DC. 6 Delivery Flight

Arrival of the DC. 6 at Salisbury Airport



As told by Captain O'Donovan who few over to Rome for official acceptance of the DC.6 from Alitalia, and travelled back to Salisbury on its delivery fight.

Our planned e.t.d. from Rome was 1400 hours on Sunday, 21st October. The whole crew were at the airport by 1000 hours that morning and by working flat out the whole time just managed to get the aircraft loaded and ready in time — we brought back 4½ tons of DC.6 spares!

There were 16 tyres in the cabin and all the holds were choc full of crates. Two Alitalia engineers also travelled out with us and they, and a third, are now working with our chaps in the Hangar.

Mr. Delport and E/O Wyatt doubled as 'hostesses' on the trip, and very good they were too!

Above. Captain Tony Beck smilingly displays the string of garlic which he bought at a market in Rome, and brought back to Salisbury with him.

 

Above. The Chairman, Mr. R. M. Taylor, and the General Manager, Mr. Max Stuart-Shaw, were at Salisbury Airport for the arrival of the DC.6 on its delivery flight from Rome. They are photographed with the Operations Manager, Captain M. O'Donovan (left). Captain Bob Hodgson, Captain Frank Flote, Engineer Officer Harry Smith, Captain Tony Beck, Nav/Officer Peter Osborne and his 'souvenir', and F/O. Micky Delport.We flew Rome/Khartoum in one hop. The routing was via Benghazi, and as they passed over Benghazi without having to land there the old 'Zambezi' pilots all gave a loud cheer.

We had a very quick turn-round at Khartoum, took off from there at 1 a.m. and flew direct to Salisbury (approx. 2,150 nautical miles), landing there a few minutes ahead of schedule, at 0940 hours. When we reached Salisbury, and by using a long-range cruise technique, the aircraft still had enough fuel for it to have gone on to Johannesburg if necessary.

 It was a typical aircrew delivery flight as there were seven pilots on board and three Engineer Officers plus an Alitalia Flight Engineer, and a Navigator. The flight itself was extremely smooth and comfortable.

SIGHTSEEING IN ROME.
By scooter of course — how else? soy Tony and Frank who bought a scooter whilst they were there and saw most of Rome on it. We understand that Frank had the licence to drive it but not the courage, whilst Tony had the courage but not the licence — so he drove it nonetheless — and took Mike for a ride on the back of it, up the Via Venito!

Captain 'Scotty' Fraser (right) in the cockpit of the DC.6 with Captain Tony Beck. We are told they look much happier than when Captain Conti, Alitalia's Chief Pilot, DC.6's, was standing behind them. The next batch of CAA pilots to be trained on the DC.6 will be the Chief Pilot, Captain J. R. Orbell, Captains Garner, Wood and Wilson, and Mr. Church and Mr. Mann. They are at present doing a five-week ground technical course, after which Captain Fraser will do their flying training

Above. Air Hostess Mariette Kokkelenberg and Chief Air Hostess Molly Harling seen in the cabin of the DC.6 at Salisbury.

End

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the November  1962 SCAANER publication which was made available by Dave Vermaak

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Ref. Rhodesian Aiation

C.A.A. News - December 1959

 

The first Father Xmas to make his appearance in Salisbury, arrived from Never Never Land in a Beaver piloted by First Officer Rodney Van Rooyen at Salisbury Airport on 14th November. On landing, he gave sweets to hordes of cheering youngsters. Later, he was driven to Greatermans in Salisbury (by C.A.A. bus) where he distributed presents to 40 children from the Rhodesian Children's Home.

---

A Christmas Message from the General Manager

A Christmas greeting should not, in my humble opinion, be an occasion for originality, wit, nor for exhortations for greater effort, for more stringent economies and for increased efficiency (however desirable all of these may be at all times of the year(!).)

Christmas is a religious holiday and a time when the heart warming words, Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards All Men should really mean something.

Christmas is surely a holiday to be enjoyed to the full but not selfishly. The family reunion, the holiday spirit and relaxation from work should not obliterate all thoughts for those amongst us who for one reason or another may not be able to experience to the full their share of happiness.

