the only maps i have seen (even the ones in the public records office in London) are sheet 1 of 12. the other ELEVEN seem to have all disappeared like the guns they show... classified?
My friend loaned me a copy of your book which he purchased at the launch. Like he, I found it a compelling and disturbing read.
Why does our government and defence forces continue to deny the existence of the tunnel network that plainly exists at North Head? Ordinary New Zealanders, especially those closest at risk, have a right to know if degrading ammunition is literally underfoot. Well done for writing such a terrifyingly fascinating expose !
On a side note, the aviation enthusiast in me finds the prospect of uncovering the lost Boeing thrilling.
I look forward to reading your updates in your dealings with DOC. Best of luck in your endeavours.
great book I wounder what they would do if 200 people turned up & started digging holes haha
yes there are more tunnels but the hard part is getting the right to dig
wounder what would happen if there was an earthquake ? loose Devonport now come on people sign the petition
I thank you Richard. Yes I have researched this (and many other) reports in-depth.
In regard to the 'fallibility of human memory and the unreliability' of the eyewitness accounts, I spent all afternoon on Friday with Ken Bartrum who vividly described what he had seen as a child, and later as an adult. Indeed the walk around North Head with him reinforced my own research in some of the specific geographic locations he identified. There are an overwhelming number of credible reports. At the time of the Earnshaw Court case approx 200-300 people came forward saying there were tunnels. Approximately 60 affidavits were provided. I am sure you will find my book most interesting, as I will yours.
Thank you for your good wishes, if the first Boeing aircraft are at North Head - I am determined to find them!
I have read with interest the article in the North Shore Times today about your quest to find the New Zealand Flying School aircraft.
Once again the myth continues.
I presume that you have seen the report done by the Ministry of Defence dated 11 July 1983 reference 7735/2. I gave a copy of this to the Walsh Memorial Library at MOTAT recently. If you haven't seen this , then I recommend you read it.
I co- authored a book recently "Walsh - New Zealand aviation pioneers " and this is only on sale at the two MOTAT book shops. This book may be of interest to you. It contains material not previously published about the Walsh brothers and the New Zealand Flying School.
With regard to the many statements made by various people in the past about the stored aircraft, these were perhaps made in good faith by those concerned but we cannot conceal our awareness of the fallibility of human memory and the unreliability of associations drawn , decades later, between events long past. These failings are natural human and innocent ,but they inevitably impair the acceptability of statements and relationships based on unsupported memories.
Personally I don't think the aircraft will ever be found and
I personally don't think you will find any remains of the aircraft.
Richard
I have obtained a copy of the 1983 report from MOTAT.They also sent me a copy of the 1980 report.The author of the 1980 report admits that in 1976 he and an associate entered the tunnel system from an old ventilation shaft,descended 40 feet and found a tunnel containing an old wing strut and other pieces from old aircraft.
Are you placing more credibility on the 1983 report,even though both reports were completed by military personnel?
Richard.I have a copy of a letter from the Ministry of Defence dated in the 1980's stating that there are sealed up tunnels at North Head,but that they dont know where they are because no plans exist as to there location!
Sounds very much like incompetence.
Torpedo Yard is where Alladins Cave is located.
Hi Richard
I appreciate what you are saying.You dont mention whether you think the tunnels exist or not?
Whether the planes are found or not,it will be interesting to see if the tunnels are indeed there.
I remember in the early 1970's walking along a tunnel,and then into a large room,accessed through a hole that had been bashed into the wall next to one of the hinges of the 2 metal doors.That room is no longer there.
I have spoken to men who have served there in the Forces and they say there are more tunnels.Some of the older aerial photos from the 1940's-50's show old tunnels that are no longer there.
DOC and the Government wont allow any digging though,no matter what evidence is brought forward.
Torpedo Yard is the best bet.
I came to Devonport about 40 years ago and distinctly remembering seeing two workmen inside a tunnel blocking up the entrance to another tunnel with concrete blocks. I can't be exactly sure where it was because it was plastered over but I'm almost certain that it was on the southern slopes of the hill. So there is at least one tunnel that is no longer accessible!
As you say John the military would certainly be embarrassed if a tunnel was found or a map was now to materialise. The last time a map was (reportedly) seen was by an Officer assisting with the 1980 military investigation. However, the next best thing is ground radar and there is now evidence that needs to be investigated in this regard. It is also interesting that the military refused (May 2012) to allow a ground radar investigation of the 'Torpedo Yard' area.
