I Miss PNG

[Grogmonster]

Gooday All,

I have viewed many posts on this site from people who obviously spent a lot of time in PNG so hence the following request. I grew up in PNG, where I got the aviation bug, finally leaving in 1975. The last two places that I lived were Rabaul, 7 years, and Madang, 4 years. I have a lot of memories, some dulled by too much SP, but very few photos. I do fly commercially but never get the opportunity to go back to PNG. It broke my heart years back when Rabaul was destroyed as my memory was of it being the best place on the planet.

In Rabaul the yacht Club was a fun place and in Madang I have fond memories of Coastwatchers and the Bastow girl whose name began with L. I met many Talair pilots in those days and back in Rabaul remember flying in Crowley airways Aztec as a pax. I would be interested in finding a source of information for both towns. Any pictures, links or stories would be greatfully appreciated. And finally does anybody remember a German or Dutch pilot by the name of Frank Staffenhoffer? took a punt on the spelling!!!! He took the time to show me over the F27 on a number of occasions. A real gentleman!!

I also have an interest in any information on the Porgera / Karik airstrip if any body can help??

[SNS3Guppy]

I lived in Rabaul for a while, too. I don't remember a Yacht club, though.

PNG was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, yet at the same time I was very glad to finally leave. And, at the same time, I miss it.

I've not been back to East New Britain since the volcano, and sometimes wonder what's become of it.

[tinhorse]

The Rabaul Yacht Club was located just east of Rabaul Travelodge, which was one of the few buildings in this area to survive the volcano - the Yacht and RSL clubs disappeared. The area around the aerodrome and golf club was completely devistated. Really sad to see what was such a beautiful area turned by nature into a wasteland.

[tinpis]

Did you look in here?
What evers missing Im sure someone will fill you in.....:p

http://www.pprune.org/d-g-general-aviation-questions/152566-png-ples-bilong-tok-tok.html

[sundaun]

Could probably help you a bit on all 3, F.S. made it to F27 Command with Ansett MAL in 69 but disappeared either back to Europe or to Jetair DC3s same year. There are others more current than I, but my most recent "layovers" in Madang were with the company of John Cheung at the Sports club and stayed with Gyp Fitzgerald (born on the Sepik) at the Madang Inn. I couldn't afford Sir Peter Barter's establishment. Only 2 accommodation/drinking joints in old Rabaul, Curtain Bros had the Kaivuna, and Susie's parents had the other, so when Brian married Susie they threw the motel in with her. Apart from the old Steamies store near the oil depot, not much else exists. Kokopo is humming, all the Banks and business houses are out there near the airport. I stay at Simon Foo's guest house. Simon is/was a director of Air Niugini. Both towns are still great for a visit if you are streetwise and a straight male. Travel is expensive, but a couple of years ago there was a fast ferry network which was quite cheap. I can't help you with John Bastow's daughter. I don't want this to become a dideedie thread, but current aviation entities at Madang would only be Jan Booij (Hevilift) from Kainantu and the indefatigueable James Moresby Birrell & Col Bubner (ex Airlink) and John Cheung (Island Airways) Some of this is a year or so back, so more up to date info. will probably come out of it. Tony & Stewart Honey were schooled in Rabaul, their father was a FIS officer, both are still in Moresby, Tony heads up RH, the parent Company of Tropic Air.

[Grogmonster]

Sundaun,

I went to school with the Honey's. Court St primary school, but I remember them. You say one of them is with RH??? What company is that? I have been away for a long time so very out of touch.

[shnev]

'morning tru :ok:

i took these in February this year, all from Rabaul

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v185/150/91/727565357/n727565357_869163_6225.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v185/150/91/727565357/n727565357_869164_6526.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v169/150/91/727565357/n727565357_831773_5894.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v171/150/91/727565357/n727565357_848888_5664.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/150/91/727565357/n727565357_869047_8906.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/150/91/727565357/n727565357_869091_510.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/150/91/727565357/n727565357_869093_1043.jpg

[sundaun]

Tony should be at PNG Forest Products at Bulolo or POM, unless you speak Malay dont ring RH. Stewart is at Hastings Deering POM.Re Kairek/Porgera an old bastard I know wrote a line on same at PNG place bilong tok tok under pseudo Yerex. He used to fly 185s into Porgera and later a Kingair into Kairek. It should come up under his name

[tinpis]

Nice to hear of Cheungy :ok:
How come he never got a gong?
Learnt most of my pidjin listening to him talking to the HLS bois we dragged in from the bush (HLS Highland slave labour)
The Madang hotel Hauswin where in the olden days the air would be rent with screams of one of Duke Elegants conquests getting the business :E

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/tinpis/madang.jpg?t=1228046174

[Bullethead]

I missed it coming south from NRT a couple of weeks ago, it was turned off! :sad:

I used to spend a bit of time in PNG during my RAAF days, Rabaul, Madang, Moresby, Goroka, Lae etc. Always had a great time. :ok:

Regards,
BH.

