Tuesday 7^thJanuary 2025 - Steve Alcock - 'The Schneider Trophy 1913 - 1931 - to win for national pride'

Steve explains the history of the Schneider Trophy; the people, the machines and the political and national desire to win an aerial contest that saw winning aircraft develop dramatically with average speeds increasing from 45 mph to over 400 mph in less than twenty years!

2024

3^rd December - Jack Froelich - 'More Caribous in Vietnam'

Retired USAF pilot Jack returns with more recollections of flying the versatile DH Canada C-7A Caribou in Vietnam. Jack will detail the two most significant C-7A operations of the Vietnam war, The Battle of Duc Lap in August 1968 (in which he participated) and the Siege of Dak Seang in 1970.

5^th November - Malcolm Rogan - 'Homebuilt History – 120 years of amateur built aircraft'

Malcolm Rogan is a late starting recreational pilot with an interest in the history of flying for fun. This talk covers the history of aircraft built for personal use from the first offering of plans for homebuilding before WW1, through development of the first kits produced between the Wars to the sophisticated kit builds of today via the heyday of homebuilding in the 70s and 80s.

1^st October - Alan Key - 'British Naval Aviation from 1946'

Alan returns with part two of his comprehensive review of naval aviation based on his service in the Fleet Air Arm. As this element deals with the period from 1946 the impact of the jet age will be covered together with the effect of the three major British inventions of the angled deck, steam catapult and mirror landing system.

3^rd September – Rod Dean – 'Sydney Camm and his Monoplane Piston Fighters'

A review of how Hawkers, under the direction of Sidney Camm, moved from the biplane era of the 1930’s Hawker Fury to the ultimate monoplane piston fighter, the Sea Fury, of the late 1940’s. Touching on all the design steps in between, Hurricane, Tornado, Typhoon and Tempest, including the various engines used, the performance figures achieved and, of course, the difficulties encountered on-route.

7^th May – James Mason - 'Falkland Islands' Flying'

The first part of this talk covered the speaker's experience of flying on the MOD Airbridge flight from RAF Brize Norton to Mount Pleasant Airfield on the Falkland Islands via Ascension Island. The operation of the local airline, FIGAS, from Port Stanley airfield was also covered together with a flight from Port Stanley airfield to airstrips on Carcass Island and Hill Cove on West Falkland. There was also coverage of some of the sites of aviation activity during the 1982 conflict on East Falkland and South Georgia with recent photographs taken in these areas.

2^nd April – Alan Key - 'British Naval Aviation from 1806 to 1945' ( preceded by short AGM )

Alan served in the Fleet Air Arm at the peak of flying from aircraft carriers in the Royal Navy during the original cold war. Prior to publication of his book on the subject a few years ago Alan researched the whole story of British maritime aviation and this presentation represents a first part covering the period to the end of WW2. Part Two will follow in October.

5^th March – Paul Beaver –Patron’s Night - 'Winkle and German Jets'

Our Patron, Paul Beaver makes a welcome return following the publication of his recent biography of his friend and our past BWAG patron Eric Brown. Eric tested a variety of captured German aircraft both during and after the war, flying a rocket powered Messerschmitt Me 163, jet powered Messerschmitt Me 262 and Arado Ar234. It was dangerous work, the aircraft were particularly unreliable. Brown’s ability to speak fluent German gained the trust of many ex-Luftwaffe ground crew, who assisted in the preparation of captured aircraft for their flights in Germany and to the U.K.

6^th February – Steve Alcock – 'Flying Boats of the Solent'

Steve is Manager of our local Solent Sky Museum which has many maritime aviation exhibits including the Short Sandringham 4 and the SARO A 1 fighter. Steve places an emphasis on the role of the Solent in the UK’s flying boat heritage and his presentation and many images will reflect his interest in the subject.

2^nd January – Capt Alan Meredith ( British Antarctic Survey )

A chance visit to Rufforth Airfield in Yorkshire at the age of 15 and a flight in a glider ignited Alan with a passion with aviation. Soloed at 16 he progressed and became an instructor with the ATC flying motor-gliders followed by a PPL. On leaving school Alan thought engineering would be his chosen career however he was offered a positionas a tug pilot at Walney Island and then as a gliding instructor at Lasham Gliding Society. This is where Alan realised becoming a commercial pilot was possible so using the self-improver route he gained a commercial licence. Initially flying the Handley Page Herald mostly doing night freight after a year he joined FR Aviation flying Fishery Protection and Customs operations. After 9 years he had a 3-year break as a captain with KLM UK flying the Fokker50, then rejoined FRA becoming Chief Pilot for covert security operations. In 2003 Alan joined the British Antarctic Survey as Chief Pilot standing down in January 2021, although continuing to fly with them as a training captain.

2023

5^th December – Jack Froelich – ‘Flying the Boeing KC135’

Jack makes a welcome return to relate his experiences of flying the Boeing KC135 Stratotanker with the USAF in the 1970’s. This follows his 2019 talk on an earlier period with the Caribou in Vietnam. The KC135 entered service in April 1957 and is only now being replaced by the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus. Jack’s presentation promises to again be well informed and entertaining.

7^th November –Bob Wealthy – ‘Saving Historic B-N Islander G-AVCN’

Bob is Chairman of the Britten-Norman Aircraft Preservation Society and his talk will give an illustrated account of the project to save Islander ‘Charlie November', constructor’s number 3, G-AVCN. The aircraft is of significant and unique historical importance as the third BN-2 Islander constructed, the first prediction Islander and is the oldest of the type still extant. It was the first Islander to be delivered when it was handed over to Glos Air on 13^thAugust 1967 and made the first scheduled passenger flight for the new Channel Islands operator Aurigny Air Services in 1968. In 1976 it was exported to the Caribbean region where it served with a number of operators until 1999 when it was withdrawn from use and lying semi-derelict at Isle Grande Airport in Puerto Rico. The talk will include an introduction to the origins of the Britten-Norman Company and the BN-2 Islander.

