大象传媒

I read with interst the story by Derek Wilkins as I was a pilot teaching Navigation on Kumalo airfield for some time. I have looked through my log books but unfortunately didn't fly with Mr. Wilkins. I agree entirely with all he says about the early part of his caree, but I must disagree with his statement about the "Myth" of lost pilots.

On October 6th, 7th and 11th 1943, I personally flew six searches for Oxford aircraft No. HN 607 without any sighting. We flew in a formation of three performing a square search lasting approx 3 hours each time, and the aircraft was later found abandoned by another formation.

The official statement concerning this tragedy was that the two cadets, both of whom I had taught, had been murdered by Bushmen. We were ordered to take with us on every trip from then on, two .303 service rifles and I also flew with a .455 Colt revolver for extra protection.

I enjoyed reading Mr. Wilkins story, it brought back a lot of memories.

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