[Grogmonster]

Thanks for the comments and photos. The old Tolai meris at the boong (market) bring back memories and it looks like Matupit volcano has grown in size. I assume the new strip is at Kokopo. Is that the one now called Tokua or something similar? The Cheungs must just about own Madang now in much the same way as the Chans had a big interest in Rabaul. Keep it coming this is great.

[Sharpie]

Ha! Frank ST. After Ansett , he flew F27's in Japan for some time and received a citation for doing a good job after one stopped. Later opened a Motel up in Australia somewhere I think in Victoria, and heard that he changed his christian name by deed poll to "Captain". Was on a TV program some years ago about his motel.

After the collapse of Airlink, Col I believe is still in Madang, James Moresby has an establishment in Cambodia where he does not invite too many of his ex PNG mates as they may drink his draught supply dry! I was going to lob-in on him recently when I had to renew a visa but the cunning old sod would/could/did not give me his address. His star boarder is another well known territorian of repute, nick-named 'Shaggs'. or not too many miles away from that!

If you can track down Dennis Gray ex Patair/ex Ansett APNG, ex Ansett Aof A and ask if he will provide you with a disk or two of his photo collection, the trouble getting same is well worth the cost and effort. Photos from pre war to 1970's. His unc was TAA CP at one stage.:)

[Brian Abraham]

Frank Staffenhoffer
Captain Staberhofer. One and the same is it? Can be found here Captains Lodge International - VIP- Restaurant, Tourist Hotel, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia (http://www.captainslodgeint.com/index.htm)

[tinpis]

Frank
Funny...:p

here..

http://www.pprune.org/d-g-general-aviation-questions/148335-when-should-captain-addressed-captain.html#post1566753
http://www.pprune.org/d-g-general-aviation-questions/148335-when-should-captain-addressed-captain-2.html#post1569649

....and here..

http://www.pprune.org/d-g-general-aviation-questions/148335-when-should-captain-addressed-captain-2.html#post1585097

[Grogmonster]

As a result of leads given in this thread I followed up on Captain Frank. I received an email from his wife today thanking me for my interest and informing me that unfortunately the good Captain passed away about 4 years ago as a result of Cancer. May he rest in peace.

[geeup]

Grogmonster,

Was there a pilot by the name of "Mad Dog" flying for Crowleys when you were there??

[skywagondriver]

Was that the Rhodesian ex PNG Police,ex mercenary with 'Mad Mike' in the Congo that was with Crowley's in the early '70s? Think he had the name 'Mad Dog'...

[Sharpie]

Talair had a big red-haired pilot named Mike in the later 1960's. Ex Rhodesian Police Force. Came to us from SPAC in POM. A rough as guts driver with big feet who gave me the privilege of checking him out in the 185 and 206 around the traps. Loved an ale on a cold day and after I left HGU for POM, Mike progressed through the fleet to the 402. I am sure that TORRES can find the story in the archives on "The Man From Ramu River".

I later heard that Mike Grant returned to Rhodesia, survived the misfortune of a mid-air collision on final with another Aztec. The last I heard of Mike Grant was that he had been machette'd to death in Rhodesia.

May not have been the same mad mike referred to.

[Torres]

I seem to recall a pilot nick named "Mad Dog" but don't recall his name. I don't think Talair's Mike Grant ever worked for Laurie Crowley.

I have the poem somewhere "The Man from Ramu River" but can't find it at present. SAB was the C402 he lost in the Ramu and I don't think it was ever found? Must have been around the mid 1970's? I too heard he later died in Zimbabwe.

[Grogmonster]

GEEUP,

The guy who flew the truck was a tall slim fellow with blonde or sandy hair. His name escapes me at the moment but I did see him in Cairns about 8 - 9 years ago. I got the distinct impression he was living there although it was in the Hawkers hangar, and Friday afternoon beers were involved, so he could be anywhere.

[tinpis]

Mike Grant I'm fairly certain did a stint with Laurie.Dont think he broke or sunk anything :uhoh:
Perhaps Sundaun would enlighten us on the recovery of the Annenberg 402?
Thats a story Ive never heard told properly.Needs to be told to complete the tale



Edit to say that Ramu Grant is part of PNG legend
In a 100 years from now when PNG pilots are sitting around their laptops taking their legal drug of choice the story will still be told :}

There were several "Mad Dogs"

[skywagondriver]

Mike Grant I'm fairly certain did a stint with Laurie.Dont think he broke or sunk anything


Well, Mike Grant was there for some of the time when I was..absolute nutter

[sundaun]

Tinny, I was only involved in the recovery of the Provincial trislander at Annanberg. "Garuda's" C402 effort would have been washed out into the Bismark Sea by then.

