VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

THE COMOX VALLEY AIR FORCE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

ON PROUD WINGS

So Long Noreen, just for now

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
FAREWELL NOREEN PRESIDENT THE DAKOTA COMING EVENTS MANAGER AND DIRECTOR SPOTTERS QUIZ LIBRARY VWC & Y2K VAMPIRES MEMBERSHIP HUMOUR CVAFMA SNOWBIRDS QUASRTER-BACK EDITORIAL 1-2 2 3 4 5

I clearly remember coming in and asking myself, how much luckier could I be, doing what I wanted in such a nice place and with people I understand and whose company I so much enjoy? ..Noreen the Directors position for a short time and, then, John Low arrived in 2003. Allison, the heart and the memory of the museum, has been a joy to work with; and, earlier there was Tet Walston. Tet, after whom we named the Y2K hangar, was a spitfire pilot in photo reconnaissance. I remember him telling me that it was the coldest loneliest job in the world. He was the volunteer who was most anxious to get the library upstairs organized and listed. He could not get at it fast enough. It was Allison who then moved into getting all the books classified. Tet died in the spring after I joined and Allison continued on with the work. When I was first running the shop; we Ed: Well really miss you, what first led you didnt have any volunteers here to help in the shop or to greet visitors, but Tet seemed to fill to the museum? I first found employment working in that gap in his own way. Courtenay and later heard from my co-worker After that, the more the volunteers joined and Rob Roys wife, Pat, that the CAFM gift up, the lovelier the spirit and atmosphere of shop was looking for someone to manage it. the museum beCarol Smith, needed to leave and attend an came, which is illness in the family. So, I came, applied, was still happening appointed by Bob Richter and trained by Carol today. for a month until she and Murray Smith moved I remember down island. one of the very first Sundays that I worked mainly just meeting visitors, Bob Richter was Ed: Did it fit what you were looking for? in for some reason, along with Tet Walston. It It was just the nicest place to come to and was usually just Bob or me. Then, this huge I still love it. I worked 5 or 6 tough guy appeared in the doorway, all dressed good years with Bob Richter, in black leathers and dark glasses. I had never and, of course, continued on met him before. after that. I clearly remember So, we were all standing around talking coming in and thinking how and the conversation eventually turned to much luckier could I be, doing animals, particularly cats. Tet was talking what I wanted in such a nice place with people about his cat and Bob the same for a feral cat I understand and whose company I enjoy? I he had recently adopted, when our Hells Anworked with many icons. I had known Joel gel, dug into his leathers, whipped out his and Mary Clarkston for quite a while and Joel wallet and there, instead of a photo of family or was then the Director. sweetheart, was one of a pussy cat! You could Ed: You must have learned a lot from have knocked us over with a feather. I just crumpled in hysterics at, this, my first meeting them. Yes, after Joel, Jonathan Rothwell had A little Vignette & history Noreen and her family first arrived in Comox in 1989. At the time her husband, John, was a SAR Labrador pilot in 442 Squadron. They were then posted to CFB Greenwood in 1994 . Noreen and their children remained in Comox, which would be their last posting after Greenwood, to help their sons asthma from cold-country-Canada. John took early retirement in 1994 and returned to Comox. Shortly after Johns retirement, Noreen decided that her children were now old enough for her to return to something else beyond raising her children.

5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

Noreens 10 year account Mikes 5 year account Franks flying circus continues CVAFMA 10 years on Vampire memories More new members Changes in Exec. Snowbirds Photo contest result Quick look back

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NOREEN
(Continued from page 1)

