ORAFs Newsletter 28 February, 2016
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Eddy Norris
Feb 28, 2016, 12:37:30 PM2/28/16
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Old Rhodesian Air Force Sods
Newsletter 28 February, 2016
Mrs. Van Tonder.
It was with great sadness that we as the Norris family heard of the passing last Saturday in Cape Town of a dear friend from Gwelo, Mrs Van Tonder.
Mr and Mrs Van as we called them were considered family and stand in grandparents to both Paul and I. Mrs Van had the most beautiful rose garden and was always giving us blooms for the house. Many an afternoon were spend with her and dad listening to a Roy Orbison LP - ah those were the days.
A beautiful, fun, gentle, kind soul who gave the very best of herself to us all over the years. Rest in Peace Mrs Van and thank you for all the wonderful treasured memories.
Our deepest condolences to Gerry Van Tonder and family.
Sabi Crocs and the Strange Tale.
We received the following reply re a date that the Tale took place and I had to laugh at the time frame prompt -
Louis Hartley replied - Wracking my brains- I think it was just before the main rains arrived in late '77 * (Oct - Nov) !
That was based on the number of large rain spiders running around in the shadows !
That was based on the number of large rain spiders running around in the shadows !
ORAFs did a bit of a Google search and found the following Newspaper article from the Register Guard (USA Paper) of 1976 - click the link https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19761014&id=NOVVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4OADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6693,3425847&hl=en
I have to say upon reading this I did find the statement referring to the Croc swimming above the gentleman to be rather fanciful.
Reminders from our Rhodesian Past.
Following our reminder of the 27th February regarding the General Elections, Nick Baalbergen forwards a couple of photographs of the time -
Election day at the Lustleigh Polling Stations - Peter Jacksons Farm - Wedza
29 February, 1980. Photo courtesy Nick Baalbergen.
Election Supervisors Chopper, recoilless rifle left, Wedza Police Grounds, 27 February, 1980. The recoilless rifle in the photo of the Election Supervisors chopper, was recorded in my notes at the time, as a 106mm M40 recoilless rifle, but I am no expert, so would welcome confirmation from any former Artillery or Armoured Car personnel. From memory, the chopper was a 'Gazelle', one of several specially brought in for the elections. Photo courtesy Nick Baalbergen.
Mike Dunn, Sgt Roger Haines (British Bobby), Di Edridge (Womans Police Reservist), Andy Townsend (Police Reservist). Wedza Township Polling Station, 29 February, 1980. Photo courtesy Nick Baalbergen.
Many thanks Nick. If you can assist Nick regarding the recoilless rifle, please write to ora...@gmail.com Thank you.
Contact Sought - Ken Edwards.
Dick Lockley and Eddy Wilkinson are requesting contact details for Ken Edwards ex Rhodesian Air Force and Rugby player. If you are able to assist, kindly write to ora...@gmail.com Thank you.
Corporal Owen Gregg's WW2 Photographs Part 4.
Continuing with Cpl Gregg's photographs of 237 Squadron Ground Crew,
courtesy of Allan Gregg.
In respect of the group photograph in our previous part, Dave Izzett
recognized his father T. IZZETT standing 4th from left in the back row, and
pointed out that the spelling Izzet is incorrect. Thanks, Dave. Dave was a
member of 26 LAR 1970 Intake.
courtesy of Allan Gregg.
In respect of the group photograph in our previous part, Dave Izzett
recognized his father T. IZZETT standing 4th from left in the back row, and
pointed out that the spelling Izzet is incorrect. Thanks, Dave. Dave was a
member of 26 LAR 1970 Intake.
Gloster Gauntlet ll of 237 Squadron. Photo courtesy the Allan Gregg Collection.
Hawker Hardies of 237 Squadron. Photo courtesy the Allan Gregg Collection.
Fort Wajir, Sudan, where 237 Squadron was based at one stage. Photo courtesy the Allan Gregg Collection.
Members of 237 Squadron Ground Crew, Fort Wajir. Does
anyone recognize family members among them ? Photo courtesy the Allan Gregg Collection.
Again many thanks to Allan, Lewis, Peter, Nick and Mitch.
If you are able to assist with any names kindly write to ora...@gmail.com
Capt. Eric 'Winkle" Brown.
An ORAFs reader forwards a link to a story of a very celebrated pilot - Capt. Eric Brown. The landmarks listed in the article are astounding and if you scroll further down the article you will see a title ' more on this story" , just click each subtitle there and it opens to another article should you wish to read further on this epic journey of Capt. Brown.
This is a recommended read - many thanks to Anon.
Cigarettes in Early Rhodesia.
Andrew McNeil forwards; I remember the 45 record of Bob Cage's. It was also played on the radio, at a certain time of the year, to introduce a show, when the tobacco sales were on. My dad had used the same distinctive pack of cigarette... Wow I had forgotten about them, never seen that large size pack since.
Bob Cage bought in one of the first models of Ford Thunderbirds it was Black with a red Interior, which he drove around Salisbury, wearing a large cowboy hat and smoking a cigar....
Wow what forgotten memories, that brings back!!!
Thanks Andrew. ORAFs did a search on the 45 record and found one or two and the asking price ....... a cool $US200 for a USED record. This is where one kicks ones self for throwing that "never gonna be of much use" record out !!!
Death Notifications.
Thank you to those that write in regarding members who pass away. However may I ask that when you notify me that you give me a bit of a back round as to section, rank etc as I don't know who all was what and where and when doing the notices it is a bit nicer to have a bit more to write rather than just a name? I also would like to know where condolence messages may be sent to if possible. I ask these as this makes the process easier for me and also speeds up the time of informing our readers.
I don't mind doing a notification for any Rhodesian as this is not just limited to Air Force. Thank you.
Rhodesians' Keen Interest in Military Matters.
I have loaded the above story to our Rhodesian Heritage site. Click the link http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1140466
Many thanks to all who wrote in and assisted with the articles for this weeks Newsletter, as always it is much appreciated. ORAFs wishes to thank all producers/owners for any materials used in this Newsletter. No monetary gain is obtained nor intended through the use of materials - for sharing purposes only.
Reminders -
AFA (Cape) Monthly Braai First Friday evening of each month.
Contact Johnny Ness and or Tony Cowell for details
Contact Cheryl Grover for details
AFA (Natal) Social
First Saturday of each month (UNLESS there is a home Sharks game on that afternoon (traffic problem!)
Contact Neville Mare (RhAF) for details
First Saturday of each month (UNLESS there is a home Sharks game on that afternoon (traffic problem!)
Contact Neville Mare (RhAF) for details
Photo of the week - Extracted from the Rhodesian Annual Xmas 1931.
Comments are always welcome, send them to ora...@gmail.com
____________________________
sent in memory of Eddy Norris
by Paul Norris & Denise Taylor
RSA & Canada
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