The first Dakota, NZ35901, delivered to the RNZAF. Believed to be at RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
L-R: Unknown Technical Sergeant USMC, Flight Lieutenant LH Parry, Major Ross USMC, Squadron Leader FJ 'Popeye' Lucas, Flying Officer Wood, Flying Officer DW Newall, Sergeant F Mayer, Sergeant E Robson.
Squadron Leader FJ 'Popeye' Lucas DFC (right) with Major Ross USMC, in front of the first Dakota, NZ3501, to be delivered to the RNZAF. RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
The first Dakota, NZ3501, delivered to the RNZAF. Believed to be at RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
L-R: In doorway: Flying Officer DW Newall, Sergeant E Robson.
Standing; Squadron Leader FJ 'Popeye' Lucas, Major Ross USMC, unknown Technical Sergeant USMC, Flight Lieutenant LH Parry.
3/4 front view of Dakota NZ3501, from the Transport Training and Conversion Flight, with approximately 14 feet of starboard wing missing, after colliding with No. 4 Squadron Ventura NZ4518 near Whenuapai.
The Ventura crashed killing the pilot, while the pilot of this aircraft, Flight Lieutenant DL Bade managed to land safely at RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
Damaged wing detail of Dakota NZ3501, from the Transport Training and Conversion Flight, with approximately 14 feet of starboard wing missing, after colliding with No. 4 Squadron Ventura NZ4518 near Whenuapai.
The Ventura crashed killing the pilot, while the pilot of this aircraft, Flight Lieutenant DL Bade managed to land safely at RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
Front view of Dakota NZ3501, from the Transport Training and Conversion Flight, with approximately 14 feet of starboard wing missing, after colliding with No. 4 Squadron Ventura NZ4518 near Whenuapai.
The Ventura crashed killing the pilot, while the pilot of this aircraft, Flight Lieutenant DL Bade managed to land safely at RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
Dakota NZ3501, from the Transport Training and Conversion Flight, with approximately 14 feet of starboard wing missing, after colliding with No. 4 Squadron Ventura NZ4518 near Whenuapai.
The Ventura crashed killing the pilot, while the pilot of this aircraft, Flight Lieutenant DL Bade managed to land safely at RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
The crew of the first No. 40 Squadron Dakota, NZ3501, soon after the aircraft's arrival in New Zealand. RNZAF Station Whenuapai.
L-R: Sergeant Fred Meyer, Flying Officer Douglas Newall DFC, Squadron Leader Frederick John Lucas DFC & Bar mid, Sergeant E Robson.
Absent: Flying Officer Lloyd Parry.
Crew of No. 40 Squadron Dakota NZ3501(?) standing in front of their aircraft at RNZAF Station Whenuapai. Aircraft has the nose art 'Popeye III' with a cartoon of Popeye the Sailor Man.
L-R: Sergeant Fred Meyer, Flying Officer Douglas Newall DFC, Flight Lieutenant FJ "Popeye" Lucas DFC, Sergeant E Robson.
Missing from the crew is Flying Officer Lloyd Parry.
Tail of Dakota NZ3504 at left and NZ3503 at right.
A St. John Ambulance is parked near the door of 'Popeye III'.
No. 14 Squadron ground crew about to board Dakota NZ3501. RNZAF Station, Whenuapai. Airman at centre has "Savage C.J. RNZAF NZ429546" painted on the kit bag.