3^rd October 2023: John Webster - "Grandma Flew Spitfires" - The story of the WW2 civilian Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA)

John is an ardent aviation enthusiast and amateur historian who, since retiring from the UK’s National Air Traffic Service (NATS), has been involved as a volunteer researcher for Maidenhead Heritage Centre’s permanent ATA exhibition and archive. He has been privileged to have interviewed several of the surviving veterans and his involvement has led to him being elected as Secretary of the ATA Association.

The Air Transport Auxiliary was a civilian organisation, which was tasked with supporting the RAF and Fleet Air Arm by ferrying aircraft between factories, maintenance units and operational bases together with performing many and varied transport roles.

John’s talk will expand on the ATA’s structure and the role of its men, women and boys. It will feature a newsreel clip and extracts from two of his interviews.

5^th September 2023: Rod Dean - "The P51 Mustang"

The talk on the Mustang looks, in detail, at the development of the aircraft from its first inception following discussions between the New York based British Purchasing Commision in early 1940 and North American Aviation (this followed after NAA declined to build the Curtiss P-40 under licence for the RAF) right through to its current use as both high speed racers and historically preserved artifacts; albeit flying ones. The various myths and falsehoods relating to the Mustang, particularly the initial Allison powered variant, will be discussed in detail and. by and large, refuted. As usual, the talk will be supported by extensive photographs as part of the presentation.

2^nd May 2023: Graham Goodlad - "Airpower in World War I: the British experience"

Graham Goodlad gives an overview of the way in which British airpower evolved during World War I, in all its aspects from the earliest forays in reconnaissance to the development of aerial combat and bombing.

4^th April 2023: Joe Marsden - "Life after the Conflict in the Falklands"

Squadron Leader Joe Marsden had three postings to the Falklands since 1982 in differing roles including that of Air Defence Commander. Joe’s talk will explain what life was like in the forty years since the conflict for both the RAF and the local population together with details of changes to the military garrison and the evolving types of combat and support aircraft involved.

7^th March 2023: Paul Beaver - "Patron's Night"- ‘Latest thoughts on Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown’

Our patron Paul makes a welcome return following publication of his new biography of his friend and past BWAG patron Eric Brown. Paul has had access to many of Eric’s logbooks and a wealth of personal records. We look forward to hearing the results and a different view of the life and career of the outstanding naval aviator and test pilot.

7^th February 2023: Alan Matlock - "Building Spitfires Without A Factory"

Alan became Chair of the Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust three years ago and will tell the human story of the September 1940 attacks on the Supermarine factories on the banks of the Itchen. Alan will go on to share some of the more than 30 known dispersed secret sites in Southampton, and more beyond, including several local to Bishops Waltham, where production was transferred to or subcontracted and ask if the audience can help identify some which remain unconfirmed. For more information please go to www.spitfiremakers.org.uk

3^rd January 2023: Richard Hodgkinson - "My Flying Boat War"

Vic Hodgkinson joined the RAAF in 1937 and in 1939 he flew to the UK with other crew members to fly a squadron of 9 Sunderland flying boats back to Australia. With the war in Europe gathering momentum the Australian Government donated 10 Squadron RAAF to the UK war effort undertaking to pay their operating costs. They flew from Calshot, Plymouth, Pembroke Dock and Oban. In 1942 Vic returned to Australia to serve in the Pacific, flying Sunderlands, Catalinas and Dornier Do 24s. His son, Richard Hodgkinson will be providing a 60-minute PowerPoint presentation based on Vic's account of his RAAF career, photo albums and logbooks.

Richard has subsequently advised us of the Pen & Sword announcement of the publication of the book about his dad Pen and Sword Books: My Flying Boat War - Hardback (pen-and-sword.co.uk should any of the BWAG members be interested.

2022

6^th December: Alan Pickford - "The People's Mosquito"

The talk will covers the genesis of the DH 98 Mosquito with the focus on the manufacturing methods and operational history. Alan will also talk about the charity ‘The Peoples Mosquito’ of which he is a director and trustee and the project to build a Mosquito and return it to the skies. More information on 'The People's Mosquito' project can be found athttps://www.peoplesmosquito.org.uk

1^st November: Bob Wealthy -"Gosport's Aviation Heritage"

Bob was for many years secretary of Gosport Aviation Society and is chairman of the Britten-Norman Aircraft Preservation Society. The well illustrated talk will convey not only the significance and importance of Gosport’s past aviation achievements and events but what is happening now and a look ahead to the future.

4^th October: Ken Carvasso -"F-104 to L-1011"

Ken Carvosso served in the RAF and Luftwaffe for 18 years flying fast jets. He subsequently flew long and short haul for British Airways, latterly as a Captain. After compulsory retirement at 55 he flew for various airlines as a Captain and was Head of Simulation Training at one of Malaysia’s premier Flight Academies until retirement in 2014. Ken’s entertaining presentation will cover his transition from single seat to multi-crew flying.

6^th September: Rod Dean -"The Development of the F86 Sabre"

Rod makes a welcome return with this technical talk which covers the initial design and subsequent development of the whole family of the North American Aviation F-86 aircraft including the U S Navy variants and construction in Canada and Australia.

3^rd May: Graham Spiller -"D Day + 75 - Have Dak, Will Travel!"

Graham is an aviation historian and tour guide and chairman of Solent Aviation Society. The 2019 celebrations to mark the 75^thanniversary of D-Day included mass re-enactment of the airborne elements of the allied invasion force involving 15 Dakotas from the USA being temporarily based at Duxford. Following attendance at landing zones in France Graham was invited to travel in Dakota N877MG (Pan Am) on the return trip to the USA. The well illustrated story of the eventful flight following the wartime route will include details of the anniversary events and the dedicated international military re-enactors.

