft on each day of the show. The four bi-planes flew in formation while the Harvard flew by just below. Anyone remember the last time five Museum airplanes were all flying by center stage at an air show together? - August 20th Chilliwack Flight Fest
George Kirbyson put on a very impressive flying demonstration with the Tiger Moth with Dr. Potter flying circuits around him in the Museum’s Harvard. - August 27th Pitt Meadows Airport Appreciation Day
The Tiger Moth, WACO INF and Harvard along with several members’ airplanes represented the Museum. Although they were not planning any airplane judging, the committee was so impressed with the Tiger Moth they put cash into an envelope, marked it 1″ Place and gave it to the Museum.
From the feedback we are receiving at the Museum, everyone seems to enjoy seeing the airplanes fly. It is very encouraging to see increased activity at the Museum after every flying event.
This was the first time in a very long time that the five who founded the Canadian Museum of Flight & Transportation in 1976 have been together. The event was Rose and Ed Zalesky’s 50th Wedding Anniversary.
From left to right: Bill Thompson, Ron Stunden, Rose Zalesky, Barry Jackson, and Ed Zalesky.
Photo: Jane Robinson
HARVARD NEEDS HELP
For some years we have been blessed with the support of Dr. Gordon Potter in the operation of our Harvard. Dr. Potter maintained CF-GME, delivered her to Air Shows, promotional events and flew enough hours each year to stay current.
Sadly the Doctor has decided to retire from Harvard flying and CMF would like to find a replacement sponsor, difficult though that may be.. Many thanks to Gordon, for all your support
Photo: Dennis Cardy
MEMBERS DAY
Saturday July 22nd was our annual Members / Volunteer Appreciation Day along with the Quarterly Dinner meeting. Although rain threatened to ruin the day, it held off long enough to give everyone in attendance an aircraft ride. Over 40 rides were given with everyone having a wonderful time.
Special thank you to our pilots- Mike Davenport flying his Stinson – Gil Fanslau flying his Piper PA 12- Werner Griesbeck flying his Porterfield – George Kirbyson flying the WACO INF – George Worden in his RV 4-Jim McRae flying his Citabria and Dan Holliday flying the Tiger Moth. The evening was just as enjoyable with our Quarterly Dinner meeting. The food as usual was outstanding and our Guest speaker Ole Olson from WA State gave us a very entertaining look at “Aviation-after the Wright Brothers”
Don’t miss our next dinner meeting at Cruisers Pit Stop Diner, details on page 2
Recently we lost one of our members – Wing Commander T. Cam Weir DFC, RAF, who flew Hampdens operationally from Jan 1939 – August 1941. The following was written by member Jack Meadows after meeting Cam in 1999.
Winnipeg born, he started to fly with the RCAF in 1929 only to be grounded by the depression which hit family finances as badly as the RCAF which it almost destroyed. He somehow managed to get to England in 1937 to join the RAF instead.
He recalls that his Squadron made the first- usually ignored by historians – RAF operational flight of WWII. On the afternoon of the day war was declared, Sept 3, 1939, 9 bombed-up Hampdens of 44 Squadron at Waddington were sent to search the North Sea for German ships. Cam Weir led one flight. No-one knew anything about ship recognition so the C.O. S/Ldr. John Boothman (former Schneider Trophy pilot, later Air Chief Marshal Sir John) took a R.M. Lieutenant Commander instead of his navigator there was no room in the Hampden for an extra man.
They found Heligoland but the only ships seen were fishing vessels. The sailor knew about tides but not winds so on return to UK he was lost (it was night by then, with a strict black-out). At the coast Cam had recognized Thornaby but could not tell his leader; unbelievable to us today, by prior plan the C.O.’s primitive R/T was fixed on” transmit” to give instructions to the others who were all fixed on “receive”. It was a worrying time before he found Waddington.
On almost his last Hampden sortie before his squadron (then 61) converted to Manchesters – later to Lancasters – over Krefeld, Cam’s windscreen was hit by flak. The thick bullet proof glass fractured and flying pieces cut his intercom cord, wounded his right arm and blinded him. Unable to see, he wanted the crew to bail out but they insisted the navigator could direct him to fly back to UK where, still unable to see, he was talked down to land. This feat, plus his earlier efforts, earned him the DFC. Fortunately hospital treatment allowed his eyes to recover and he was flying again five days later. He kept the broken windscreen and flak fragment.
Rested after 32 ops, in 1942 Cam served on the staff of 5 & 6 Groups then, after Staff College, at Bomber Command. At the end of the war he was attached to MacArthur’s staff in the Philippines campaign, then in India and had many interesting stories of this period too. He retired from the RAF and returned to Canada in 1947.
Of particular interest to Museum members was his praise of the Hampden. Later overshadowed by more modern bombers and today sometimes is scorned, it is easy to forget that in 1938 it was a state of the art modern bomber and RAF front line equipment – Cam Weir’s log book showed 8 1/2 hour sorties carrying 1500 lbs of bombs. It was much liked and appreciated by its crews. CMF’s is the only Hampden on static display in the world – another is in the rebuild stage for the RAF Museum.
Coincidentally the winder 1988 journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society has a long adulatory letter from a Mike Lewis of Etobicoke who is another ex Hampden pilot (24 ops). He ends with; “it was the finest aircraft that I have ever flown” (of 30 types). Let us too think of it that way, rather than as the training hack it, like so many other fine aircraft, later became.
I admit to feeling personally close to all of this, in fact, I once actually sneaked into and sat in Cam’s Hampden (he never knew) to see what it looked like. It was at Lossiemouth in Northern Scotland on Feb 10th, 1940 where he stopped in after a “gardening” (mine laying) recce off the Norwegian coast and, for some reason, perhaps weather at Waddington, stayed five days.
Written by: Jack Meadows
AVIATION HERITAGE 2000 PROJECT UPDATE
Before we could pave, a telephone pole that was situated inside the Courtyard was going to have to be removed. To do this, all the electrical and telephone lines had to be put underground. In this photo you can see the electrical company has just completed the ditching and the conduit is being laid.
With all the wiring underground complete, it is now time to take down the fencing. On one of the worst days we have seen in months, 14 volunteers braved the rain and the wind to get the job done. Here you see Bear Crane along with Dan Holliday and Doug Moan starting to take out the metal fence posts.
How do you move a CF-100?
PUSH IT!
With the Tip-tanks taken off, the CF-100 gets moved to the in-field.
The Handley Page Hampden moved with ease under the watchful eyes of CMF volunteers, thanks to the skill of Dick Boulter of Bear Crane.
The fence is down, the courtyard is empty, it is now time to re-slope the area to eliminate the drainage problems. (no more trout jumping under the CF-104!) For one full day the grader and compactor worked until they were sure that when paved the water would run off the courtyard into proper drainage areas.
We were told that if it rained the paving would be delayed, but our luck held and under grey skies the paving crew started to re-surface our Courtyard. It was quite a job trying to get pictures of them at work though as they kept wanting to stop and smile for the camera.
The day finally arrives to put the aircraft back into place in the Courtyard. Much time and preparation was put into where each aircraft would go. The picture on the left shows the CF-100 being lifted by the crane and cement pads going under the landing gear. Below is the completed project with the Hampden in its new home. With expanding the Courtyard area we were able to leave the Hampden down on its tail and put the Pitot tube on the CF-104 and still have lots of room to move around the courtyard. We invite you to come have a look at the new layout.