[Grogmonster]

Do any of you remember who was in command of the DC3 that got too close to Mt Uluwan (The Father) on the way into Rabaul about 1965. My memory was that the damage was confined to an area of the left wing tip missing and I think both windscreens shattered. The left engine was either shut down or running rough. I can't remember. The funny part was that as we watched the pax disembark half of the locals onboard were distraught and the other half were pointing at the first lot and laughing.

It turns out that the guys on the R/H side thought they were Ok because their engine was still turning!!!!!! Good old ALL EE !!!

[tinpis]

Sundaun,thanks mate ticks off the myth that you found it while looking for the tri lander :ok:

Was there a kiwi TAL pilot of the red headed variety diving on that ? If so where is he now?

[Torres]

P2-SAB, 27 January 1975 (http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=26334).

Didn't even get his feet wet! :E

Also found this listing (http://www.baaa-acro.com/Immatriculations/P2%20-%20Papouasie%20Nlle%20Guinee.htm) of PNG air accidents.

[Sharpie]

THE MAN FROM RAMU RIVER

Down along the Ramu river
where the Annenburgers dwell
and missionaries are in hundreds
all with a creed to sell.

There came a daring flyer
by the name of Michael Grant
who left behind a legend
that became a sing-sing chant.

As he roared into the circuit
of Annenberg that day
he thought about the village folk
and of their work and play.

He wondered how they killed the time
in such a fess-hole spot
and came up with the answer
with food and sleep and Tw***.

Now the landing was a good one
for everyone to see
and Mike was high in spirits
he indulged in repartee.

Disgorged his load then looked about
for fares on his return
he cast his eyes on anxious tribe
with money there to burn.

The tribe, half score and cashless
was soon sitting in the kite
their cargo followed suit
Mike deduced it far from light.

Half a dozen mammoth billums
fifteen Kakaruks as well
Muruks, pigs and kaukau too
by jesus what a smell.

He did his checks and line up
then gave the donks full blast
and proceeded with the take-off
acceleration wasn't fast.

The airspeed stayed at sixty
and not a damned knot more
he nipped the buttons on the seat
and 'sheet' the pilot swore.

Down along the Ramu airstrip
about a marker from the end
he gave her sixty inches
the situation to amend.

And at this time as if to add
more troubles to his woes
a Muruk picked a locker catch
open sprung the bloody nose.

A flock of fowls came flying out
as off the strip ran they
to plunge into the Ramu drink
with a mighty shower of spray.

She floated for a little while
the tribe was heard to sing
"Mipela I dai pinis"
as they climbed onto the wing.

Then came the final plunge
the plane sank out of sight
beneath the Ramu's flowing waves
by jesus, what a fright.

Our hero swam like a champion
as he made towards the shore
he'd led a life of adventure
but none like this before.

For dodging crocs in a river
was not his type of fun
and Junior would really blow his stack
when he heard what he had done.

A Preacher helped him up the bank
placed a towel around his head
Grant regailed him with a hearty
"God f... me f...ing dead!"

He knocked the preacher to the ground
and his temper vented loose
the air was blue with obscenities
and sounds of his abuse.

He demolished half the township
kicked a stray dog in the guts
grabbed the strip reporting agent
and removed the fellow's nuts.

Now the Man from Ramu River
is a household word today
and canoes are all the rage again
down Annenburger way.

The very thought of flying
will cause these folks to shiver
they'll not forget that fateful day
the 402 went in the river.

[llalenya]

When I was on Londolovit I was a passenger with "Mad Dog MCGrew" a Canadian and a great Poker player. When he left with wife Val he disposed of the belongings by tossing a coin for double or nothing. We started an engine on his 'Baron' with jumper leads from my Toyota Landcruiser. The senior pilot of those times was Ren Fenimore. Dave Mulford came in on his first flight with McGrew and had to ground loop at the end of Londolovit grass strip.
Alan Barham was another. I saw him come up the strip aquaplaning all the way!! He returned to NZ and was a crop duster.
With the gold mine, Londolovit has totally changed from the seventies.
Best Wishes. Larry

[tinpis]

Last saw Ren in Darwhine maybe 3 year ago. He was living mainly in Malaysia.

[geeup]

Mad Dog McGrew thats the chap :}

[tinpis]

And we never did find out Mike Grants ultimate fate.
I know of pilots perishing in crashes in Africa. They can take you to their burial plot to prove it.

[Duck Pilot]

Let’s throw a few more war stories down on this thread 🍺🍺🍺🍺

RIP to the previous posters who are no longer with us,

Been a few departures since the last post by tinnie in 2011🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

I will start, is Birrel still alive? Where C Tewson these days?