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

of Mike Forbes! All my profiling patterns just flew right out of the window. Ed: Did the arrival of help with your tasks change much over your 10 years? Oh yes, after volunteers began appearing, we got much more help in larger numbers and even began employing summer students, some of whom were and still are just remarkable. One particularly person was Dale McCartney, a history major, who turned up for an interview just minutes before we closed. Bob, Jon Rothwell and I were interviewing and had more or less chosen a candidate who appeared to be more suited to a Miss Universe contest. Then, we were faced by this rather unkempt and somewhat ragged but very bright new applicant. What a conundrum it was for some! With mixed feelings, Dale was chosen and we were ultimately very glad of it. Ideas, suggestions and work just seemed to ooze out of him. That summer, a British woman came in asking for any details we may have of her brother, who died in a crash during WW2 while flight training in Canada. Nothing more had ever been given to his and her mother, who was then still living. Dale sat down with them, got answers to his questions and asked them to stop in when they returned via Comox for the England in two weeks. They turned up on a Sunday, so I called Dale and he came in with a thick dossier and enough information that took an hour or two to go through
THE PRESIDENTS PODIUM

with them in the library. Their pleasure and gratitude were overwhelming. That night, on closing, we found they had left a $200 donation. Ed: After all you have done here, a penny for you thoughts on leaving. First, just gratitude for all the help and support that many volunteers and staff have given me in the last 10 years; Second, Its bitter-sweet but the dynamics of my family, both here and back east are that I now want the opportunity

to spend a lot more time with them all. Something that I couldnt and didnt do before. I have sisters who, because of circumstances, could use some help from me and I would like to be able to give that when needed; and. Third, Looking forward to many more Wow moments of magic in the museums growth and transformation, with visitors from all over the world giving their appreciation.

By the time you read this, the Association will have a new President, Don Manley, elected at our recent AGM. After five years as President, I decided to step down but remain on the Board as a Director at large to finish out my two year term. No riding off into the sunset just yet! When I took on the Presidency, I had several things I wanted to see achieved for the Association and Museum. Firstly, to take the Museum into the community, looking for opportunities to participate in local events, such as the: Volunteer Fair, History Fair, Courtenay Canada Day and Comox Valley Air Gallery exhibition. This would create more visibility and, hopefully, raise more money for the Museum. Secondly, to create a formal entrance to the Heritage Air Park and a memorial to Joel Clarkston who was so instrumental in establishing the Museum. Along the way, several major and very successful fundraising opportunities occurred, thanks to the dedication and hard work of my fellow Directors and the Association members. They were the Canucks Alumni Hockey Game, a combined MFRC and CVAFMA event and the Centennial of Flight Dinner, chaired by Mike Spooner. The Association and the Museum are both going through some changes, so it is time for new leadership to take on these new challenges. I would like to say a personal thank you to past and present Directors for their support and to Capt. John Low for his strong support of our Association. Mike Hendren

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Frank recounts that his start in life

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

M O R E T AL ES FR O M F R A N K S F LY I N G C I R C U S

THE DAKOTA

with the RCAF was strictly as a shortservice commission Retread. Back in the late 40s, the Service advertised to recruit ex-flight instructors from WW II to quickly augment its force. Those who answered the call were all referred to as Retreads. Some time later, while based with 111 Sqn SAR at Winnipeg, which performed transport and search and rescue duties from there to the north, an incident occurred while making a para-drop in the southern Manitoban Land-of-the-Lakes area. It turned out to be a little hairy. The Air Commodores, Group Captains and so forth from Ottawa would often come out to a lodge on Snowshoe Lake on the Manitoba/Ontario border and 111 Sqn would provide ground crew out of Winnipeg to look after them. On this occasion, in May

The C-47/DC-3 Dakota was probably the best air workhorse ever built and, of course, is operating in parts of the world to this day.

shouted drop. The crew, already braced behind the crate, pushed and out it went, but only three quarters of the way, before it caught the slipstream and stuck. The air was pushing the box hard back onto the bare metal of the

1962, a dinghy was requested by the party. Frank was tasked to take a Zodiac power boat, packed up in a large 4 x 4 x 10 crate and para drop it onto the shoreline adjacent to the partys lodgings. The C-47/DC-3 Dakota was a particularly good air workhorse or probably the best ever built. Many are still op-

doors edge and it wouldnt come loose. With the crate in this position, the air flow over the port stabilizer was very turbulent and caused the aircraft to yaw and vibrate. It made it shake like hell Frank explains, and they just couldnt get the crate gone.