5^th April: Glenn Gilbertson - "H.P.Folland, Folland Aircraft & the Gnat"

Glenn grew up with ‘Folland Aircraft flying through the family home’ - his father Thomas Gilbertson (‘T.G.’) was director & general manager until 1957. The talk will portray Henry Folland, a talented designer at the R.A.F., Nieuport and Gloster Aircraft and a caring man who treated his workforce like a large family. When ill-health meant retirement the very different W.E.W. Petter was the appointed successor; his Gnat fighter project could have led to a bright future or financial disaster. Glenn will reveal some of the unpublished Folland Aircraft story, giving a different perspective to that found in a recent biography of Petter.

1^st March: Paul Beaver -"Patron's Night : Sea Fury vs MIG15"

Paul Beaver FRAeS sheds new light on a classic air combat encounter from the Korean War in 1952 - where Royal Navy Sea Fury piston-engine fighters shot down a North Korean MiG-15 jet. But was the correct pilot credited for the kill?

1^st February: David Bruce -"The Lancaster and Crew: Untold Stories"

David Bruce, author of a number of WWII aviation novels, talks about the Lancaster bomber and its crew. David spent several years researching the Lancaster, its crew, and their operational life, delving into much original archive material, contacting the BBMF, talking to WWII Lancaster aircrew, and being allowed to closely examine exhibits at IWM Duxford and RAF Hendon. Tonight he shares some of his findings...

4^th January: Steve Alcock - ''Wunderwaffe - German jet and rocket genius, 1933-1945''

Steve is manager of the Solent Sky Museum and as an aviation historian has researched both German projects which became airborne and those which luckily for the allies never left the drawing board. His well illustrated talk will show how very advanced many aircraft designs were and the impact of political pressure and limitations of material supplies on the industry in the later years of the war.

2021

7^th December: Nigel Macnight - 'The X-15 Rocketplane'

Featuring a wonderful collection of images assembled for a book Nigel is producing on the subject, this is an insight into the fabulous X-15 research plane that flew as high as 354,200 feet and at speeds as fast as 4,520mph (Mach 6.7). A total of 199 test flights were undertaken over a ten-year period ending in the late 1960s, in a joint programme involving the US Air Force, NASA, the US Navy and North American Aviation. One of the twelve test pilots who flew this astounding machine was Neil Armstrong.

The X-15 was air-dropped from a ‘mother ship’ Boeing B-52 at 45,000 feet. F-104 Starfighters were used as chase and training aircraft for the X-15 programme. The X-15 followed other trail-blazing aircraft such as the Bell X-1, in which Chuck Yeager became the first person to exceed the speed of sound.

Nigel was acquainted with three of the X-15’s pilots and brings their personal recollections into what promises to be a spellbinding presentation.

2^nd November: Steve Robson - 'Britain's Last Airliner'

Following RAF service and a career in the aircraft industry Stephen is Chairman of the Charles Rolls Heritage Trust and of the New Forest Aviation Group.

In 1983 the speaker was given six months to evaluate two BAe146 jet airliners for their suitability for the Royal Air Force to replace the ageing Andovers of The Queens Flight. The airliner became a popular regional aircraft, especially in the USA, leading to nearly 400 builds. However, there were many bumps along the way and although the type lives on in new roles we find that its successor was abandoned.

5^th October: Ken Carvosso - 'Flying the F104 Starfighter and RAF Fast Jets during the Cold War'

Ken’s exceptional military jet experience of over 3000 hours includes the Hunter, Lightning, Jaguar and Tornado together with four years as an RAF Exchange Pilot flying the F104 with the Luftwaffe in Bavaria. Before retiring as Squadron Leader in 1988 his final service postings on the Tornado were as OC Standards with the Tri-National Training Establishment at Cottesmore and as a member of the Royal Saudi Training Flight.

This will be an interesting and relaxed presentation with Ken preferring plenty of audience participation.

7^th September: Rod Dean - ‘The Wooden Wonder - The Development of the DeHavilland Mosquito’

This talk is an in-depth study of the development and use of the outstanding de Havilland Mosquito and all its variants.Rod Dean has been actively involved in aviation for over 50 years as both an RAF fast jet pilot and over 30 years as a display pilot, mainly flying vintage piston and jet engine aircraft.

2020

3^rd March: Patron's Night – Paul Beaver -‘The Luftwaffe’s Last Big Day’

Author, broadcaster and BWAG Patron Group Captain Paul Beaver returned with a review of the German air force from formation in 1933 to final operations at the end of WW2.    Paul’s expert and illustrated presentation emphasised the cumulative effect of fighting campaigns on three fronts, lack of skilled pilots and shortage of both fuel and aero engines and related the story of Herman Goring’s planned and ultimately doomed last throw of the dice in 1945.

4^th February: John Coote – ‘The Rebirth of the Iraqi Air Force.’

Retired RAF navigator John made a welcome return with a modern subject based on his experiences during a four month secondment in 2008 as coalition advisor to the head of the reconstituted Iraqi Air Force. This interesting and illustrated presentation covered structure, equipment and the many people issues encountered during the important and very sensitive post-war period.

7^th January: Steve Bohill-Smith – "Experiences of a Concorde Pilot".

Steve graduated from the College of Air Trainng at Hamble in 1972 and flew Tridents and the BAC 1-11 in Europe from Heathrow and HS 748's on the Highlands and Island routes in Scotland.

He then joined Concorde Course No 12 at Filton in 1987. He spent the next six years flying the Concorde to the United States, Canada, Barbados and on numerous special charters including two round-the-world flights.

He then flew the Boeing 757/767, the DC10 from Gatwick and became Base Training Captain on the Boeing 747-400 both for British Airways and later for Oasis Hong Kong Airlines.

He is a member of The Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the de Havilland Moth Club flying the Tiger Moth and has Display Authorisations for the Boeing 747, the DH Dove, DH Rapide, Tiger Moth Display Team and the Antonov An 2.

His talk covered the development of the only SST to enter service, the training involved (including Base Training at Prestwick) and the operational aspects of a typical flight across the Atlantic using photographs and film.