Coming as it does at the end of the year Christmas is a good time for a moment's reflection and for mental stocktaking of the shelves of our existence which should help us to recognise and to appreciate how much we owe to the land in which we make our homes and to the airline which provides our livelihood. Too often our thinking is back to front and we dwell in our minds on how much we imagine is owed to us.

Though by no means unique in such respects many of us do jobs which impose anxieties, strains and pressures, and for some there are particular home problems and worries. To live and work in harmony and as friends we need to practice a high degree of understanding and toleration and to make generous allowances for the human frailties from which we all suffer. Above all we need to exercise at all times the mutual respect to which each of us, whatever his or her position, is entitled remembering that as men and women we are all equal in the sight of God.

I am glad that there has been this opportunity to wish every member of the staff of CAA—in the Federation, in Britain, Kenya, and in the Union of South Africa—husbands, wives and children—a very Merry Christmas and Happiness and Health in the years ahead.

Sincerely yours,
MAX STUART-SHAW

---

Through a Glass, DarklyWith Christmas but a few days away, there is already ample evidence that the festive season is well advanced. Each morning we open our newspapers at the breakfast table and read graphic accounts of parties which terminated only a few hours previously.

How these professional newshounds manage to cope with their social assignments at Yuletide completely defeats us. Your Editors, having breakfasted on cigarettes and aspirin, have considerable difficulty in piecing together their fragmentary recollections of parties attended the previous night.

One thing remains gin-clear in a haze of muddled memories: that there is only one way to run a Christmas party. All you have to do is to provide adequate supplies of liquid refreshment: the party will then run itself.

---

Miss Maureen Smith on counter duty at our new office in Durban.

End

 

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the December 1959 publication which was made available by Dave Vermaak.

Thanks to Dave for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

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Ref. Civil Aviation

Vic Mackenzie Artwork: Jumbo Aircraft

"Naturally we couldn't allow T.A.P. and SAA to corner the Jumbo market in this country.*'

Rhodesia Herald May 7, 1975
TAP and SAA had introduced Jumbo service to Europe. Air Rhodesia were still flying our second hand Boeings.

End
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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

Vic Mackenzie Artwork: Ian Robertson

September 24, 1974
Ian Robertson had finally been selected to play for the Boks.  Long overdue. He could have made any international side.

End

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Refr. Rhodesian Heritage



Vic Mackenzie Artwork: Air Rhodesia Concordes

"With their sales being so low they just couldn't resist a cash offer."

Rhodesia Herald May 21, 1974

Remember when Air Rhodesia used to run at a profit? Yes it did actually make a profit because it was superbly managed by people like Pat Travers. The Concorde was the most advanced passenger air plane in the world flying between Paris and NY. I think we Rhodesians could have afforded a couple of them and still run at a profit.

End
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Livingstone Airport

 Livingstone Airport Terminal from the exterior belies the spaciousness of the concourse, lounges and restaurant within.

Livingstone's 1½ million pound Airport was opened in the grand manner on 12th August 1950.

VIP's gathered, no expense was spared, and aircraft representing every airline which expected to use the new Airport were on display. Connies, Hermes, Ambassadors and many others, all flew sedately past the Saluting Base whereon sat the V.I.P's. Last in line came the CAA Viking, and one sensed a s1ight1y patronising attitude - 'It's only the CAA Viking'-on the part of the representatives of the larger airlines. But Mike 0'Donovan was at the controls. He hurled the Viking at the Saluting Base, cut one motor directly in front of it, then proceeded to climb away practically standing the aircraft on its tail. Loud 'ee's' and 'ah's' from spectators greeted this performance whilst the effect on the dignified V.I.P. 's was comical to watch.

From the date of that very interesting occasion until July 1956 when Salisbury's international airport was opened, Livingstone was the Aerial Gateway for the Federation.

Previous to 1950, CAA used an air strip which was situated near the present Falls Motel, and BOAC operated the famous Flying Boats from a base, still to be seen, on the Zambesi River.

Today, CAA has a staff of six at Livingstone: two Reservations Assistants two Traffic Assistants, a Traffic Officer and a Superintendent who covers both Traffic and Sales.