erational to this day in various parts of the world. Lift was reduced on the port stabilizer so Frank opened up So, the crate was loaded up through the large port side rear the throttles to compensate. That made the vibrations worse. doors, just forward of the empennage. The crate went in easily enough, but had to be turned around long ways to fit inside. The weight of this load was enough to ensure that it dropped clear of the aircraft when pushed out. Its height, however, was only a little less than the door height and its weight and length made it difficult He then throttled back as far as he safely could, hoping they might loosen the load, even they slowly began to descend. By now, heading over the far shoreline, they went through into the tree tops, Frank called Brace! as the props began chewing up the crowns of the trees. We went for about half a mile this way, when the crew finally managed to loosen and push the crate out, and down it went. Phew!, they were immediately able to climb away and relieved we hadnt bought it there and then.

to slide over the floor to the door opening. That, together with After that event, all Dakota door exits were modified with the aircraft speed needed for control at low altitude, turned out attachable metal cages over the hinges, for when large drops to be a problem. Normally, to get anything a little large out of the doorway sideways it was enough for the loading crew to wedge themselves against the opposite wall and push with their feet when the pilot shouted drop. Frank came in low over the trees at one end of the lake, having its length to line up and make the drop. He had lots of room in which to do it. Down to 100 ft over the shoreline, he were required. Coincidentally, a similar but not so lucky disaster befell a Lancaster crew over CFS Alert. Two crates, roped to each other were pushed out. One crate flipped up onto the top of the stabilizer while the other was caught below. It seems they could not dislodge the boxes and the aircraft dived straight in with, sadly, with total loss of the aircraft. Ed.

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COMING EVENTS

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

Date
22 May 10:

COMING EVENTS

Garage Sale (9 AM to 2 PM) (set up at 8 AM)

24 May 10:

CAFM participates in Cumberland Parade with Heritage Vehicles.

1 Jul 10:

CAFM participates in Courtenay Canada Day Parade with heritage vehicles.

1 Jul 10:

CVAFMA Booth Canada Day - Lewis Park

Comox Valley Art Gallery/Comox Air Force Museum "Our Military Heritage: A 23 Jul 10: Unique Retrospective" Exhibit Open House from 7 pm to 9 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments and nibblies will be served.

24 July to 11 Sep 10:

Comox Valley Art Gallery/Comox Air Force Museum "Our Military Heritage: A Unique Retrospective" Exhibit

TBD Aug 10:

CAFM participates in Comox Nautical Days Parade with heritage vehicles.

TBD Sep 10:

Recreation Exposition (REXPO)

TBD Sep 10:

Battle of Britain display in Museum

19 Sep 10:

Battle of Britain Ceremonies at Heritage Air Park Heritage Stone Dedication Ceremony (will depend on numbers of people who have donated to have a stone placed)

TBD Sep 10:

ON PROUD WINGS
MANAGER N DIRECTOR

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

Our next six months

The first quarter of the year was dominated by renovations to the Museum washrooms and the art gallery and what an improvement it has been! At the same time, many minor improvements were made to the Museum, each one requiring the attention and skills of our volunteers. Examples include updating the CVAC Display, reorganizing the upstairs storage, increasing the lighting on the Colwell Diary and WW I Nurse displays, enhancing the 414 and VU 33 Squadron displays, and adding more artifacts to the post 9/11 display etc... The next six months will fly by. By the end of September, we will have done the following: supported the School District 71 Heritage Fair, had a Snowbirds visit, held the Annual Museum Yard Sale, re-assembled the Labrador and installed it at the Air Park, put a rudder on the Dakota, had heritage vehicles driving in three Comox Valley parades, dedicated Heritage Stones, updated the 407 Squadron, 409 Squadron and fire balloon displays with graphic panels, held a two month art display at Comox Valley Art Gallery, and oh yes, hosted thousands of visitors to our beautiful Museum and Y2K Spitfire Restoration. Oh and, of course, also had a few gatherings involving good food. Lets go! John & Jon

Spotters QUIZ

Question #1 is:

Of what is this picture?