The reason given was that it would disrupt the huge number of visitors to the museum.
P.S. I am sure you will enjoy the book.
My book has a large number of actual statements from eye-witnesses. It will be interesting to see if we can get some people relating what they were told about 'forgotten tunnels' by family members etc..
would 500 rounds of 9.2 inch ammunition destined for Stoney Batter (the ammo arrived before the construction was finished) that was stored under the south Battery of North head be a starting point? 200kg each of high explosive
Comments (20)
Denby R
Denby R
"The Military will be embarrassed if the truth comes out.
An old original map would help."
Alan J. Garner
My friend loaned me a copy of your book which he purchased at the launch. Like he, I found it a compelling and disturbing read.
Why does our government and defence forces continue to deny the existence of the tunnel network that plainly exists at North Head? Ordinary New Zealanders, especially those closest at risk, have a right to know if degrading ammunition is literally underfoot. Well done for writing such a terrifyingly fascinating expose !
On a side note, the aviation enthusiast in me finds the prospect of uncovering the lost Boeing thrilling.
I look forward to reading your updates in your dealings with DOC. Best of luck in your endeavours.
john winks
yes there are more tunnels but the hard part is getting the right to dig
wounder what would happen if there was an earthquake ? loose Devonport now come on people sign the petition
Pete Trewavas
Author
In regard to the 'fallibility of human memory and the unreliability' of the eyewitness accounts, I spent all afternoon on Friday with Ken Bartrum who vividly described what he had seen as a child, and later as an adult. Indeed the walk around North Head with him reinforced my own research in some of the specific geographic locations he identified. There are an overwhelming number of credible reports. At the time of the Earnshaw Court case approx 200-300 people came forward saying there were tunnels. Approximately 60 affidavits were provided. I am sure you will find my book most interesting, as I will yours.
Thank you for your good wishes, if the first Boeing aircraft are at North Head - I am determined to find them!
Richard Williams
Once again the myth continues.
I presume that you have seen the report done by the Ministry of Defence dated 11 July 1983 reference 7735/2. I gave a copy of this to the Walsh Memorial Library at MOTAT recently. If you haven't seen this , then I recommend you read it.
I co- authored a book recently "Walsh - New Zealand aviation pioneers " and this is only on sale at the two MOTAT book shops. This book may be of interest to you. It contains material not previously published about the Walsh brothers and the New Zealand Flying School.
With regard to the many statements made by various people in the past about the stored aircraft, these were perhaps made in good faith by those concerned but we cannot conceal our awareness of the fallibility of human memory and the unreliability of associations drawn , decades later, between events long past. These failings are natural human and innocent ,but they inevitably impair the acceptability of statements and relationships based on unsupported memories.
Personally I don't think the aircraft will ever be found and
I personally don't think you will find any remains of the aircraft.
Good luck with your quest.
John Reagan
I have obtained a copy of the 1983 report from MOTAT.They also sent me a copy of the 1980 report.The author of the 1980 report admits that in 1976 he and an associate entered the tunnel system from an old ventilation shaft,descended 40 feet and found a tunnel containing an old wing strut and other pieces from old aircraft.
Are you placing more credibility on the 1983 report,even though both reports were completed by military personnel?
John Reagan
Sounds very much like incompetence.
Torpedo Yard is where Alladins Cave is located.
Richard Williams
Richard
John Reagan
I appreciate what you are saying.You dont mention whether you think the tunnels exist or not?
Whether the planes are found or not,it will be interesting to see if the tunnels are indeed there.
John Reagan
I have spoken to men who have served there in the Forces and they say there are more tunnels.Some of the older aerial photos from the 1940's-50's show old tunnels that are no longer there.
DOC and the Government wont allow any digging though,no matter what evidence is brought forward.
Torpedo Yard is the best bet.
Dave Pearson
James Jarvis
Author
John Reagan
Martin Butler
P.S. I am sure you will enjoy the book.
My book has a large number of actual statements from eye-witnesses. It will be interesting to see if we can get some people relating what they were told about 'forgotten tunnels' by family members etc..
John Reagan
An old original map would help.
Dave Saggs
Denby R