The Reservations staff comprise Mrs. May Beckerleg, who joined CAA in 1955, and Mrs. Joyce Pheiffer who has now been with CAA for a year. The Traffic Officer is Mr. John Bennett who joined CAA in 19 56 in Bulawayo, and was later transferred to Livingstone, and his two Traffic Assistants are Mrs. Celia Martyn, and Mrs. Joan Twells. Celia Martyn, who came to Northern Rhodesia in 1933, joined CAA in 1951 and has spent most of her time since then at Livingstone. Joan Twells came to CAA from East Africa in 1955, starting in Lusaka and being transferred to Livingstone in 1956. The Superintendent, Mr. Digby Kartle, arrived in the Federation in 19 57 'on spec' and was offered an appointment with CAA in Salisbury and was transferred to Livingstone in 1958.

The curio sellers in Livingstone enjoy the ready market for their products among
 tourists, aided and abetted by CAA staff.

 This fine picture of the famous Victoria Falls is typical of the experienced by passengers and
 shows the usual course taken by the Zambesi River after leaving the Falls

 The Falls are a photographer's delight and thousands of feet of film are shot  annually by CAA tourist,

End
Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the SCAANER magazine dated August 1959 which was made available by Dave Vermaak. Thanks Dave

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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

C.A.A. Traffic 1958 Vs 1959

Briefly indicating the difference in the volume of traffic between the years of 1958 and 1959.

End

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the SCAANER of April 1959 which was made available by Dave Vermaak. Thanks Dave

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Congratulations Within C.A.A.

 Beulah Bothma, Lavinia Pheiffer and June Sinnott on their engagements.
 Reg Wyles on becoming Sales Superintendent (C.A.)
 Robin Ruth de la Harpe and Jean Bullen on their marriages.

 By the time this issue appears:
 Joe Shalovsky and Reg Wyles of Sales should be in London attending a B.O.A.C. District Sales Managers' course. We hope that the Central heating is working properly.

 It is good to see Sales Promotion Manager RAY WEEDEN around again following his recent long illness. Welcome back.

End

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the SCAANER of April 1959 which was made available by Dave Vermaak. Thanks Dave
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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

Miss M.E. G. Dorehill

Miss M.E. G. Dorehill

 A Londoner by birth, Miss Dorehill comes from an Army family, whose mobility undoubtedly influenced her subsequent career. She received her early education at a convent in Berkshire, later studying in France and Belgium. Following secretarial training in London, Maggie worked first in Italy and then in France, where the war caught up with her. With many others, she eventually got away, and after a nightmare journey in a grossly overcrowded cargo ship she reached Britain by way of Oran and Gibraltar.

 After a spell with the Red Cross, cooking and nursing at a military hospital in Yorkshire, Miss Dorehill joined the Political Intelligence Branch of the Foreign Office, where some of her varied activities remind one of an E. Phillips Oppenheimer story - but better than that,-truth being stranger than fiction.

 On demobilisation Miss Dorehill joined Vickers Armstrong, Weybridge, where a chance encounter with the then G. M. of C.A. A. led her to coming to Rhodesia. Her initial appointment (August 1947) was in Traffic, Belvedere, as driver and passenger attendant. She transferred to Johannesburg when that office opened and has worked there for more than ten years on reservations and sales. Off duty, her interests incline towards music, dancing, tennis and swimming.

 So in Maggie we have a first-class all-rounder - in fact just the type that helps to make C.A.A. 'tick'.

 End

 Dave Vermaak Writes:-
 Maggie Dorehill was a great personality in the airline industry in JNB (Johannesburg). We worked together for the years I was stationed there.

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the SCAANER of April 1959 which was made available by Dave Vermaak. Thanks Dave
 
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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

Vic Mackenzie Artwork: Arrival of the Boeings

Kurt Waldheim (no friend of Rhodesia) was head of the UN and they had imposed sanctions on Rhodesia. This was the dam wall bursting with Kurt valiantly trying to stem the flow of Boeings flying into Rhodesia. A proud day for Rhodesians.

End
Cartoon made available to ORAFs by Vic Mackenzie. Thank you Vic.

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 Suggested viewing http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-secure-future.html

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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

Opening of Dona Bridge (Mozambique)

 The opening of the bridge across the Zambesi at Dona Ana, 7th June, 1936. Our picture shows left to right:— Mr. D. Patterson, Genera! Manager, Beira Port Works, Mr. Learmouth, Resident Engineer, Capt. J. A. C. Florence. The aircraft is the famous Leopard Moth, VP-YAT.

