|
|
|
|
     |
 |
|
|
Hawker Hurricane gate guardian
This is a full-sized replica of the Hurricane OK-1 which was flown as a private aircraft by New Zealander Sir Keith Park in World War II.
Sir Keith was a World War I fighter ace, flying Bristol Fighters for 48 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. After World War I he stayed with the RAF and worked his way up to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.
Sir Keith Park and Hurricane OK-1, 15 June 1941. This fibreglass replica was made by G. B. Moulders in England and shipped to New Zealand. Walsh Memorial Library collection, MOTAT.
Sir Keith Park returned to New Zealand after the war and became an Auckland City Councillor. He was a member of MOTAT and often visited the museum. MOTAT has named the Aviation hangar and its collection after this outstanding Aucklander.
Date: ca. 1940 Manufacturer: Hawker Aircraft Ltd Type: Single seat fighter Wing span: 12.2 m (40 ft) Length: 9.45 m (31 ft) Engine: One Rolls Royce Merlin II 12-cylinder engine Armament: Eight machine guns in wings, four on each side of fuselage
Back to Aviation Collection Main Page
|
|
For
more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT
Info line 0800 MOTAT NZ (0800 668286)! |
|
During
World War II, Sir Keith Park was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of 11
Group, within Fighter Command. 11 Group was assigned to protect the
south-eastern part of England including London, from attack by the
Luftwaffe. He was a charismatic and ‘hands-on’ commander, and often flew
his Hurricane during battles.