2019

3^rd December: Tony Dowland –  Defiant Ace : Sqn Ldr Ted Thorn DFC & Bar DFM & Bar

Ted Thorn was a truly local man and this talk described his  flying and heroism during WW2. He joined the RAF in 1928 as a Boy Entrant. Early in 1939 he was accepted for pilot training and after gaining his wings successively took part in the Battles of France, Britain, Dieppe and as a Bomber Support pilot in the night campaign over occupied Europe and Germany between 1943 and 1944.

Ted's combat flying as a Defiant pilot during 1940 achieved, with his Air Gunner, a total of thirteen victories. At the end of the war he served with the Empire Central Flying School between 1945 and 1946 where, sadly, he lost his life evaluating an early mark of the Gloster Meteor jet fighter.

It was appropriate that Ted's daughter Penny Greek and members of her family were present.

5^th November: David Riley – Asian Commercial Aviation Photography in the 80’s and 90’s

Whilst working in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, David gradually developed his aviation photography hobby until founding his Asian Aviation Photography business (www.AsianAviationPhotography.com) over 30 years ago in Hong Kong. His well illustrated and very professional presentation related the story behind his assignments, including a ten year period as an official photographer to Cathay Pacific. His lasting love of the Tristar featured and we had a bonus as the evening culminated with some military images including Tornados in the first Gulf War and the final RAF VC 10 landing in Hong Kong. Since returning to the UK, David has concentrated on European locations and airlines.

1^st October: Lt Cdr Mark Jameson - Navy Wings’

As an experienced Navy Wings pilot Mark entitled the first part of his presentation 'The Mighty Swordfish' and concentrated on the fascinating history and practical aspects of flying the aircraft.

His well illustrated presentation dealt with the history and future of Navy Wings together with details and status of the iconic aircraft owned and operated by Navy Wings, including the Sea Vixen, Sea Hawk, the two Sea Fury’s and of course the three Swordfish.

3^rd September: Kim Sharman - ‘How the Royal Navy helped to win the Battle of Britain’

Cold War Sea Vixen pilot Kim returned with a timely, very different and well researched subject. Whilst never taking anything away from “The Few”, this talk related that there were many thousands of participants in the Battle of Britain - including the Royal Navy. It also illustrated how superior planning, equipment and 'Lady Luck' ensured victory.

4^th June: Ben Goodlad - ‘ TSR2: A Missed Opportunity? ’

The BAC TSR2 was designed as a supersonic nuclear bomber at the height of the Cold War with a first flight in September 1964. Cancellation of the aircraft early the following year remains controversial and continues to arouse strong feelings. Ben is currently completing an Aero Engineering degree course at Southampton University and has researched the aircraft in depth. TSR2 was considered the most technically advanced aircraft in the world and Ben gave a balanced analysis of the project with emphasis on how far the engineering challenges contributed to its cancellation.

7^th May: Bob Wealthy – ‘Restoration of Britten-Norman Islander G-AVCN’

Bob is chairman of the Britten-Norman Aircraft Preservation Society and heads the team of enthusiasts restoring G-AVCN, the third Islander aircraft built and the first production aircraft.

G-AVCN was recovered in a derelict state from Puerto Rico in 2000 and is now, over fifty years after it’s first flight, well on the way to full restoration at the Society’s workshop at Binstead near Ryde. Bob was well qualified to report on the project bringing us up to date on progress, fund raising and future plans.

2^nd April: Jack Froelic – ‘Flying the Caribou in Vietnam with the USAF'

Jack served a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam (1968-1969) flying the C-7A Caribou in support of the 5th Special Forces.

5^th March: Paul Beaver – ‘The Real Eric Brown'

5^th February: Bob Wealthy – ‘Flying Boats and Float Planes Around The World'

15^th January: Steve Alcock – ‘R. J. Mitchell and his Aircraft Designs'

2015

14^th December - Tony Hunt ( BWAG Member ) - 'An Air Gunner’s Tale 1944/1945 - and an Amazing Co-incidence'

BWAG member Tony Hunt described his father’s war service in the RAF as an air gunner with 199 Squadron of 100 Group, Bomber Command, completing 42 missions over Germany before demobilisation in 1945. He also covered his father Eric’ s civilian job as an air traffic controller at the flying boat base in Southampton Docks before and after the War, with photographs illustrating both periods, as well as other incidental photos of aviation interest. A full house of interested members enjoyed this excellent presentation supported by a number of artefacts of the period.

16^th November - Kim Sharman - ‘The Jumbo that nearly ate Seattle’

Kim followed his Fleet Air Arm career with many years flying the Boeing 747 with Cathay Pacific, largely operating out of Hong Kong. His talk confirmed that he was extremely well qualified on the practical aspects of the subject also having made a study of the impact of the project on the manufacturers. Both aspects were fully covered in Kim’s usual informative and entertaining style.

19^th October - John Cairns - ‘The Battle of the Atlantic’

John’s comprehensive presentation covered the roles of both naval and air forces in the pivotal campaign to counter the U-boat and surface raider threat to the nation’s Atlantic lifeline. His long service flying career involved the Shackleton, Vulcan and Nimrod. He was then a staff officer with HQ 1 Group and OC Ops at RAF Gibraltar, followed by a 10 year posting with the RN. Later John organised the Farnborough flying and static displays 2006/8 and spent four years lecturing at HMS "Sultan.” Another good evening which attracted one of our biggest audiences

21^st September - Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork - ‘The Battle of Britain - A Wider Approach’

Graham made a welcome return with a topical and well illustrated review on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Both the background from the German point of view and types and numbers of aircraft involved on both sides were detailed but the major emphasis of the presentation was on the people involved in the successful outcome. The many nationalities and character of the pilots, together with the vital work of ground crew, Observer Corps, Radar, anti-aircraft gunnery, barrage balloon crews and civil defence were all mentioned. Graham also made clear the new importance of the women’s services in the conflict, particularly in the radar and operations room plotting and searchlight unit roles. A wide ranging and lively question time concluded an excellent evening.