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the November 1961 (Vol 3) (No.11) SCAANER publication of Central African Airways which was made availabe by Dave Vermaak. Thanks Dave

Readers may wish to visit http://rememberbeira.blogspot.com/2010/03/dona-ana-bridge.html  to view a photograph of the said bridge.

The blog "Remember Beira" can be views at http://rememberbeira.blogspot.com/
Please note that early in 2013 I will be loading further postcards and images to this blog.
 
To view an article Captain J.A.C. Florence please visit the link below
 Visit: http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2012/11/captain-jac-florence.html

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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

Vic Mackenzie Artwork : Secret Talks

"Well, they're not going cloud-seeding. That I do know."

Sunday Mail December 7, 1974 The Rhodesian and South African Governments were in secret talks with the Ters. The media were not allowed to report on these (secret) talks being held in strange African countries. The newspapers were not allowed to print stories but I guess they had forgotten about the cartoonist who could draw those cheeky pictures.

"I see they've brought their coffee tasters along with them"

Sunday Mail July 6, 1975  Again secret talks with the Ters. They had to use Jumbo jets to transport all the entourage of the Ter delegations. Some things never change. We should have seen this coming a mile away.

End

Cartoons made available to ORAFs by Vic Mackenzie. Thank you Vic.

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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

The Opening of Bulawayo Airport

The first C.A.A., Viscount RMA "MWERU" to land at Bulawayo Airport.
Here shown in front of the new buildings.

On the 5th January, 1959, we, Central African Airways, the National Airline of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, moved our services from the old Kumalo Airport, Bulawayo, to the new Bulawayo Airport and introduced to Bulawayo for the first time, Viscount schedules which are now operated regularly between Salisbury and Bulawayo. Six services a week in each direction are also operated by C.A.A. and S.A.A. (South African Airways) Viscounts between Bulawayo and Johannesburg.

The new airport, built at a cost of £960,000. conforms to classification D. 3 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, but is capable of extension to classification C. 3.

The two-floored terminal building contains restaurant, lounge and bar facilities, and wave base on the first floor and concourse, weigh bays, customs, immigration and health, airline and operating offices and freight store on the ground floor. The concourse and public spaces of the terminal are being heated by a system of under floor electric elements, believed to be the first such station in the Federation and one with the advantages of low capital and running costs. Contiguous with the terminal building at first floor level is the control building, housing an air-conditioned, sound-proof control room, telecommunications, meteorological offices, briefing rooms, equipment and control rooms and the Airport Manager's office. Both buildings are of contemporary design.

Nearly 20 miles of cable have been buried on the site to feed the duplicate runway and taxi lights, flashing beacon and red lead-in lights and stand-by diesel generating plant is installed to take over automatically in case of any interruption in the power from the Electricity Supply Commission.

There is also a modern sewage disposal works to handle a total flow of 34,000 gallons of sewage per day with a possible extension to twice this capacity, while 5,000,000 gal1on storage tanks deal with the water supply from the Bulawayo Municipality. Approximately six miles of piping completes the reticulation within the airport boundaries.

The main runway, present length 6,600ft. by 150ft. wide, and ultimate length obtainable 10,800ft., is designed to take an equivalent single isolated wheel load of 60,000 lbs. at a tyre pressure of 100 lbs. It has a concrete strip at the western end to offset blast and heat from jet aircraft and the apron too is concrete. There are two hydrant fuelling bays on the apron.

Fire services, transferred from Kumalo consist of two major fire tenders, one water tanker, one minor foam tender, one rescue saw tender and one ambulance.

Telecommunications service and aids to navigation include the main aerodrome non-directional radio beacon, an inner, an outer locator non-directional radio beacon, a holding non-directional radio beacon at Essexvale, v.h.f. automatic direction finding equipment, the distance measuring equipment, and the normal air-to-ground and point-to-point radio and teleprinter facilities provided at major Federal aerodromes and storm detection radar equipment operated by a Meteorological Department.

The completion date for major civil engineering works is March 31st, 1959.

A 'MOVING" DAYfor C. A. A. Bulawayo.

It was not without a feeling of nostalgia that we left Kumalo, watching the old, squat buildings fade into the distance as our assorted convoy, headed by a vintage Ford Anglia, trundled onto the highway. Behind us followed two five-ton trucks loaded with the impahle (belongings) of our African staff who were clinging to their belongings with grim determination.