Question #2 is:

What is wrong with this picture? ______________ $10 awaits the most accurate answers to both of these questions. ______________
Please submit the answers to your editor. Email is: rhj@interbaun.com

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THE LIBRARY

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

The Comox Valley Air Force Museum Association Is Over 10 Years Old!
(Have you ever been as perplexed as your editor over exactly how we were formed, who was involved and what NPF and PF funding are? Well, here is the first of a couple of foundational articles, kindly written for us by David Stinson, over the next two or three issues, to bring some clarity to it all.)

When the Comox Air Force Museum (CAFM) was founded in the 1980s as part of the David Stinson Air Force Indoctrination School (AFIS), the School Commandant or one of his officers was de facto the Museum Director. All Museums, in addition to a Director, need a qualified and interested person to organize and tend the displays, maintain the artefact records and organize artefact conservation and preservation as necessary a curator. Having a curator was essential if CAFM was to gain accreditation as an approved Canadian military museum. Financial circumstances at Comox in 1986/87 precluded the curator being a federal public servant. However, if money was available, he or she could be an employee of the CFB Comox DND non-public funds (NPF) organization. Since the Museum did not generate sufficient revenue to pay the curators salary, CAFM joined the Valley Charitable Bingo Society to gain access to BC gaming funds these dollars would pay the curator, cover some of the advertising costs, etc. Gaming funds are the part of provincial revenue derived from legal gambling which is allocated annually to community activities across BC. CAFM hired a curator, was properly set up in terms of specific museum activities and duly gained its accreditation in 1987. AFIS closed in 1995. Maj Joel Clarkston, the last AFIS Commandant, who remained at CFB Comox after the School closed, became the Museum Director on a part time basis. Capt Bob Richter, another AFIS officer having a long association with CAFM, retired from the Armed Forces and became the curator. The Museum continued its successful membership in the Bingo Association and the gaming funds kept flowing, at about $20-25,000 annually in the early years. In 1999, the BC Gaming Commission, manager of all legal gambling in BC and distributor of gaming funds, decreed that this provincial cash should not flow directly to an agency of the federal government, which CAFM definitely was (and is), as an integral activity of 19 Wing Comox. Maj Clarkston promptly organized an application to the BC Ministry of Finance to create a non-profit corporation under the BC Society Act, to be called the Comox Valley Air Force Museum Association (CVAFMA), which would be the actual receiver of the gaming funds. The application was approved and the Association was chartered by the BC Registrar of Companies on 9 September 1999. All CAFM volunteers became Association members. Mike Spooner became the first President of the Association and Chair of the Board of Directors. Other first directors were Mike Hendren, Murray Smith, Harlin Price and Mike Forbes. It says much about their interest in the Museum that all of these first directors are still Association members today. The Association was, and remains:

, separate from the Museum itself; , organized solely for the purposes of supporting the Museum financially, materially and, most importantly, with
interested volunteers;

, not under the authority or control of the Commander 19 Wing Comox; , authorized to receive provincial gaming funds which are to be expended for programs which benefit the community;

, the legal base for all volunteers working in the Museum in any capacity; and , a Friends of the Museum organization, a supportive group of interested citizens, very common for museums
of all kinds across Canada, and a group specifically encouraged and authorized for Canadian military museums by National Defence Headquarters. For those who like mystical numbers, CVAFMA was launched on 09/09/99! David Stinson

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ON PROUD WINGS
VINTAGE WINGS OF CANADA-Y2K UPDATE

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

Work is progressing extremely well at Tet Walston Spitfire Hangar and major works on all components are encouraging:

the chemical application of a protective chromate conversion coating on aluminum. After that, the aluminum will be ready for priming. These measures are our own choice, to give the aircraft a life of at least 20 years; compared, to the standard in WWII when these aircraft were only expected to last a matter of months. No corrosion control was done then. Well be refitting the horizontal stabilizer and the elevators, using the space freed up with the engine gone. That also allows the fuselage to be repositioned for better visibility for visitors. Undercarriage: The parts are soon being sent out to the UK for non-destructive testing by Peter Monks business in preparation for final assembly. Peter Monks work on this kind of testing has the highest level of authenticity.

