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_The New Zealand_
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The Author: David Allison
David Allison served in the Fleet Air Arm from August 1943 until the end of World War II. After pre-flight training in the UK he trained with the US Navy, gaining his pilot's wings, and was completing operational training flying Corsairs when the Japanese capitulated in August 1945. He took the advantage of a rehab Bursary to study architecture at Auckland University College, graduating in 1951, and practised for nearly forty years, mostly in Auckland, winning several design awards. David has been involved with the Fleet Air Arm Museum for thirty years, designing the first museum in a simple farm building at MOTAT, then in the present aviation hall and has been responsible for later developments. He has been chairman of the FAA Museum committee since 1997 and also acts as archivist and curator. |
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The Book Launch
Flying Navy was launched at a special dinner during the 2009 Reunion of the New Zealand Fleet Air Arm Association. This took place at the Bayview Wairakei Resort, at Wairakei near Taupo, on the evening of the 24th of October 2009.
Sadly the author David Allison was taken ill during the week preceding the launch and was hospitalised, so he was unable to be present to launch his book that he'd worked for decades to create.
In his place a very emotive speech was given by fellow Fleet Air Arm veteran Ray Richards, who was also involved in publishing the book, and his introduction was followed by speeches by David's son Everard and daughter Robin who spoke on behalf of their father.
These speeches were recorded and footage will appear here very shortly.
Reviews of Flying Navy
Coming Soon
The Fleet Air Arm Museum of New Zealand
The Fleet Air Arm Museum of New Zealand is situated at Western Springs, Auckland, within the complex of the Museum of Transport and Technology. Established and run by veterans of the Fleet Air Arm, the museum gives the general public a glimpse into the lives of those New Zealanders who set off for Britain in the Second World War. On display you can see an array of models of the aircraft types flown by Kiwis in the Fleet Air Arm, and various models of the Royal Navy aircraft carriers that they served on. One display depicts Fairey Barracudas from No. 830 Squadron (which had almost all New Zealand aircrew among its personnel) attacking the dreaded German battleship Tirpitz.
There are some stunning murals by maritime artist Roger Morris which colourfully set the scene.Various cases hold artifacts and photos relating to the Fleet Air Arm, and a full sized replica of a Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber represents the most common aircraft type that served in the FAA. Most New Zealanders who flew in the wartime Fleet Air Arm at one time or another, whether in training, second line squadron flying or operational front line service, flew the famous Swordfish, also affectionately known as the Stringbag.
The Fleet Air Arm Museum of New Zealand are the group behind the publishing and distribution of Flying Navy.
Thanks to Ray and Elaine Richards, David Allison, Robin Allison, and the
New Zealand Fleet Air Arm Association for their assistance in compiling this page.