Bulawayo Airport (not Woodvale, please) is situated some fourteen miles from the city. At night, when the coloured runway lights shine against a gleaming rainbow backdrop of Bulawayo's myriad visitors are afforded a splendid impression of the city.

The airport buildings are not only attractive but promise, when completed, to offer first-class traffic handling facilities, and have the added advantage of providing staff offices with windows overlooking the tarmac.

At 21.00 hours on January 4th 1959 Flight CE 843 from Salisbury landed in a rainstorm. It was the first Viscount on a scheduled flight to touch down at the new airport

The next day one of its passengers volunteered this comment: 'I was very impressed at your superintendent standing soaking in the rain helping passengers into the coaches. I also found your staff most helpful.' Such words of praise to start the first day were most encouraging.

Monday the 5th January saw the first Viscount CE 840 to Salisbury with Captain Nash piloting and 29 passengers on board.

Later that morning Flight CE 841 from Salisbury - VP-YNB with Captain Orbell at the controls landed on the wet tarmac to deposit the Mayor and Mayoress of Bulawayo (who had flown to the capital overnight especially to make this inaugural flight) the Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury and other officials, who were greeted by a battery of Press cameras and besieged by reporters for whom this was to be Tuesday's front-page news.

Having seen the last of the V.I.P. s off on the drive into Bulawayo we turned from the hustle and bustle of Press interviews to the humdrum affairs of moving house. Standing forbiddingly aloof outside the cargo office was our 2-ton Chubb safe, where it had been dumped off a truck and left for us to move inside the building. One look at this huge chunk of metal and faces drooped. An exhaustive search for African helpers provided us with the African staff of the Aeradio, Met. and caretaker's section, along with our own Africans.

The speed used on this job was set - Dead Slow. No other was possible. Panting, straining, sweating ... coloured by a painful grunt from one unfortunate African who forgot to remove his finger in time as the mighty safe was heaved onto rollers; the movement of this one important piece of office equipment caused us more labour than the rest of the moving. But it had to be done. So far only one member of staff has been misguided so as to suggest to the Station Supt. that the safe has been wrongly positioned in the Cargo Office!

Thus ended our memorable first day at Bulawayo Airport.

The C.A.A.. Display in the Concours at the Bulawayo Airport made by Bill Rankine of Display.

Interior view of our Sales Office in Tregar House, Abercorn Street.

End

Stop Press

We quote the following from a recent Government Notice ....

'It is hereby notified that His Excellency the Governor General has been pleased, in terms of Section 4 of the Public Health Amendment Act., to designate the Salisbury and the Bulawayo Airports as sanitary airports..'
Nice to know that we are 'clean round the bend'.

End



All articles and photographs were extracted from the SCAANER of April 1959 which was made available by Dave Vermaak.

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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation

Ndola C.A.A.

Two Of Our Viscount Fleet on Ndola Airport Apron.

For nearly 10 years, the C.A.A. office was situated in very small premises in St. Patrick's Road. In later years, it was affectionately (?) called the 'Black Hole of Ndola'.

Ndola had been somewhat a Cinderella and it was with a sigh of relief that we took possession of the new Terminal in Broadway during May 1958.

The Ground Floor Passenger Booking Office is pleasantly decorated in pastel colours with modern, light wood chairs, tables and counter. A writing desk and private telephone for passengers' use are added features. Behind the counter the Cashier has a glass screened office. Stairs lead to the Space Control unit on the first floor. This consists of a large room for control board, enquiries desk, central revolving table for correspondence, charts and files, and typist (with Phillips type P.A.B.X. telephone system controlled from s desk). A separate telex room and additional office for Reservations Superintendent and Area Sales Representative complete the 1st floor set-up.