8^th May - Kevin Patience - 'Air Power and the destruction of the 'Königsberg'

In this anniversary year of its sinking in WW1, Kevin's talk covered the story of early use of air power over many months to track and destroy the 3,000 ton cruiser 'Königsberg' in an East African river delta. She had been a threat in the Indian Ocean and was blockaded from October 1914 until sunk in July 1915. Eleven aircraft were written off in the course of this naval action including two Curtiss Hydroplanes, two Sopwith seaplanes, three Short Folder seaplanes, two Caudron GIIIs and two Henri Farmans.The story was subsequently used by C.S. Forrester as the origin of the novel 'The African Queen' and made into the film 'Shout at the Devil' based on the novel by Wilbur Smith. Following a spell in aircraft electronics in the RAF, author and historian Kevin had a colourful career in maritime salvage and after working in Mombassa wrote a definitive history of the Königsberg and the aircraft operations involved in her demise.The depth of Kevin's research was really impressive and it was particularly appreciated that he had revised his presentation for us to emphasise the role of the aircraft involved and added illustrations and details of each type. A lively question time and demonstration of Kevin's model of the Konigsburg completed an excellent evening.

20^th April - Rod Dean - 'The Spitfire and Seafire'

On the 20th April Rod made a welcome return with his detailed review from the Spitfire Mk 1 through to the Seafire Mk 47 delivered with his usual enthusiasm. Both the meticulous research and his personal experience of 350 hours on the Spitfire came through so well and the two hour presentation flew by.Many questions were answered during the excellent presentation and we look forward to Rod's similarly detailed talk on the Hunter next year. For more background information type Rod's name in your favourite browser.

14^th April - TAG Farnborough Airport - Joint visit with Gosport Aviation Society

16^th March - Andrew Collins - 'The Avro Shackleton'

Andrew described the Shackleton's antecedents, its various marks, updates and various roles with personal experiences and some of the incidents in which it was involved. He joined the RAF as a pilot after leaving University in 1967, logging about a thousand hours on Shackletons. He then converted to Nimrods where, apart from a few years in Training Command, he spent the rest of his career until 1998. Andrew then joined the Flight Operations team of British Aerospace/BAE Systems on the Nimrod MRA 4 project until retirement in 2005.

16^th February – Steve Alcock - ‘Flying Boats and Seaplanes of the Solent - An introduction’

Steve is manager of the Solent Sky Museum in Southampton, following a career in the public and private sectors and also service with the RAF in the UK and Germany. The presentation introduced the unique aviation history of the Solent and surrounding area, including the varied products of Saunders-Roe and Supermarine. Steve will also reminded us of the exhibits in this aviation museum and the reserve collection and a show of hands decided that an evening visit would form part of our 2015 programme.

19^th January - Capt Phil Nelson - 'Cold War Bomber Trilogy, Part 1 - The Canberra'

Phil has spoken to us in the past with tales of the Cold War V-Force and other elements of his impressive RAF and civilian flying career. This now expanded and well illustrated presentation covered his time on the Canberra. He entertained a full meeting with an interesting collection of facts, adventure and amusement centred on one of the most versatile and long serving of British aircraft. Phil's amusing and informative tales of his service with No.6 Squadron in Cyprus were particularly well received.

2014

19^th May – Peter Garrod – ‘Flying WW2 Fleet Air Arm Aircraft’

Peter is Commodore of the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) Association and made a welcome return to present his candid recollections of flying many different Naval aircraft types as a ferry pilot during the Second World War. As always it was a rare privilege to hear another of Peter’s first hand, detailed and well illustrated presentations.

28^th April - Rod Dean – 'Flying and Displaying Vintage Aircraft'

Rod made a welcome return following his talk on the Hunter a year ago. His well-received presentation explored the last 30 years of his display flying with particular emphasis on the classic vintage aircraft such as the T33, Sabre, Hurricane, Spitfire and many others. Rod also included a detailed technical review of a number of the big piston engine fighters such as the Fury and Bearcat. The cockpit layouts and the flying characteristics of many vintage aircraft were explained based on Rod's wealth of experience in flying these types. 

17^th March - Committee Member Tony Dowland - 'Worthy Down Aerodrome - A New Perspective'

Tony’s well illustrated talk covered the varied history of Worthy Down, from the opening in 1917 to the eventual closure and transfer to the Royal Army Pay Corps in 1960. Meticulous research and a life long interest in his local aerodrome combined to provide another excellent evening. Fascinating stories of colourful personalities, some very well known, brought alive the many unexpected events, including emergency landings by Liberators and Boston aircraft during WW2 and the interesting activities of all three UK armed services.

17^th February – Paul Marshall – ‘The Ordnance Survey Flying Unit’

Paul and his colleague John provided an excellent talk on Monday. It worked well with both speakers presenting the technical content in a way that the audience could understand. The extent and timing of the constant review of UK mapping by Ordnance Survey was a revelation to those present, as were the advances in cameras and satellite and UAV imagery a subject being unknown territory for most of those present. Part of the presentation involved local information including 3D photographs on a separate monitor.

20^th January - Mandy Hickson – ‘Reach for the Skies'

A capacity audience of members and visitors was present to hear Mandy speak on her life as fast-jet pilot. She was the only female pilot on her Tornado GR4 Squadron which operated in hostile conditions, including patrolling the ‘No Fly Zone’ over Iraq. Mandy spoke with frankness about the strategies she employed to succeed in such a challenging environment bringing a wealth of insights and amusing moments from her time on the front line. Her talk was superbly illustrated and Mandy answered numerous questions from the appreciative audience.

2013

16^th December - Sqn Ldr (Rtd.) John Cairns - ‘Falklands: Maritime Air Surveillance in the South Atlantic’

An experienced Navigator, John shared his personal experiences of long-range maritime air surveillance by Nimrod and Victor aircraft throughout the Falklands Conflict. With a selection of illustrations, he told how tactics and equipment evolved throughout the campaign and described some of the missions flown as part of anti-submarine warfare. John also outlined the equipment in use and his talk was delivered against a background of immense experience in the subject - and not a little humour! He was warmly thanked by Gordon Hamilton for a most informative presentation.