[Torres]

Duck Pilot. Of the two you mention: the first, sadly yes: the second last I heard was still in PNG but I noticed on Facebook his wife says lives in Brisbane. I think his brother is still in PNG.

Of a few who posted above, sadly Sharpie departed some years ago. I believe Tinpis is still in with us but very unwell.

[tail wheel]

Duck Pilot if you want more PNG war stories and outrageous, blatant lies go here: https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/152566-png-ples-bilong-tok-tok-217.html

No point in having two threads for the same purpose.

[aroa]

I miss PNG too.
Chugging around such a spectacularly scenic country always held yr interest.
Wx for photo mapping ops was always an issue, but get to the right side of the big island at the right time of the year usually cracked it. Elsewhere...just keep looking, some places the wx could be very localised.
With an interest in WW2...plenty to see here.! Rare (now) Japanese aircraft at Gasmata, Val, Nell and Dinah.
The ocassional Zeros elsewhere and the Lily bombers and etc in the plantation at the Rabaul strip. Highlight was a bush trek to the Betty bomber crash site of Admiral Yamamoto's demise out of Buin. Bougainville.. Plenty to see down in the Solomon's as well
Amazing once to slip past PNGs highest mountain, white-capped with snow after an overnight thundery and to the north the dark green forest down to turquoise tropical coast.
Pity about 1975...sure would have liked to have stayed there.

[tail wheel]

There is a PNG Independence celebration at Beenleigh oval tomorrow (Saturday 15 September 2018) starting at 10.00 am. Singing, dancing and food trucks. Think there will be a number of ex PNG Expats wandering around.

[Duck Pilot]

If anyone is in Canberra, the PNG Hi Com down there is a great place to celebrate PNG’s independence birthday, a few of the boys manage to get plenty of SP brown bottles in to celebrate the occasion not forgetting that they do a good mu mu in the pit next to the car park.

Maybe some Kai Kai Bui toooooo for those interested 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[Pinky the pilot]

Kai Kai Buai????:eek::eek::= Only ever knew one expat Pilot (TJBE) who tried the stuff, and his comment afterwards was
"Never again!!!!":=:=

Don't even think the Chuckling Chimbu in his younger, wilder days would have even thought about it!!:ooh:

[Duck Pilot]

Geez, well I’ve tried it and yes it’s 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

I was Sparked at the time, that’s my excuse🤡🤡🍺🤡🤡

[troppo]

Geez, well I’ve tried it and yes it’s 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

I was Sparked at the time, that’s my excuse🤡🤡🍺🤡🤡

Even tried a few Spears after a couple of SP Browns and I’m a non smoker🤡🤡
lol...you guys :p...I'm sure we all did much worse than the odd spear stick. :}
tinpis, if you're reading this my thoughts are with you. This place misses your much needed dry sense of humour. :sad:
BO and coconut oil are the most intoxicating aphrodisiac...:} 25 years of melanesia coming up for me :rolleyes:

[Duck Pilot]

Coconut oil in the hair, the stench of bully beef and rice together with cooked lamb flaps through the haus! What more can a man wish for?

Just come to my haus in Darwin, I can organise it pretty quickly.

I have recover medication (and lots of it) available that can be self administered very quickly before and after the exposure, it does work!

[troppo]

Coconut oil in the hair, the stench of bully beef and rice together with cooked lamb flaps through the haus! What more can a man wish for?

Just come to my haus in Darwin, I can organise it pretty quickly.

I have recover medication (and lots of it) available that can be self administered very quickly before and after the exposure, it does work!
how uncivilized. Please insert parfum instead of stench :}
the biggest crime I ever saw committed in png was feeding the damaged cans of tin fish to the dogs in public. Wrong at so many levels :}

[Duck Pilot]

The medication that I mentioned above is beer.

It’s called culture, fact is that most Papua New Guineans who live in the rural areas are a lot healthier than most people who live in modern society due to the lack of rubbish food that us modern people consume.

[Pinky the pilot]

most Papua New Guineans who live in the rural areas are a lot healthier than most people who live in modern society due to the lack of rubbish food that us modern people consume.

Em nau!

the stench of bully beef and rice together with cooked lamb flaps through the haus!

Sounds like most dinners at the Catholic Mission at Kerema way back when I was the sole Pilot at the Dz base there.:}

The Meri the Mission employed to do the cooking was a little Cutie though!:D

And No, I did not!!:=

[Grogmonster]

Duck Pilot if you want more PNG war stories and outrageous, blatant lies go here: https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/152566-png-ples-bilong-tok-tok-217.html

No point in having two threads for the same purpose.

Tail Wheel,

I tried that link above a couple of times to no avail. Probably my computer. Any ideas???

Groggy