Present staff consist of following - (Reservations)
Mr. J.K. Bone - Area Sales Rep. N.R
Mr. S.E. Hall - Reservations Superintendent
Mr. H. Hanson - Deputy Reservations Superintendent.
Mr. R. Frank - Senior Clerk (Counter)
Mr. W. Dean - Regional/Domestic Control and Correspondence.
Mrs. T. Simmons - Regional/Domestic Control and Correspondence
Mrs. D. Valentine - Regional/Domestic Control Correspondence.
Mrs. D. Andrade - Regional/Domestic Control Correspondence.
Mrs. V. Haslehurst - New Bookings and Pre-flight
Miss C. Kinsley - New Bookings and Pre-flight
Mrs.M. Browne - Typist/Telephone
Mrs. W. Scheepers - Cashier

Mr. Hanson ('Horace') has served since Imperial Airways days in Airlines with B.O.A.C., WAAC, and C.A.A. for a total of 20 years. Syd Hall is next in service with 7½ years in BOAC in Operations (ground radio), Traffic and Sales Divisions. He has been with C.A.A. since May 1951, making a total of 15 years in airlines.

The Ndola reservations unit covers the entire Copperbelt and therefore caters for Ndola, Kitwe, Luanshya, Mufulira, Chingola and Bancroft. A number of bookings are also effected for Broken Hill as well as out lying districts in the Northern Province. Expansion in air travel has been tremendous the past years and there are now 15 travel agents in the area covering all IATA carriers.

At the Airport, where a large variety of freight is handled including, we learnt recently, lottery tickets!, Station Supt. Mike Eksteen and his staff have not been so fortunate in obtaining new working premises, nevertheless they manage to keep what they have in reasonably spick and span condition.

The staff at the Airport consists of the following: -

Mr. M.C.C. Eksteen
Mr. C. Lillycrop
Mr. H.L. Armstrong
Mr. P. Tidman
Mr. Hill
Miss Watson
Miss Jones
Miss Van Dyk
Miss Kokkin

while the Freight Office in town is manned by:
Mr. D. Coleman
Mr. Cowley
Mrs. Le Versha.

The Engineers are:-
Mr. A.N. Wawn
Mr. W.J. Rheeder.

The Senior Station Engineer, Mr. Wawn, has been with us since September, 1946.


Behind the scenes at C.A.A.'s Ndola Sales Office

End
Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the Scaaner publication of April 1959 which was made available to ORAFs by Dave Vermaak. Thank you Dave.
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Ref. Rhodesian Aviation



Snake in the Cockpit

Vic Mackenzie made the above memory available to ORAFs.

Vic's motivation for the cartoon:-
I used to play touch rugby with the McGeorge brothers at lunchtime.

I remember them telling me the story about their weekend adventures with this huge snake wriggling around in the cockpit when Mike was up in the sky. I didn't have an idea of what I was going to draw that day (not unusual) so I went back to the office and nailed it. The McGeorge brothers were inspirational. They were always physically active never allowing their age to dictate their lifestyle. Great guys.

Tim Musto (RhAF) made this information, from the publication as indicated, to ORAFs



MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS? (Extracted from the above publication)

The pilot of a light aircraft towing a glider over Warren Hills, Salisbury, Rhodesia, had to think quickly when a snake crawled up his leg.

Mike McGeorge, a Salisbury photographer, was wearing shorts. He watched the snake crawl up his leg and waited until it reached his thigh, which was level with the cabin door. Then he quickly opened the cabin door and threw the snake out at a height of 360m
The pilot of the glider he was towing, Ted Pearson, thought it was a rope falling from the aircraft.

The snake first showed its head at an altitude of about 150m. It poked its head through a wing root into the cabin. Mike did not have a radio and so was unable to let anyone know about the snake. He blocked the opening with a handkerchief, but the snake poked its head through another hole. He blocked this hole with a hat.
The snake was determined to find its way into the cabin, however, and the next time he saw it was when it started crawling up his leg.
Mike said he thought it was a Boomslang — a poisonous snake. It was bright green, had big eyes and was about 75cm

"I had plenty of time to study it while it was crawling up my leg," he said.

Reprinted from the Salisbury Herald

The above photograph is of Ted Pearson (the chap in the glider that Mike was towing when the snake stowaway appeared) in a Nimbus on his final run in the 1976 Rhodesian Gliding Nationals

Picture taken by John McGeorge and used by Sailplane & Gliding (UK) on their front cover in Feb/March 76 The picture is more of Ted Pearsons glider. Although Ted is in it flying, all you see is the glider dumping water on its approach.

From Bill Teague (SAAF and RCAF)

My late close friend from gliding days was Ted Pearson who ended his days in Rhodesia/Zim. As I mentioned he has two sons, also both pilots and gliding enthusiasts. Brad lives in England, and Nigel in the Cape in the small town of Bathurst. I remain in touch with both & have visited both in recent years.

