Author seeks data on aerodrome
On July 27 Dannevirke’s airfield will celebrate 100 years since the first plane landed on what was then the Dannevirke Race Course. It was a de Haviland DH6 Avro Avian flown by ex-World War I pilot
Captain R Russell DFC and Croix de Guerre.
Local identity Violet Hibbard flew as a 15-year-old with Captain Russell that day to Palmerston North and was back in 1970 — 50 years later — to re-enact that flight in a Tiger Moth flown by John Mackie. She attended the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate that first flight in 1973.
From that time local identities like Captain Ivan Kight and Fred North encouraged the growth of the airfield which was a busy place in the 1930s, hosting famous aviators like Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Jean Batten.
Expansions after extensive negotiation had the field in a good condition to host aerial topdressing aircraft after the return of World War II pilots, Field Air being a major presence and great personalities etched into the history of Dannevirke like Vic Christie who could “land a plane on a postage stamp”.
Dannevirke became one of the centres for gliding — both building and flying — and a keen model aircraft industry also developed.
A strong Dannevirke Flying School grew out of the 1960s and had trained over 400 pilots by the 1990s.
Researcher and author Mike Harold, representing the Lamason Heritage Centre Trust, has been delving into the history of the air field and has been writing a book for the centenary on July 27.
While his files bulge with fascinating information, stories and pictures he still seeks more information about any events, stories and anecdotes, photographs and memorabilia locals may have. The first draft must go to printers in late March. Contact Mike on 06 374 5725.
Meanwhile the Dannevirke Flying Club has been working closely with Mike to have the facility renamed Lamason Field.
The club wants to hold an open day on Sunday June 21 — the date for the annual Dawn Raid on the airfield — to celebrate the centenary. Up to 25 planes could come and club spokesperson Gill Phillips says the celebration should last all day with details of activities still to be arranged.