Hangar: Our Merlin engine will be Weve had tremendous support from the museum volunteers in California by the end of April, for its total assessment and next decisions on resto- helping us with escorting visitors, clean-up work outside and construction of various benches and ration needs; tables, particularly by Irv Fraser. 2. We are getting a replacement 2. Refitting of the empennage for certification is nearing its compressor from the bases Concompletion; struction Engineering unit. Our phone provider is now getting The undercarriage will shortly be in the UK for NDT (nonclose to giving us a landline. destructive testing) and certification; Restoration of the wings in the UK is making good progress, on time and on budget; and Hangar development and maintenance work continues well. The Merlin 63 engine: Weve spent the last three weeks welding together a shipping stand cradle for checking and possible overhaul in California. It will travel in a tamper proof wooden crate. Interestingly, the risk in transit is much higher for pilfering than for physical damage. Less honest collectors will go to extreme lengths to steal parts of such valuable machines. We dont yet know the internal state of the engine. The first task will be to disassemble it and survey potential requirements for its restoration. T294 was designed for the Merlin 70 series engine which delivered increased power, over the 63, at high altitudes. Hence, we may have our engine restored as a 70. Empennage: The rudder is now ready to go back on. We had to build new parts of the fuselage to fit the high authority rudder. Dean, our engineer, has made some new pieces and we have now set up a facility to alodine the aluminum for the necessary corrosion protection. Alodining is

General: I recently represented us at the Vintage Wings of Canada who held a large dinner in Ottawa for a grand opening of the flying season. Attendees included many interested parties, including the Federal Ministers of National Defence and of Canadian Heritage. The work is still ongoing with the Corsair coming here in the last two weeks of July We are currently negotiating with 19 Wing for a Provision of Service Agreement to cement our partnership with any occasional no-cost assistance that may be needed. This typically includes the loan of available tools or workshop space. The projects chief engineer, Ken Hazel, recently visited some spitfire experts in UK to seek out sources of manufacturing expertise, parts and equipment that we may be needing. Throughout the project, we must continuously answer the following questions to decide on our preferred option for dealing with all and any component of the restoration works: Have we got it? If so, is it serviceable; If not, can we restore it; If not can we buy one; or If not, can we make it ?

Terry Chester

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MEMORIES OF VAMPIRES

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

"Visiting Vampire". I served in the British Fleet Air Arm from 1949 - 1957. In 1951, our crew was maintaining piston engined Sea Furies at H.M.S. Seahawk near Helston in Cornwall, when one day a Vampire jet appeared on our hardstanding for a familiarization visit.

With discussion abounding on the future of our Vampire - 031 and its being on conspicuous display at our recent CoF dinner, we often reflect on the legacy of this iconic machine. To mark its role with the RCAF and other air forces here are two brief memories of it by my sister and brother-in-law. Perhaps, their recollections will encourage others to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard and mouse, and share with us their own memories. Bill Cuell

Thrill of a Lifetime In 1954, I joined the W.R.N.S. and elected to be trained as an Aircraft Mechanic in the Fleet Air Arm. Training was completed at RAF Bramcote - RN (HMS Gamecock) airfield, Nuneaton in Warwickshire, England and, in 1955, I was drafted to Lossiemouth, Scotland. My first job was with a crew working on a Vampire trainer. They had almost completed their aircraft overhaul when I joined them, and were ready for a test flight. The rest of the crew had already flown on other test flights, so I was asked if I would like to go along this time. Hardly able to believe my luck I hastened to get "kitted up" at the stores. Soon I was strapped into the aircraft beside the test pilot, complete with my parachute, and we were on our way. I had never flown before, but was so enthralled with anticipation of my first flight that I wasn't even nervous. After putting the craft through the necessary maneuvers the pilot turned to me saying, "would you like to take the controls? My first attempt was very over compensated and wobbly, but I soon managed to keep level flight. I remember looking down and seeing the beautiful shoreline of the Moray Firth, and thinking how lucky I was to have this wonderful opportunity. Now - over 50 years later - we have a Vampire right here in Comox, and I am reminded of my 'thrill of a lifetime'. Jill Balchin. No one on our squadron was jet trained, so although our first run up was enthusiastic, it was tinged with apprehension. We discovered what the "Pilot's Notes" meant by a 'wet start' quite quickly, and used up a full Co2 cylinder putting out the 6ft flame! At this point the aircraft was nicknamed the "Ronson". Next time we were a little smarter. The crew hauled down the tailplane to drain the excess kerosene from the Goblin engine, and draped a large asbestos blanket over the horizontal stabilizer. The next start was clean, except that the blanket blew off and landed about 50 feet away. There was a heavy snow storm the next day, and the pitiful sight of our frozen 738 squadron members trying to clear the duty runway with push brooms gave our Commander the bright idea of using the Vampire as a snow blower. After using much kerosene, the runway ended up a solid sheet of ice, ending any further thought of flying that day. Our crew was all quite happy to return to our ancient piston engines. The Vampire was given to 'Station Flight', and we didn't see it again. Jeff Balchin.
(Editor note: Jill and Jeff are currently retired and living in the Comox valley) http://www.warplane.com/pages/aircraft_vampire.html Bill Cuell

