Campbell I.M. (4RR)
Rogues Gallery
AIRCRAFT INCIDENT FOR DOCTOR DAVE
Ken Edwards (RhAF) Writes:-
I retired from the Rhodesian Air Force in 1979 as an Air Commodore. I think the event was when a Canberra ran out of fuel and the crew had to abandon the aircraft. They were on an exercise that I had planned when I was D.G. Ops. They were operating out of New Sarum to Wankie on a simulated bombing run I think. Somehow they got uncertain of their position. I was called to the control tower at Wankie and tried to help them with their predicament. We were not sure if they had overshot Wankie and were over Zambia so they were told to turn South They bailed out when the aircraft ran out of fuel. I could clearly hear the buffeting when they got rid of the canopy. We got a report that someone at Main Camp had seen red flares which was set off by one of the crew who were eventually picked up. Even though it was the Navigators responsibility to keep track of their position the captain of the aircraft was court marshalled, I think it was Polly Postance. Another issue was that this aircraft was the only Canberra with a new frame 21 ? Canberras had to be restricted to a low “G” factor because of the Frames limited life as evident when Roughhead and his navigator were killed after take off at New Sarum. It is a long time ago so some of my may be a bit sketchy, I am sure there are other s out there who could elaborate.
Vic Wightman (RhAF) Writes:-
That was probably Jim Stagman and David Postance who, while flying in appalling thunderstorm weather in a Canberra B2, became unsure of their position (in retrospect their position was probably pretty bloody desperate) and abandoned the aircraft when they ran out of fuel.
John Andrews (BSAP) Writes:-
I might be completely wrong but I seem to remember it was a Canberra that ran out of fuel on a training flight and the pilot was Dave Parsons who was later an Air Zim pilot.
Bill Sykes (RhAF) Writes:-
Herewith the excerpt from \'A Pride of Eagles\'...
If you want more of the story come back to me...
Let\'s see if anyone else writes in.
During Operation Irish Stew, in October, Air Lieutenant Jim Stagman (pilot) and Flight Lieutenant Dave Postance (navigator) ejected from their Canberra over Wankie National Park. The trouble began just about dusk when they entered a line of storm clouds, unusual at that time of year. They experienced repeated flame-outs and re-lights each of which meant taking the aircraft to lower altitudes and then climbing again. During these emergencies, they made several changes in course, so that eventually they were unsure of their position and ran out of fuel. A Dakota from No 3 Squadron and aircraft from Nos 2 and 4 Squadrons were involved in the search and rescue and the crew were picked up early the following morning south of Victoria Falls, having spent a very uncomfortable night amongst the only too audible wildlife of the Park.
George Wrigley (RhAF) Writes:-
The aircraft that went down was a Canberra bomber and the accident was reported by games department staff at Robin’s Camp, who heard an explosion. The pilot was Jim Stagman and the navigator was Dave Postance.
I believe that the aircraft was on a night cross country training flight but am not sure why it went down. At the time I was an instructor on the piston Provost and was busy conducting some night flying refresher training for one our qualified pilots at Wankie airfield. We had just completed a couple of circuits when we were called to fly to the area where the explosion had been heard.
We flew to the location and was attracted by a bush fire set off by the aircraft crash near a long vlei running north south that could be clearly seen in the moonlight conditions. However, despite circling over the area for over an hour before we had to return to base, there was no evidence that anyone had survived the accident.
The next day I was asked to guide the pilots of an Air force DC3 that had been sent to the Wankie airfield and shortly after arriving overhead the vlei, we soon saw both the pilot and navigator, who were later picked up by helicopter.
When I had a chance to speak to Dave Postance, the navigator, he informed me that while we had circled overhead the area the previous night, it had disturbed a pride of lions and driven them towards his position. Apparently this had made it difficult for him to get a decent night’s sleep.
I believe that the pilot, Jim Satgman, went on to fly for the Emirates and shortly after, Dave fulfilled his ambition to become a pilot and flew for Air Rhodesia and eventually ended up flying for Qantas Airlines.
I am sorry that I can’t give you more details but no doubt there others who may be able to shed more light on the matter.
KEN DE GOVEIA NEWS
No further news on how Ken is doing remember he is tough little bugger so will be back on his feet in the blink of an eye.
IMPALA ELECTRONICS
Rob Picton (INTAF) Writes:-
Thanks to you and Phil Tither for the Impala Electronics article - a great read, and interesting to have some of the blanks filled in on how the graft was done on the ground.
Mike Hamence (RhAF) Writes:-
See also: \'Don\'t Let\'s Go To The Dogs Tonight\', book by Alexandra Fuller.
Nick Baalbergen (INTAF) Writes:-
Most Rhodesians who served in rural areas will remember the superb \'Agic Alert\' system. This personal account records a little know part of the Agric Alert story - good material!
Refer to http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2014/02/impala-electronics.html for the complete article and comments
IAN HENDERSON \"ANGEL\"
Some friends alerted me to some new postings in ORAF regarding the late Flt Lt Ian Henderson in mid January. This in turn reminded me of a short verse written specifically for Ian not long after he died in 2008. It’s written from a soldier’s perspective and may ring bells for some of your followers. It’s called “Angel” and I leave it to you to use, or not, as you see fit.
Best regards,
Neville Vickery.
Angel
Death’s hornets swarm and cut through the air -
Fight to the LZ, just over there .
Angel of mercy, down from the sky,
Darting and flitting: giant dragon fly.
Dash for the chopper across open ground,
Scramble to safety, last look around.