Well, less than a week ago I was discussing this snake story with a view of sending it to you as a “Rhodesians are tough” story and am awaiting to get a copy of the cartoon to include with it, when lo and behold you pre-empted me.....how utterly amazing and what an incredible coincidence; I cannot believe it. Nigel has the original cartoon but is having difficulty finding it amongst all of his many possessions, and now I can tell him not to bother.

Nigel’s account of the story is below; enjoy it as it’s so typical.

There are several other snake/flying stories, but I’ll leave them for another time
This narrative by Nigel Pearson, Ted Pearsons son. I remember the incident well. Ted was actually the pilot of the Glider (STD Cirrus ZS -GHA # 66) and was on tow behind a Piper Super Cub at the Salisbury gliding club in the 1970's. I do not remember who the tug pilot was but think it may have been one of the McGeorge brothers. Ted told us that at about 800ft the tug started weaving all over the sky but he stoically held station and then the door/window of the cub flew open and what he at the time thought was a length of rope about a meter long was thrown out of the cub and flashed past his canopy, thereafter the tow settled down to normal. Later after landing he found out that just after take-off the tug pilot glanced up at the fuel gauge and saw the head of a snake appearing out of the wing root. He calmly took of his hat and stuffed it in the hole. Minutes later the snake reappeared this time slithering up his leg from the rudder pedal area. He then unlatched the door/window and when the snake reached his thigh he flicked it out into space. The Rhodesian Herald newspaper ran the story and also featured it in their daily illustrated, cartoon a copy of which we still have in the family.The late John McGeorge was the tug pilot. Commended for his cool 'matter of fact' handling of the situation. Cartoon was drawn by Vic McKenzie. ( Now residing in Canada)

End

Thanks to Vic, Tim and Bill for sharing their information with ORAFs.

The highlight of this article was to receive a phone call from Bill Teague (Vancouver) - remember I am in Pretoria. Special thanks Bill, nice to speak to you again after all these years.

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A Secure Future

By Dave Vermaak (Air Rhod.)

The following information is from Air Rhodesia's 1973 Annual Report and I believe a tribute to the resourceful and dedicated management that put us into the jet age and gave the sanctions appliers the Finger!

A Secure Future
"A secure future for Air Rhodesia will only be assured when it is re-equipped with jet aircraft." This was the final sentence in the Corporation's last Annual Report.



 

In the late evening of Saturday, 14th April 1973, a small group of spectators on the balcony of Salisbury Airport Terminal were the surprised witnesses of this long awaited development when they saw three Boeing 720 aircraft land in quick succession. A cryptic official statement reporting the acquisition by Air Rhodesia of three Boeing jet aircraft published the following day triggered off a flood of dramatic reports, comments and counter comments in the world press which lasted for several weeks.
Air Rhodesia has moved into a new era of its history and is now in a position to provide services to the travelling public on an equal basis with other associated carriers.

A major step has been taken to secure the airline's future.

End

Thanks to Dave for sharing his information with ORAFs.

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Suggested reading  http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2012/11/vic-mackenzie-artwork-arrival-of-boeings.html

Last DC3 Flight

By Dave Vermaak

This historical photograph might still be of interest to survivors of those glorious days!.

It was taken at Salisbury Airport to mark the arrival of the last scheduled DC3 flight on the route Bulawayo - Gwelo - Salisbury on 31.10.1973.

Regrettably I can't identify the engineer on the wing but on terra firma with the crew l. to r. Dave Vermaak ( Sales Manager ) F/O Hugh Travers, A/H Anne Cambell, Capt. Johnny Fox and Ray Weeden ( Commercial Manager ).

End

Thanks to Dave for sharing his photograph and memories with ORAFs.

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Captain J.A.C. Florence

(Pioneer and Pathfinder)

Although the word "pioneer" Is often overworked, it nevertheless epitomises the life and work of a man who learned to fly nearly forty years ago, and who did most of his flying in Central Africa. Captain J. A. C. Florence, who retires at the end of April, was one of that small but select band of pilots who, in the years between the wars, flew for Rhodesia and Nyasaland Airways—often over largely uncharted territory and with the barest of navigational aids.

