Air race special 8/10/1953

Rights Information
Year
1953
Reference
39355
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1953
Reference
39355
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Duration
00:14:42
Credits
RNZ Collection
Williams, Ulric, 1910-2008, Interviewer
Pugh, R.C., Interviewee
Wall, Arnold, 1908-, Speaker/Kaikōrero

A report on preparations for the London to Christchurch air race in 1953. This consists of theme music, narration and interviews on location by Ulric Williams.

London airport is one of the busiest in the world and is where the race will start. Mr R.C. Pugh is the airport manager and is interviewed by Ulric Williams about preparations for the race.

New Zealand quarantine officers will be inspecting aircraft for any plant or animal material. Mr D.B. Crozier, a quarantine officer talks about the procedure and the danger of foot and mouth disease.

Ulric Williams interviews Flight Lieutenant S.W. Pattinson inside an RAF Canberra at the Royal Air Force station at Wyton in Huntingdonshire. this is where the aircraft are being prepared for the race. He explains the cramped conditions for the crew.

Arnold Wall of 3YA talks about the stopover point in Ceylon, where race participants will stop at an RAF station at Negombo. Conditions will be very hot and humid in the aircraft but the free tea provided by Ceylon tea planters will be very welcome.