G'day from Coffs Harbour

[Guest nbrettoner]

Hi,

 

Although without wings, flying has been a lifelong dream of mine, & still 'draws' me with interest.

 

An example being the past seven years detailed research into McIntyre Field, involving many thousands of documents being read online & hundreds downloaded.

 

"Who?, what's this old farmer then?".

 

If only our education department would get it's act together & teach us of our heritage!.

 

McIntyre Field was the largest WWII airfield in the Southern Hemisphere, & was located near Tocumwal. I say 'near'; because it covered 25 square miles!.

 

Captain Patrick William McIntyre was a distinguished American war hero from Michigan, who was tragically killed in a mysterious aircraft accident from Archerfield QLD.

 

He is the namesake of the largely forgotten WWII airfield at Tocumwal.

 

That's enough for now.

 

 

[Guest aviatrix27]

G'day Noel, welcome!

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Welcome aboard Noel. Hope to hear more about McIntyre Field.

 

 

[Alan Spears]

From one newby to another....hello.

 

From what I've seen of this group,they seem a great bunch. If you have many hours at your disposal,there is a wealth of visual history in the 'photo gallery' section.

 

Now that you've got us all intrigued, what is behind ''a mysterious aircraft accident from Archerfield QLD''

 

 

[Guest nbrettoner]

From one newby to another....hello.From what I've seen of this group,they seem a great bunch. If you have many hours at your disposal,there is a wealth of visual history in the 'photo gallery' section.

Now that you've got us all intrigued, what is behind ''a mysterious aircraft accident from Archerfield QLD''

Firstly, apologies for such a late response!. I either missed an update email or have it turned off. Sorry!. (blushes).

 

Here's two links. The 1st one on the airbase itself:-

 

http://www.ozatwar.com/tocumwal

 

This 2nd one is one captain McIntyre & what scant detail has so far been found:-

 

http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/qld218.htm

 

The main website:- (most excellent!)...

 

http://www.ozatwar.com

 

If anyone can add anything or would care to comment, I'd be most thankful.

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

Welcome to TAA Noel. Look forward to your contributions

 

 

[Guest nbrettoner]

Thanks Darren & members for your kind welcome.

 

As time progresses/permits, I hope to share more on Australia's WWII 'forgotten' airfield.

 

However perhaps a little introduction re me might help a bit.

 

Jan 2008 I returned 'home' to Australia, after 20 years in NZ.

 

Tauranga (in the Bay of Plenty region) is similar to Coffs Harbour in some ways, yet these two locations have unique blends of humanity & natural beauty. I am truly blessed to have been able to spend my NZ time there, & now reside here in Coffs Harbour NSW.

 

After some decades of training in the art of Senile Delinquency, I finally attained my 'wings' last December. :)

 

In my 'first' youth, I was an avid motorcyclist, which enabled me to experience a fair bit of this amazing continent, during just over 200,000 miles of touring spanning 16 years. Hence the avatar pic. :)

 

During the last 2 1/2 years in Tauranga I was privileged to volunteer each Friday at Classic Flyers (which I miss heaps!):-

 

http://www.classicflyersnz.com/

 

Please make sure to visit. Not only a richly fascinating place where one can get up close to history, but a true oasis with great coffee as well. Great people there.