18^th November – Geoff Pell – 'Aviation at Lee 1917 to 1939'

Geoff commanded HMS DAEDALUS at Lee-on-the-Solent during the closure period of the base in 1996 and was thus ideally placed to provide an insight into the history of aviation at Lee, covering RFC, RAF and Royal Navy activities. The surprising importance of Gosport and Lee was illustrated by Geoff’s enthusiastic and well researched presentation. His interesting and well delivered talk was much appreciated by a capacity audience.

21^st October - John Farley – 'Lessons about VSTOL from 1951 to 2013'

John Farley’s detailed and well illustrated presentation was warmly received by a large audience. John is uniquely qualified on the subject as the lead test pilot on the Harrier programme. His talk covered the surprisingly long history of V/STOL, from the early fifties and the “Flying Bedstead” at Farnborough, via experimental German and British aircraft and the Harrier variants, through to current progress on the Lightning F35B project.   A lively question time followed a short contribution on Harrier materials by member and retired Hawker chemist Philip Paull. Copies of John’s eminently readable book “A View from the Hover” were available and both the speaker and members enjoyed another excellent evening. 

16^th September - Caroline Pither - 'The Mission Aviation Fellowship'

Carrie presented an illustrated talk on this charity. The MAF is a dynamic Christian organisation operating more than 135 aircraft in around 25 countries in the developing world. Flying across hostile environments, the aircraft reach the world’s most isolated people. MAF has been flying to the ends of the earth for more than 60 years. They are in partnership with over 1,000 organisations world-wide to bring physical and spiritual care to those who need it most. Details of the organisation can be found on the MAF web-site : http://www.maf-uk.org

28^th June - IBM Hursley – Joint visit with Gosport Aviation Society

3^rd June - ATA Museum , Maidenhead and White Waltham visit

SPECIAL MEETING - Monday 20^th May

Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown CBE, DSC, AFC, RN presented a talk in Bishop’s Waltham on the abortive attempt in 1943 by Britain to develop a 1,000 mph experimental jet aircraft.

The talk was based on his recent book “Miles M.52 Gateway to Supersonic Flight“. Captain Brown was to be the test pilot for the aircraft built by the Miles Aircraft Company but the project was cancelled in 1946 only a few months before the aircraft’s first flight was due to be made.

Eric Brown - now 94 - joined the Fleet Air Arm early in the war and went on to become one of the greatest test pilots in history. He holds the Guinness World Record for the largest number of aircraft types flown, 487 in total - record which is very unlikely to be broken. He is the only man alive who has flown every major - and most minor - combat aircraft of World War 2. After the war he commanded the Aerodynamics Flight at Farnborough, playing a key role in the flight testing of an entire generation of aircraft.

25^th April - Solent Sky, Southampton – Joint visit with Gosport Aviation Society

15^th April - Rod Dean – 'Flying the Hunter and Other Things'

Rod’s lively presentation followed his varied and colourful flying career in the UK, Aden and Bahrain and Oman. While the emphasis was be on 39 years flying experience with the  Hunter, including a period as Strike Command Display Pilot, this entertaining and well illustrated talk touched on many other types.

I found an interesting web-site devoted to Hunter operations in the Middle East.

Check it out on www.radfanhunters.co.uk/mainframeset.htm

18^th – Alan Key and Graham Spiller - 'More Flying for Fun'

Alan and Graham returned with more pictures and videos with tales of their latest adventures on tours mainly in North America with the British Aviation Enthusiast’s Society. Exceptional aircraft and locations were featured in a lively presentation.

For more information see www.baes.org.uk

3^rd March - Old Sarum – Joint visit with Gosport Aviation Society

18^th February - Steve Bohill-Smith - "Concorde, a Supersonic Achievement"

Steve graduated from the College of Air Training at Hamble in 1972 and flew Tridents and the BAC 1-11 in Europe from Heathrow, and HS 748's on the Highlands and Island routes in Scotland. He then joined Concorde Course number 12 at Filton in 1987. He spent the next six years flying the Concorde to the United States, Canada, Barbados and on numerous special charters including two round the world flights. He then flew the Boeing 757/767, the DC10 from Gatwick and became a Base Training Captain on the Boeing 747-400 both for British Airways and afterwards for Oasis Hong Kong Airlines. He is a member of GAPAN and the De Havilland Moth Club flying the Tiger Moth and has Display Authorisations for the Boeing 747, DH Dove, DH Rapide, Tiger Moth Display Team and the Antonov An2.

His well-attended talk covered the development of the only successful SST to enter service, the training involved (including base training at Prestwick) and the operational aspects of a typical flight across the Atlantic using photographs and film.

Monday 21st January 2013

21^st January - David Miller – "The Air Accidents Investigation Branch"

Despite the snow and cold, David's talk attracted a full audience. Obviously, the subject was of great interest. David is Deputy Chief Inspector of the highly respected and professional AAIB based in Farnborough. His illuminating address covered the work of investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in the UK and abroad, well illustrated by examples of evidence and analysis of individual past events. David outlined his own previous experience in the Royal Air Force and with the airlines and his present role. A lively Q & A session followed his talk demonstrating the keen interest our members took in this informative talk.

For further information the AAIB website can be found at www.aaib.gov.uk

2012

17^th December - Bob Wealthy - "The Princess Flying Boat"

As a local aviation historian Bob has made a detailed study of the Princess and his talk in this 60^th anniversary year of the first flight will cover the design, construction and story of the Princess, aided by rare photographs and film of the aircraft. Copies of Bob’s book and DVD on the subject will be available.

19^th November - Peter Vacher - "Hurricane R 4118"

Peter related the fascinating history of his genuine Battle of Britain Hurricane, the story of long negotiations before recovery from India in 2001 and the subsequent search for parts and professional renovation over a period of four years by Hawker Restorations in Suffolk. The aircraft is now well established on the display circuit and Peter’s presentation covered this aspect.