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MEMBERSHIP

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS:

Alan Murillo

Mrs. Joanne Strong - Life member -

Bill Cuell

Capt. N. Murphy

Membership Dues for 2010/11. We would like to remind all association members that the annual dues should now be paid. We rely very much on having a strong membership, so please continue to give us your support. The annual fee remains at $10, but we have discontinued the family membership. As always, we are grateful for any donations. Tax receipts are issued for amounts over $10. Some advantages of membership to the Association are: Being part of a community-focused organization Broadening your network of contacts and making new friends Learning first hand about Canadas role in military aviation An opportunity to develop new skills Involvement in a wide range of museum activities A voting member of the Comox Valley Air Force Museum Association (CVAFMA) Opportunity to become one of the Association Directors Enjoyment of membership activities and social functions Receive a discount at the Air Force Museum Gift Shop.

Lighter than Air

The instructor at the skydiving school would always take the time to answer all the questions, no matter how dumb. One guy asked, "If our chute doesn't open, and the reserve doesn't open, how long do we have until we hit the ground?" The instructor looked at him and with a perfect deadpan expression answered, "The rest of your life".'' As migration approached, two elderly vultures doubted they could make the trip south, so decided they would go by plane. When they checked their baggage, the attendant noticed that they were carrying two dead raccoons. "Do you

wish to check the raccoons through as luggage?' she asked. "No thanks," replied the vultures. "They're carrion".

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CVAFMA Executive 20102010-11
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

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Don Manley Bob Mortimer David Stinson Mike Spooner

Membership Bingo Coordinator Director at Large Director at Large

Bill Cuell Herb Lightfoot Mike Hendren Dave Mellin

Director at Large Val Kaehler Director at Large Chris Tuck

Observer Observer

John Low Jon Ambler

Newsletter Editor Special Reporter

Rodney Jones Ken Oxley

Contact Information
Museum Director Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Gift Shop Manager

John Low, Capt. 19 Wing Heritage Officer Jon Ambler Ken Oxley

Comox Air Force Museum

19 Wing Comox, Lazo BC V0R 2K0 (Vancouver Island)
Phone/Fax: E-mail: Website: 250-339-8162 info@comoxairforcemuseum.ca www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca www.y2kspitfire.com

Spitfire/Y2K Project Website:

OPENING TIMES: Museum, Library and Gift Shop 10am - 4pm except Mondays Spitfire Hangar Heritage Airpark Saturdays 10am-3pm May-September - 10am - 4pm

COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES As always, thanks to those who contribute articles and other material to the newsletter. There must be many members out there who have something to submit of interest to the rest of us, whether a photo, story, or something relevant to what we do and who we are. If so, please have no second thoughts about sending it to us. Contact us at info@comoxairforcemuseum.ca or leave a message at the Museum. Visit www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca or drop by the museum to find out more about current activities. To join our Association, download the application on our website under Volunteer, leave a phone message at the Museum, or drop by and fill out an application. For only $10 annually, some of the benefits you receive include our newsletter, discounts in the gift shop, and a voice in the organization. If you are currently receiving this newsletter by mail, please forward your email address to receive a high quality issue via the Internet. Ed.

