Date: September 18th 2009

The Nhill Anson

A newsletter from the

Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre

    18-09-2009 

Highlights in this newsletter:

·        Fly-In to WWII base in October.

·        Membership of our supporters. 

Fly-In at the Nhill Aerodrome

Saturday the 17^th of October 

The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Committee looks forward to hosting the largest number and the widest variety of planes ever seen at one time in Nhill. The organising committee believes its preparations are well on track and the final result will only be influenced by the weather. 

During the first year of WWII it became evident that thousands of additional airmen would need to be trained for duty in Europe. The Empire Air Training Scheme was developed and a number of places in Australia, NewZealand and Canada chosen for training bases. Nhill was chosen for its proximity to the Melbourne to Adelaide railway link, its flat terrain and for special radio and navigation facilities already in place. The first intake into the new complex at the Nhill aerodrome took place on 7^th September 1941. 

During its five-year history approximately 10,000 people trained at Nhill in various skills. Some trained as navigators while others developed their flying skills in dogfighting, and gunnery. Thousands of bombs were dropped on the Bombing Range south of Nhill. Air armament and gas handling was also taught at the Nhill base toward the end of the war. While much of the base was dismantled and removed after the war, some buildings still exist and roadways, concrete bases and one of the five hangers are still in place. 

Guided walks through the base are planned for the afternoon of the Fly-In. There will also be static displays of aviation related memorabilia including a restored Avro Anson engine and a Rolls Royce Merlin engine. A fee of $10 for adults and $20 for families will be charged at the gate. The regulations under which this event is run requires it to be an alcohol-free event and no alcohol will be allowed on the site. 

Follow this link to see some of the planes expected at Nhill. 

Memberships are due

This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member.

Memberships run for a financial year and are $20 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or direct debit. Postal address is PO Box 42, Nhill, Vic, 3418. Direct debit may be made to the National Bank of Australia, BSB No 083-752, Account No 83-325-2480. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to Joan Bennett: nariel@internode.on.net 

A message to our supporters 

Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. 

This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated. Please contact john@westprint.com.au 

Support comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published.

New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact john@westprint.com.au and make your request known. 

Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact john@westprint.com.au. Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate.