1969 BP Sponsored London - Sydney Air Race
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Does anyone have any information, photos, news clips or even better any film footage of the BP Sponsored 1969 London - Sydney Air Race.
As I am part of a group that owns and flies the Piper Arrow that came first in the single engined category of the race it would be great to find any more info out.
I was lucky enough to meet up with one of the pilots of our plane in the race a few years ago and he gave me loads of information .. but trying to find out more.
I would love to find some old film footage of the start or the finish, which apparently was a crazy race to the line!!!
Anyone help?
Regards
Nigel
As I am part of a group that owns and flies the Piper Arrow that came first in the single engined category of the race it would be great to find any more info out.
I was lucky enough to meet up with one of the pilots of our plane in the race a few years ago and he gave me loads of information .. but trying to find out more.
I would love to find some old film footage of the start or the finish, which apparently was a crazy race to the line!!!
Anyone help?
Regards
Nigel
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1969 Commemorative Air Race from London to Sydney - Documentary Project
Hello Everyone,
My name is Henry Schmoeger, I'm a student studying Film Production at the University of West London. For my final project I have decided to make a documentary about the 1969 Air Race from London to Sydney, a race that my Grandfather, Michael Dunk, participated in and made a film about. As part of the documentary, I'm looking to interview the crew of the aircraft that my Grandfather flew with. Over last few months I have been trying to track down the original crew of my Grandfather's aircraft, a single engined Beech Bonanza (N35), but I've had no luck so far. The crew consisted included the following individuals: Carl Schofield, Jan Behrman, John Kay (who was the Cameraman) and my Grandfather (who Directed and Edited the film, but also took turns flying the aircraft). Here's what I currently know:
I believe the Carl Schofield was a commercial pilot for British Airways, because at the beginning of my Grandfather's film he's seen wearing a pilot's uniform. I don't know when or where he was born, but there can't be too many Carl Schofield's around that are or were qualified pilots. As for Jan Berhman, I have absolutely no idea. He obviously had a Pilot's License, otherwise he wouldn't have been allowed to participate in the race and fly the aircraft. But I can't find much about him online, so the trail has gone cold unfortunately.
Any help or guidance you may be able to offer me would be greatly appreciated, because I'm at a loss at the moment as to what to do.
If you are able to put me in touch with any of the participants, it would mean a great deal to me, as I'm sure all of them would be interested in what I have to offer.
Regards,
Henry Schmoeger
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My name is Henry Schmoeger, I'm a student studying Film Production at the University of West London. For my final project I have decided to make a documentary about the 1969 Air Race from London to Sydney, a race that my Grandfather, Michael Dunk, participated in and made a film about. As part of the documentary, I'm looking to interview the crew of the aircraft that my Grandfather flew with. Over last few months I have been trying to track down the original crew of my Grandfather's aircraft, a single engined Beech Bonanza (N35), but I've had no luck so far. The crew consisted included the following individuals: Carl Schofield, Jan Behrman, John Kay (who was the Cameraman) and my Grandfather (who Directed and Edited the film, but also took turns flying the aircraft). Here's what I currently know:
I believe the Carl Schofield was a commercial pilot for British Airways, because at the beginning of my Grandfather's film he's seen wearing a pilot's uniform. I don't know when or where he was born, but there can't be too many Carl Schofield's around that are or were qualified pilots. As for Jan Berhman, I have absolutely no idea. He obviously had a Pilot's License, otherwise he wouldn't have been allowed to participate in the race and fly the aircraft. But I can't find much about him online, so the trail has gone cold unfortunately.
Any help or guidance you may be able to offer me would be greatly appreciated, because I'm at a loss at the moment as to what to do.
If you are able to put me in touch with any of the participants, it would mean a great deal to me, as I'm sure all of them would be interested in what I have to offer.
Regards,
Henry Schmoeger
===========================================
Until you have a posting history you don't have access to private messaging and adding urls.
Hi,
This is all VERY old, but...
Carl was indeed a BA pilot, owned a Spitfire out of White Waltham around that time. Would be in his mid 70's now - check with BA Pensions at BA HQ Waterside near LHR.
Jan Berhman flew out of Elstree at that time. IIRC correctly he and Alan Dyer owned a C310 which they flew around the world. Again, late '60's early '70's when men were men... or mad! I have no contacts at Elstree anymore so have no idea where you'd start. Phone book? Both late seventies now I imagine. Alan is married to a BA (female) pilot so BA may be your source there too. They live N London/Herts way. Don't know the lady's single name so you may have some sleuthing to do - or maybe she's simply 'Capt Dyer' - never thought of that.
Could you send me a PM, I may have some email addresses that may prove fruitful.
You may also get more replies from 'Where are they now' in the general column down below Jet Blast
Best, S
This is all VERY old, but...
Carl was indeed a BA pilot, owned a Spitfire out of White Waltham around that time. Would be in his mid 70's now - check with BA Pensions at BA HQ Waterside near LHR.
Jan Berhman flew out of Elstree at that time. IIRC correctly he and Alan Dyer owned a C310 which they flew around the world. Again, late '60's early '70's when men were men... or mad! I have no contacts at Elstree anymore so have no idea where you'd start. Phone book? Both late seventies now I imagine. Alan is married to a BA (female) pilot so BA may be your source there too. They live N London/Herts way. Don't know the lady's single name so you may have some sleuthing to do - or maybe she's simply 'Capt Dyer' - never thought of that.
Could you send me a PM, I may have some email addresses that may prove fruitful.
You may also get more replies from 'Where are they now' in the general column down below Jet Blast
Best, S
Last edited by Sygyzy; 14th Nov 2019 at 16:28. Reason: Brainfart
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1969 Commemorative Air Race from London to Sydney - Documentary Project
Hello Sygyzy,
You are a life saver! Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. I didn't expect to hear back from anyone for a while, as the thread had somewhat dropped off at the beginning of January 2019. My email address is [email protected] - it's my university email, so that's why its got a lot of numbers in it.
Please feel free to contact me via email whenever you have a free moment. I'd be happy to give you my phone number as well if that makes things easier for you.
Regards,
Henry Schmoeger
You are a life saver! Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. I didn't expect to hear back from anyone for a while, as the thread had somewhat dropped off at the beginning of January 2019. My email address is [email protected] - it's my university email, so that's why its got a lot of numbers in it.
Please feel free to contact me via email whenever you have a free moment. I'd be happy to give you my phone number as well if that makes things easier for you.
Regards,
Henry Schmoeger
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Carl still flies for The Fighter Collection at Duxford - or was doing so in the last couple of years - and his son flies the Boultbee Spitfires out of Goodwood, so either organisation may be able to put you in touch.
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When I spoke to Jim a few weeks ago, he said that his father hasn't been all that keen to discuss his exploits in the past, which I think is a real shame because he probably has so many fantastic stories to tell. I've just sent Jim Schofield an email... hopefully he'll be able to persuade his father to get in touch with me.
Last edited by henryschmoeger; 14th Jan 2020 at 15:48.
Bonanza N35: G-ARZN Innes Ireland the racing driver owned it before Jan.
Jan Behrman/Alan Dyer's C310Q: G-BAUE. Also round the world and London - Capetown return
Alan's wife; BA 744 captain, probably retired/nearly retired - Caroline Nay.
A/c are probably scrapped by now but with the registrations you'll find a paper trail. I notice Norman Jones flew the Rollason Condor - which reached Le Touquet. Now there's a design that should've been strangled at birth - unless you need a greenhouse with wings.
S
Jan Behrman/Alan Dyer's C310Q: G-BAUE. Also round the world and London - Capetown return
Alan's wife; BA 744 captain, probably retired/nearly retired - Caroline Nay.
A/c are probably scrapped by now but with the registrations you'll find a paper trail. I notice Norman Jones flew the Rollason Condor - which reached Le Touquet. Now there's a design that should've been strangled at birth - unless you need a greenhouse with wings.
S
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I think Carl was also involved with Aerobatics Intermational in the late 60s/early 70s. He must have quite an interesting story to tell, hope perhaps he will.
I do recall him at Duxford in the Bearcat in a tail chase with Pete Kynsey in the Tigercat - a very tight circle trying to get on each other's tail!
