HANGAR TALK - NZ WW1 Fighter Ace 'Grid' Caldwell by Dr Adam Claasen - 2:30pm, Sunday November 17, 2024

Come and sit amongst NZ Warbirds Associations collection of WW1 aircraft for a very special presentation.

In this latest Hangar Talk, leading military historian Dr Adam Claasen will detail the subject of his latest book Grid – a gripping biography of New Zealand’s most distinguished WWI flying ace, Air Commodore Keith “Grid” Caldwell CBE.

Copies of Dr Claasen's book will be available to purchase, and get personally signed by Dr Claasen.

Keith Logan "Grid" Caldwell was a distinguished New Zealand fighter ace during World War I. Born on March 6, 1893, in Christchurch, New Zealand, he served with the Royal Flying Corps. Caldwell became one of New Zealand's most notable aviators and achieved the rank of captain.

He is credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft and was recognized for his skilled piloting and bravery in combat. Caldwell's contributions to aerial warfare earned him significant accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After the war, he returned to New Zealand, where he continued his career in aviation and became involved in various business ventures. Caldwell's remarkable service and accomplishments in the war made him a celebrated figure in New Zealand's military history. He passed away on July 2, 1990, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's leading WW1 fighter aces.

PLUS  The first public showing of the short documentary "TO REMEMBER" that was partly filmed at NZ Warbirds @ Ardmore.

AUT Uni student Hannah Mills' Great-Grandfather, Charles Kingsley Mills was a New Zealander who first started out in the Auckland Mounted Rifle unit and fought in Gallipoli.  However, it was his dream to become a pilot and in late 1916 he was accepted into the RFC.

Hannah and her team spent several days filming at NZ Warbirds @ Ardmore.  Totally self-funded, they fundraised to get the money to have NZ Warbirds fly the Bristol Scout, having it "attack" the Tiger Moth camera plane to get just the right shots.

Following the 2 presentations, we will (weather willing) take as many of the WW1 aircraft we can for a celebration flight. 

Watch as ground crew move and prep the aircraft, including the authentic hand start.  Listen to the purr of a 1919 Le Rhone rotary engine.  Watch as these tail-dragging fighters zip around the airfield.

• Sunday November 17th
• 2:30pm kick off in Hangar One
• $20 Students (please have student ID ready)
• $20 members (digital NZWA membership card must be shown) 
• $40 non-members (all monies from ticket sales goes to NZWA)
• Stay for drinks at Mac’s bar afterwards.