Air force full of colonels

Press, 11 July 1979, Page 6

Air force full of colonels

More and more New Zealanders are eager to invest lots of time and money in keeping World War II aircraft in the air. They are members of the world’s biggest private air force. Based at Hartington, Texas, the Confederate Air Force, boasts more than 450 operational aircraft. According to two members who are visiting Christchurch, interest in this country is growing fast. A New Zealand “squadron” now has 27 members, and recently bought its ’ first aircraft, a familiar Harvard.

Decked out in grey miliary uniforms, Tony Adams nd Allen Rowell are here to iromote the annual Harlingon Air Show. Each October, he Confederates stage four lays of aerial displays and aOck battles, using hundreds if restored World War II ircraft.

Crowds of up to .100,000 attend what is billed as “the largest airshow and reunion of flyers ever assembled.” Air New Zealand, which employs many of the New Zealand squadron, is promoting a package tdur to Harlington this October. On display will be aircraft ranging from a 829 Superfortress/ the pride of the

fleet, to Japanese Zero’s and German Messerschmits. While 167 of them are owned jointly . by all members, 300 more are privately owned by enthusiasts all over America.

One feature of the 1976 show will never be repeated. That was a re-enactment of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, using the 829 flown by Paul Tibbetts die same pilot who flew the 1945 mission.

The C.A.F. is an air force with a difference — its 22,000 full members are all colonels. Its commanding officer is a mythical Jethro E. Culpepper.

Women members form their own unit. Known as “Culpeppers’ Angels,” they handle administration and guided tours of headquarters.

According to “Colonel” Allen, 90 per cent of the members are former air crew from the war. Dcruglas Bader, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Bob Hope are all honorary members. . In spite of some of the light trappings, the Confederates are in deadly earnest over the preservation of their aircraft. Membership is also tightly controlled. The American Government

contributes much of the cost, with tax deductions for individual members and for C.A.F. expenses. Money is also raised through sponsorship, and the lease of aircraft for movies. “Catch 22” and “The Battle of Britain” are just two films in which the aircraft have starred. The Confederates search the world for spare parts and new aircraft types. They had a maintenance programme worked out as far ahead as 2010. His interest in aviation stems from war service as a bomber pilot in the Pacific. An American, he now lives in Auckland and makes a living from exporting and importing. Mr. Rowell served as a pilot and engineer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force at the end of the war. He now works for Air New Zealand in Auckland. Both men were involved with the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland several years ago when they began forming the New Zealand squadron. Now, said Mr Rowell, applications to join were coming in daily. Eventually, he hoped to have eight New Zealand squadrons, one

based in each main centre. Membership includes three Air New Zealand captains, add many war veterans. However, said Mr Rowell membership was not re-

stricted by age or involvement in aviation.

A commissioning board inHartington vets all applications, to determine “a genuine interest in aircraft.”

“It is most important you have some espirit de corps. We don’t want blokes who can’t get along with others,” said Mr Rowell. It costs $l5O to join, with an annual subscription of $125. On top of this, the New Zealand members are expected to contribute expertise and money towards the restoration of their first aircraft. The former R.N.Z.A.F. Harvard, minus its engine, cost $4OOO, said Mr Adams. It would cost $16,000 to get it into the air again. Adding to the collection in New Zealand could be difficult. “This is one hell of a problem; there is virtually nothing left in this country and what is left is at Ferrymead and Motat,” said Mr Rowell. However, when membership grows they plan to import at least one Mustang from overseas.