Copies of his excellent book on R4118 were sold at the meeting.

Those interested in knowing about R4118's public appearances from May 2013 will find information on the web-site : hurricanedisplay.co.uk

15^th October - Peter Garrod "Hawker’s Typhoon, Tempest and Fury”

Peter, Honorary Commodore of the Air Transport Auxiliary Association, made a welcome return to talk on the mighty Hawker Typhoon, one of the Second World War’s best ground attack aircraft, and its successors, the Tempest and Fury.

His presentation covered the history and development of the three aircraft and Peter’s unique personal recollections of flying the Typhoon. This was a superb presentation covering the development of British aero engines in WW2, the design, construction and service use of the Typhoon and discussion on the subsequent Hawker piston-engine combat aircraft eventually culminating in the Sea Fury.

17^th September - "Silvered Wings" – the Air-to-Air Photography of Gordon Bain

Gordon Bain has been involved in aviation in one way or another from as early as he can remember. He learned to fly gliders in the late '60s, then powered aircraft in the early '70s. His full time career as an Air Traffic Controller at Gatwick allowed him the spare time to travel the world photographing vintage aircraft. He has flown many different types of aircraft in the pursuit of his photography but his two favourite camera ships have to be the Piper Cub and the BAe Hawk – but for very different reasons!

His first book was a photo study of the de Havilland Aircraft Company.

‘Silvered Wings’ was his last book and encapsulates some 25 years of photographing vintage aircraft. Although out of print it can be found on eBay and Amazon.

This talk covered many of the aircraft photographed but some of the stories behind the ‘shoots’.

18^th June - Capt. Eric 'Winkle' Brown – ‘Some Truly Testing Moments’

21^st May - Pete Pitman – ‘Set Europe Ablaze : The Story of RAF Tangmere and the SOE’

Pete Pitman made a welcome return from Tangmere Military Aviation Museum to cover the formation and organisation of the Special Operations Executive and the exploits of 161 Squadron’s ‘pick-up’ pilots flying from Tangmere to occupied France, completing his presentation with a reconstruction of a typical Lysander operation. Pete gave a highly professional presentation supported by excellent illustrations. He concluded his talk by saying he was privileged to have been able to have been able to relate the story of skill and gallantry of both pilots and agents. He also paid tribute to the groundcrews who kept the aircraft flying. Members of BWAG, in turn, felt privileged to have heard the story so well told.

2^nd May - HMS Sultan –  Joint visit with Gosport Aviation Society

16^th April - Manuel Queiroz - 'Chasing the Morning Sun'

Manuel described his epic 2006 round-the world flight in his Vans RV-6. Details of the aircraft, his route and other information can be found on Manuel's web-site. by following this link :

http://www.chasingthemorningsun.com/home_page.htm

JOINT GOSPORT AVIATION SOCIETY/BWAG VISIT TO HMS SULTAN-2nd April 2012

9^th March - Steve Bridgewater - ‘100 years of Air Displays.’

Steve is editor of ‘Jets Monthly’ and his enthusiastic talk last year resulted in our successful visit to ‘Airbase’ at Coventry. He returned as a life long fan of air displays with a well illustrated review of an unbelievable century of public events. 

20^th February - Graham Spiller - 'From Stokes Bay to Pearl Harbor via Taranto'

16^th February - John Coote - 'Life as a Vulcan and Nimrod Navigator'

2011

12^th December - Neville Culingford - 'The Royal Observer Corps'

21^st November - Peter Garrod - 'Flying with the Air Transport Auxiliary'

17^th October - Sam Evans - 'Vulcan to the Sky'

19^th September - Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork - 'The Men Behind the Medals'

25^th May - Airbase, Coventry Members' Visit - Joint with other local Groups

16^th May - Pete Pitman & Dave Coxon - 'Tangmere and the World Air Speed Record'

18^th April - Phil Nelson - 'Haif a Century of Pilot Training'

21^st March - Tony Davies - 'From Red Pelicans to Victors'

21^st February - Den Willard - 'From Russia with Care'

17^th January - Steve Bridgewater - 'Air Atlantique Classic Flight'

2010

13^th December - Neville Stops - 'My Flying Experience'

15^th November - Malcolm Lee - 'The Blue Angels Homecoming - and more'

18^th October - Clive Rustin - '55 years of Flying Fun - Part 2'

17^th June - Farnborough (FAST) and Aldershot Members' visit to FAST and Aldershot Museum

15^th June - Capt Eric (Winkle) Brown - 'The Post War Search for German Technology' - Special Meeting

17^th May - David Hobbs - 'The British Pacific Fleet'

19^th April - Derek Armitage - 'The Berlin Airlift' & BWAG AGM

15^th March - Graham Spiller and Alan Key - 'Pleasure Flying in Exotic Aircraft'

15^th February - Dave Whatley - 'Folland and his Aircraft' - Solent Sky Archivist

2009

14^th December - Tony Davies - 'The Life and Times of the Iconic Vulcan Bomber'

16^th November - Desmond Curtis - '618 Squadron RAF Bouncing bomb - Turpitz'

19^th October - Ian Maskell - 'An Airborne View' -Air-to-ground photos

21^st September - Clive Rustin - 'Fifty-five years of Flying Fun Part 1' -Test flying and warbirds

10^th June - RAF/USAF Welford Members' Visit to joint Museum

15^th June - Capt Eric (Winkle) Brown - 'The Post War Search for German Technology' - Special Meeting

18^th May - John McCallum - 'Black Arrows and More'

20^th April - Captain Jerry English - 'Search and Rescue'

16^th March - Fred Penson - 'Mustangs Over Italy' - RAF P-51 experiences

16^th February - Paul Chandler BWAG - 'Lightning Strikes Twice' - South Africa tour

19^th January - Captain Phil Nelson - 'Aerial Surveillance'

2008

15^th December - Graham Perry - 'From Whirlwinds to Lightnings'

17^th November - John Beattie - 'Royal Navy Historical Flight'