Florrie, as he is affectionately known throughout (and far beyond) CAA, started his flying career in 1924, when he was appointed to a short-service commission in the RAF. On completing his service he, like many another, was foced with the problem of getting a foothold in a business world hard-hit by the trade depression of the early nineteen thirties. Following a series of unexciting and unrewarding jobs, during which he kept his hand in by doing what flying he could, he returned to Southern Rhodesia, where he joined RANA (Rhodesia and Nyasaland Airways).

Returned, did we say? Yes—he had been in these parts before. Originally intended for the Senior Service, and educated at RNC, Dartmouth, Florrie along with many another potential NO, had received the chop of the Geddes Axe, and he found himself on the beach. So in 1920 he came to Rhodesia as a pupil farmer under his brother, who at that time farmed near Marandellas. But three years later he was on his way back to England, travelling in what he describes as a "very stern fashion" in an old P and 0 ship at a steerage fare of £16 from Cape Town to London. This repatriation was the result of a serious bout of blackwater fever, from which he happily made a complete recovery. And so to the RAF—via the Wembley Exhibition, where he conducted VIP tours for the princely salary of 30/- a week while waiting for his papers to come through.

On the outbreak of war Florrie left RANA to join the SAAF, and soon become OC 61 Communications Squadron. At one time, he tells us, this squadron hod no less than 53 aircraft of 33 different types. One can well imagine the chcos of the spares position. He was also personal pilot to the Director-General of the SAAF. Later he was seconded to the RAF in Egypt on Fighter Operations Control, subsequently returning to South Africa to become Senior Operations Officer and assist in the formation of No. 1 1 Operations Training Unit.

On demobilisation, Florrie returned to civil aviation in Salisbury, his former employers having in the interim become CAA (Central African Airways)). He gave up active flying, though retaining his ticket for some while, and became Lines Supervisor. In 1951 came well-deserved promotion, when he was posted to Blantyre to take administrative charge of the Corporation's affairs in Nyasaland. During the twelve years he has spent in that territory he has not only seen great changes in the pattern of air travel, but also he has been very largely responsible for bringing them about. For example, in 1951 there were only two internal services a week out of Blantyre, and both of them to Lilongwe.

Now there are 1694 route- miles in the unduplicated network covered by feeder services within Nyasaland, the Beaver aircraft carrying 4,000 passengers a year in addition to freight and mails.

Captain Florence is best known to the people of Blantyre —and in fact throughout Nyasaland—for his devotion to public and civic duties. Both he and his wife have been very active in promoting all manner of voluntary schemes, and for these services he was awarded the O.B.E. in 1958. He served as Mayor for nearly five years and in his last year of office had the unique distinction of being the last Mayor of Blantyre and the first Mayor of Blantyre-Limbe, having handled the delicate negotiations which resulted in the amalgamation of the two townships. The great advances and improvements in street lighting, pavements and municipal parks are largely his doing. He served on countless boards and committees and amongst other activities he was chairman of the Chichiri School Board, for whom he acquired playing fields and the school hostel. The latter, appropriately and in recognition of his services, is named Florence House.

And so Florrie comes to the milestone which marks not the end of the road but the crossroads in the life of one who is most fittingly described as a pioneer and a pathfinder —a man who blazed the trail for others to follow. To him we wish good health and happiness in whatever sphere his future activities and interests may lie. And to Mrs. Florence, too, we send our very best wishes coupled with the sincere hope that a welcome change of climate will restore her to perfect health. We salute you, Florrie, and wherever your caravan may rest we say Happy Landings.

End

Dave Vermmak (Air Rhod.) Writes:-

Capt. Florence who was CAA Manager for Nyasaland. The 5 years I was there was an absolute privilege and joy with him as boss. The periodic route inspections with him piloting the Beaver to see how our handling agents were shaping at the route stations on the Blantyre / Mbeya route, with night-stops at Mzimba, Mzuzu and Fort Hill were occasions to remember for all times!

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris from the SCAANER publicaton of April 1963 which was made available to ORAFs by Dave Vermaak (Air Rhod.) Thank you Dave

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Suggested further reading.
http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2012/11/opening-of-dona-bridge-mozambique.html
http://rememberbeira.blogspot.com/

Ref. Rhodesian Aviation