Browning guns hammer, hold back the foe,
Slap pilot’s shoulder, let’s go, go, go, GO!
Engine a-howling, curtain of dust,
Lift us away from assegai thrust.
Hearts still a-thudding: dirt, sweat and tears,
Fingers a-tremble, undisguised fears.
Up, up to heaven, quick take us away,
Leave far below the waste of the day.
Clouds red and scarlet, as blood-streaked foam,
Into the sunset, fly us safe home…….
Rhodesia 1978
For Ian ‘Hendo’ Henderson, chopper pilot 7 Sqn
1954 - 2008
Refer http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=322360&comments=1
Suggested reading http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=441455&comments=1
JOHN IN ANTARCTICA
Trevor Smith (RhAF) Writes:-
I have very fond memories of time shared with John when Air Force attached us as temporary instructors to the Outward Bound School in Chimanimani. Our early morning run would leave footprints in the frost – yes quite chilly but then the sun would come up and warmth would be restored. The photos are marvellous – I would love to experience such a trip but no way could I endure plodding along in a deepfreeze.
Thanks to John
GREETINGS FROM PERTH
Dave Panton Writes:-
My wife and I have arrived in Perth last Saturday after spending a wonderful month in Brisbane and Surfers Paradise with my family who reside there.
We are now staying here with my daughter ,husband and two granddaughters who we haven\'t seen for 8 years since they left SA !
I noted that Alan Readings posted that he is also visiting Perth and would like to meet up with some of his old RhAF mates ,I likewise would like to see if any \"Old Tops \" are around to share a yarn and \"cold one\" ? Can you put us in touch ?
I celebrated my 80th Birthday here last Sunday , cant believe it is 62 years ago since I first joined the \"Blue Jobs\" (RAF) !!
Contact Dave on dpanton2@yahoo.co.uk
GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS
Simon Maitland (RhAF) Writes:-
To all the Golden boys, a very hearty greeting and best of wishes for the celebrations. At the same time, congratulations to John and Tony for pulling off this up coming fabulous reunion.
I also pause in thought, for all those who are in the \"great hanger in the sky\"
I feel privileged to have been part of this super heritage.
VIDEO/S YOU MIGHT ENJOY
Bulawayo
From the Micklewood\'s of Cape Town fame and fortune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO6jVGc8fMI
ORAFs SEEKS YOUR HELP
Can anyone assist with information regarding Rhodesia Motor and Car racing. I am looking for the information of Rhodesian Champions and Year, winners of races, both in Rhodesia and South Africa. I have the information regarding our winners from the overseas circuits.
I appreciate am beginning to sound like a broken down old record but I am desperate now for a Roll of Honour of the TF\'s that gave their lives. Important is the date.
REMINDERS
AFA (Cape) Monthly Braai
First Friday evening of each month.
Contact Johnny Ness and or Tony Cowell for details
AFA (Gauteng) Monthly Prayer Meeting
First Saturday afternoon of the month at Dickie Fritz Shellhole.
Contact Cheryl Grover for details
AFA (Natal) Social
First Friday evening of each month.
Contact Neville Mare (RhAF) for details
SMILE A WHILE
Welcome to Budget Airlines
Attendant: Welcome aboard Ala Carte Air, Sir. May I see your ticket ?
Passenger: Sure.
Attendant: You\'re in seat 12B. That will be $5, please!
Passenger: What for ?
Attendant: For telling you where to sit.
Passenger: But I already knew where to sit.
Attendant: Nevertheless, we are now charging a seat-locator fee of $5. It\'s the airline\'s new policy.
Passenger: That\'s the craziest thing I ever heard. I won\'t pay it.
Attendant: Sir, do you want a seat on this flight, or not ?
Passenger: Yes, yes. All right, I\'ll pay. But the airline is going to hear about this.
Attendant: Thank you. My goodness, your carry-on bag looks heavy. Would you like me to stow it in the overhead compartment for you?
Passenger: That would be swell, thanks.
Attendant: No problem (grunts). Up we go, and done! That will be $10, please.
Passenger: What?
Attendant: The airline now charges a $10 carry-on assistance fee.
Passenger: This is extortion. I won\'t stand for it.
Attendant: Actually, you\'re right - you can\'t stand. You need to sit, and fasten your seat belt. We\'re about to push back from the gate. But first I need that $10.
Passenger: No way.
Attendant: Sir, if! You don \'t comply, I will be forced to call the air marshal. And you really don\'t want me to do that.
Passenger: Why not ? Is he going to shoot me?
Attendant: No, but there\'s a $50 air-marshal hailing fee.
Passenger: Oh, all right, here - take the $10. I can\'t believe this.
Attendant: Thank you for your cooperation, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?
Passenger: Yes. It\'s stuffy in here, and my overhead fan doesn\'t seem to work. Can you fix it?
Attendant: Your overhead fan is not broken, sir. Just insert two quarters into the overhead coin slot for the first five minutes.
Passenger: The airline is charging me for cabin air?
Attendant: Of course not, sir. Stagnant cabin air is provided free of charge. It\'s the circulating air that costs 50 cents.
Passenger: I don\'t have any quarters. Can you make change for a dollar?
Attendant: Certainly, sir! Here you go!
Passenger: But you\'ve given me only three quarters for my dollar.
Attendant: Yes, there\'s a change-making fee of 25 cents.
Passenger: For cryin\' out loud. All I have left is a lousy quarter? Whatever will I do with it?
Attendant: Hang on to it. You\'ll need it later for the lavatory.
\"We hang petty thieves and appoint the great thieves to public office.\"
End of Newsletter
Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com
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