20^th October - Commander David Hobbs - 'Moving Bases'

15^th September - David Reading - 'Aviation Developments in Gosport'

23^rd May - Tangmere Aviation Members’ Visit

19^th May - Matt Hampton - 'The Vampire Strikes Back'

21^st April - Kevin McGhee BWAG - 'British Airways and Aviation History'

17^th March - Graham Spiller - 'Portsmouth Blitz and City's Spitfires'

18^th February - Carrier Operations - 'Commander David Hobbs'

21^st January - Paul Chandler BWAG - 'A Magical Mystery Tour - Slides of Oshkosh'

2007

10^th December - John Thompson and Graham Spiller - 'Seafires, Spitfires and the Portsmouth Blitz'

19^th November - David Coxon and Pete Pitman - 'Tangmere Airfield and Museum'

15^th October - Brian Grant - 'A Career in the Hot Seat' ( Red Bull Sea Vixen )

17^th September - Phil Nelson - 'I Also Flew Vulcans' ( RAF and BA service )

23^rd May - Brooklands Museum Members' Visit - including Concorde Experience via John Downey

21^st May - Alastair Mellor - 'Experimental Para-dropping - Boscombe Down'

16^th April - Carl Graham - 'The Falklands War'

19^th March - Derek Armitage - 'Glider Operations - D-Day June 1944'

19^th February - Malcolm and Colin Lee - 'New Zealand Grand Tour'

15^th January - John Downey - 'The Brooklands Concorde'

2006

11^th December - Dr Robert Pleming - 'Vulcan to the Sky'

29^th November - Peter Twiss - 'Four Figure Flight 1956 - Air speed record'

16^th October - Eric Reed - 'Eastleigh Airport'

15^th September - David Eagles - 'Warton and the Tornado'

19^th June - Paul Chandler - 'BWAG Slides - Paul's China Tour'

15^th May - Carl Graham -'Eurofighter/Typhoon'

5^th April - Terry Giles BWAG - Berks Aviation Museum & Milestones Basingstoke ( Wednesday visits )

20^th March - Kevin McGhee BWAG - 'Flying the Flag 747 by a Senior Captain'

20^th February - John Farley - 'Harrier to Joint Strike Fighter'

16^th January -The BWAG Committee - Social and Quiz Night

2005

12^th December - David Priest - 'A Flight Engineer's View'

21^st November - Hugh Gibbons - 'Flying Crooked Takes & A Solent from a Solent'

17^th October - Graham Spiller - 'Three Weeks Standing on my Head ( Australian a/c museums )'

19^th September - Ken Fostekew - 'The Museum of Berkshire Aviation'

16^th May - Colin van Geffen - 'The Red Arrows'

18^th April - Bob Winkworth BWAG - 'Slides - Air Shows'

21^st March - Dick Richardson - 'The Strathallan Collection'

21^st February - Derek Armitage - 'D-Day: The Air Component - Pegasus and Merville'

2004

13^th December - Nick Read - 'Brooklands BAC 111'

15^th November - Mike Draper - 'Biafra Airlift'

18^th October - Ian Glasser - 'Vulcan XH558'

20^th September - Paul Chandler BWAG - 'Russian Aircraft'

17^th May - Colin Cruddas - 'Air Refuelling'

19^th April - David Priest - 'CL44 and Guppy'

15^th March - Jon Honeysett - 'Bombing of Vickers-Supermarine, Woolston'

16^th February - David Ince - 'Ground Attack'

19^th January - Terry Jones = 'Fighters of WW1'

2003

15^th December - Denis Chorlton - 'Kelly Johnson and The Skunk Works'

17^th November - Roger Bricknell - 'Concorde Experience'

20^th October - Colin Cruddas - 'Barnstorming with Alan Cobham'

27^th September - Terry Giles BWAG - Shoreham Airport Tour ( Saturday visit )

15^th September - Gp Capt Ned Frith - 'Eurofighter Typhoon'

20^th July - Visit to Longwood Airstrip ( Summer Social - Sunday afternoon )

6^th July - Visit to Lasham Gliding ( Sunday evening visit )

7^th June - Visit to Lee-on-Solent: Catalina Restoration ( Saturday visit )

19^th May - Terry Jones - 'Supermarine S5'

22^nd April - Peter Garrod - 'Wartime Ferry Pilot'

17^th March - Denis Charlton - 'Alcock and Brown'

17^th February - Derek Armitage - 'Operation Market Garden'

20^th January - David Corrie - 'Air Accident Investigator'

2002

16^th December - Simon Newman - 'Theres Another One Coming'

18^th November - Alec Waldron - 'Sicilian Disaster'

21^st October - Capt Eric Moody - 'Four Engines Have Failed'

16^th September - Jim Russell (FAST) - 'RAE Famborough'

28^th July - Visit to Longwood Airstrip ( Summer Social )

20^th May - Phil Clabbum - 'British Military Powerboat Trust'

15^th April - Peter Twiss - 'Fairey Delta 2'

18^th March - Alec Waldron - 'WW2 Glider Operations'

18^th February - Graham Mottram - 'British Naval Aviation'

16^th February - Visit to Lasham ( Gliding )

21^st January - Nick Berryman - 'Richard Noble's FI Air Taxi'

2001

10^th December -Ken Rimmel - 'Typhoon and West Sussex Airfields'

19^th November -Ken Rimmel - 'Typhoon and West Sussex Airfields'

15^sh October -Ken Rimmel - 'Typhoon and West Sussex Airfields'

17^th September -Ken Rimmel - 'Typhoon and West Sussex Airfields'

17^th June - Visit to Lasham ( Gliding )

23^td April -Nick Berryman - 'Tangmere Museum'

19^th March -WalterMorrison

19^th February -Tony Dowland - 'Worthy Down'

15^th January -Alan Brown - 'AFEE'

2000

2^nd October - Doug Gregory - 'Pilot Recollections: RAF and Airshows'

4^th September - Members' Slide Show

PAGE UPDATED : 17.12.24