I do recall him at Duxford in the Bearcat in a tail chase with Pete Kynsey in the Tigercat - a very tight circle trying to get on each other's tail!
There was some talk about organising some kind of celebration of the London to Sydney Air Race. As one of the owners of one of the six surviving aircraft we were rather hoping to be invited to fly into Gatwick for the occasion. I haven't heard any more.
Article that may be of interest, page 13, mate Trevor Broughams Bonanza A36 VH-TYZ still flying in the hands of a maintenance organisation.
http://www.saam.org.au/wp-content/up.../PM-Oct-18.pdf
http://www.saam.org.au/wp-content/up.../PM-Oct-18.pdf
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Thank you everyone for your responses. I never expected so many people to take an interest in my project. You have given me a lot of food for thought - hopefully using the information you have given me, I'll be able to track down my Grandfather's crew.
I know this is a long way off, but once the film is made (it'll be finished by April/May next year), I'd really appreciate it if you could circulate my film around forums, Facebook groups, friends and family - basically anyone who likes Documentaries or any aircraft enthusiasts you may know. I'm making this film not only so that I can finish my degree, but I would like the film to reach the audiences I intended for it to reach.
I will post on the forum as and when I know more or when I have an update.
I know this is a long way off, but once the film is made (it'll be finished by April/May next year), I'd really appreciate it if you could circulate my film around forums, Facebook groups, friends and family - basically anyone who likes Documentaries or any aircraft enthusiasts you may know. I'm making this film not only so that I can finish my degree, but I would like the film to reach the audiences I intended for it to reach.
I will post on the forum as and when I know more or when I have an update.
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This sounds incredible! Do you have any more information about this? I would love to include this in the documentary.
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Hello Everyone,
I thought I've give you all a quick update about the progress of the documentary.
The last few weeks have been a mixture of disappointment, success and relief. Having finally made contact with Carl Schofield and his son Jim Schofield, I was able to get a concrete answer from the two. After lengthy discussions with Jim Schofield and much deliberation from his father, I received an email from Carl Schofield confirming what I'd been thinking for a while. In very plain English, Carl told me that he was unable to participate in the documentary for a myriad of reasons, which I completely understand. It's a real shame, but there's nothing more I can do. After all, I can't force them to do anything they don't want to do. With Jim and Carl out of the equation, and no leads on Jan Behrman, I decided to use the information Sygyzy gave me about the aircraft they used during the air race. Using that information, I have managed to track down the current owner of the aircraft, a very engaging and friendly man called Steve. His enthusiasm was clear to see from the moment I read his first email, which was relieving to say the least. As of last Tuesday, we've been in continuous dialogue with one another, and hopefully if all goes well I think we may be able to film the Beech N35 Bonanza, as well interview him about his experiences with the aircraft.
*Update* - Steve has agreed to let us film his Beech N35 Bonanza and is more than happy to be interviewed.
I thought I've give you all a quick update about the progress of the documentary.
The last few weeks have been a mixture of disappointment, success and relief. Having finally made contact with Carl Schofield and his son Jim Schofield, I was able to get a concrete answer from the two. After lengthy discussions with Jim Schofield and much deliberation from his father, I received an email from Carl Schofield confirming what I'd been thinking for a while. In very plain English, Carl told me that he was unable to participate in the documentary for a myriad of reasons, which I completely understand. It's a real shame, but there's nothing more I can do. After all, I can't force them to do anything they don't want to do. With Jim and Carl out of the equation, and no leads on Jan Behrman, I decided to use the information Sygyzy gave me about the aircraft they used during the air race. Using that information, I have managed to track down the current owner of the aircraft, a very engaging and friendly man called Steve. His enthusiasm was clear to see from the moment I read his first email, which was relieving to say the least. As of last Tuesday, we've been in continuous dialogue with one another, and hopefully if all goes well I think we may be able to film the Beech N35 Bonanza, as well interview him about his experiences with the aircraft.
*Update* - Steve has agreed to let us film his Beech N35 Bonanza and is more than happy to be interviewed.
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Thank you pulse1. I tried to find out more about the commemorative fly in to Gatwick Airport, but I wasn't able to find out much more about the event. I don't know if it actually went ahead or not, as I couldn't seem to find much about it online.
