LANCASTER ARRIVES

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 November 1944, Page 6

LANCASTER ARRIVES

TOUR OF BOTH ISLANDS

AUCKLAND, November 1. The second Lancaster to be seen in New Zealand arrived at Whenupai in the course of a 26,000 mile trip today. The aircraft, which has already covered more than 12,000 miles since it left the United Kingdom on October 21, carries a crew of specialists in navigation, commanded by Wing Commander D. C. McKinley. D.F.C., R.A.F. They will demonstrate some of the latest navigational aids and methods to New Zealand and Australian Air Force units, and carry out other investigations en route. The complement includes Mr H. C. Pritchard, on special duty from the Ministry of Aircraft Production. Completion of the Lancaster’s flight toward Christmas will mark the first round-the-world flight by the longest route by the Royal Air Force. It arrived to-day from Samoa. It crossed the Atlantic from east to west, and visited Montreal, Washington, San Francisco, Honolulu, and other Pacific airfields. Before leaving New Zealand it will tour both the North and South Islands, probably landing at Ohakea, New Plymouth, Woodbourne, and Wigram. On the way it will fly over as many towns as possible to enable residents to see Britain’s famous heavy bomber. Wjng Commander McKinley’s crew comprises Squadron Leader J. F. Davis, D.F.C., navigator, Flight Lieutenant N. E. Blakey, D.F.C., navigator; Flight Lieutenant R. L. Butt, radar; Flying Officer A. C. Shipway. D.F.C., second pilot; Flying Officer H. Stringer, wireless operator; Leading Aircraftmen E. Wiggins, engineer; E. Pashley, rigger; and H. B. Dean electrician.

Wing Commander McKinley was welcomed on arrival by Wing Commander G. H. Pirie, R.A.F., Director of Operations, R.N.Z.A.F., and the station’s commanding officer, Wing Commander G. H. Fisher. His parents and friends greeted Flight Lieutenant Blakey, who is the only New Zealander in the crew. He left New Zealand in March, 1942, for Canada, and afterwards won the D.F.C. while on operations from England. He is a son of Mr B. C. Blakey, of Onehunga. Wing Commander McKinley has seen service both in England and the Middle East in flying-boats, and all other members of the' crew save one have been on operations. The aircraft is named after the constellation Aries. Its New Zealand itinerary has not yet been decided.