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SNOWBIRDS PRE-SEASON TRAINING

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

CVAFMAs 1st Snowbirds Photo Contest

THE WINNING PICTURE

by Tony Gusman, Comox Contest on the teams arrival from Saskatchewan. Faster than a CF18 full out, we had posters made and delivered, media notified and were given a great first prize donation of a camera from the enthusiastic staff of London Drugs in Courtenay. This idea is long overdue. How many communities get to see the worlds best aerobatic team performing in their backyard? People are continually lined up at Air Force Beach, many with cameras, and soaking it all in. Recently, an old friend dropped into the museum with visitors from out of town to remind me that that he took 3,700 pictures last April. To get a good shot you must twist and turn to keep pace with the manoeuvres, have decent equipment and a lot of luck. All entries will be on display in our museum library when the Snowbirds are doing their annual autograph session and, later, at the CAF display in Driftwood Mall. For more information on the snowbirds, please go to: http://www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca/Home.html or http://www.snowbirds.dnd.ca/v2/index-eng.asp Ken Oxley

Theyre Here! Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, and it is time for all the Snowbirds biz Love or hate the airplane noise (the sound of freedom) or the smell of diesel smoke wafting over the Comox Valley, the team from Moose Jaw is here training over another two and a half weeks at 19 Wing, for the air show season. Still a boy at heart, I cant get enough of them, unlike some of my more jaded retired Air Force buddies who have ..been there and done that. Wish I had! Each year we create a fundraiser for the museum association involving the Birds. This time we dreamt up a Photograph

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QUARTER-BACK REVIEW
(THE PAST THREE MONTHS)

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 APR 2010

SKUNKWORKS

DEASE LAKE TRUCK PROGRESS IN T3

CUMBERLAND HERITAGE FAIR -CAFM- DISPLAY

Communications - Theme

AGM and Information Session

431 Squadron Snowbirds Spring Training

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EDITORIAL
Producing this newsletter provides a marvellous insight into the workings of a museum and an understanding of how people identify with and relate to the aviation and air force worlds of equipment and operations. How better could an exarmy conscript, who was once limited to being a mere aero-

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pects in the whole scheme of things. She has also been able to give immediate assistance with some proofing and editing of this issue. Sometimes, I wonder just how many more assistants we will be losing to Hollywood!

plane spotter in his platoon learn all this stuff? The best part is We have a continual supply of contribuall the help I get. tions to the publication and would very much welcome your In this issue, we welcome back Ken Oxley who has ofcriticisms, writings, ideas that would fit the museums mandate fered to be our new Special Reporter. Fresh from his previous roles as a CVAFMA Director and, again, as originator of this newsletter, Ken wishes to find time from his new appointment as Gift Shop Manager in the museum, to contribute articles concerning the Y2K spitfire restoration, the Snowbirds and of representing the aviation of western Canada, whether directly or indirectly. In this issue, Bill Cuell has submitted a small collection of stories on the DH-100 Vampire, David Stinson has begun a two or three part series of the history of our CVAFMA, Ken has covered the Snowbirds pre-season

other special events and opportunities, as and when they occur. training visit and Frank Steven has spent much time helping me continue with stories from his large set of logbooks. Also in this issue, we have just honoured by the brief return of our previous assistant editor, Suki, from Hollywood. We have talked over this publication and how, from her new perspective in this type of work, she sees our place and prosSo, if you have any tricks, traps or treats you wish to share roll them out or, if a full story is too much, try the letter-toeditor approach. Pleasant reading. Ed..

Heritage Stones For Sale

$155.00 ea, with tax receipt Apply on http://www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca/heritagestones.html or visit museum gift shop
SOME INTERESTING WEBSITES: (Ctrl + Click) or (Copy & paste to internet)

http://vimeo.com/7961076 http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=0hvo-vdxJqw&NR=1

The Burj Birdmen The USAs first shipborne Hercules