RARE SUPERMARINE WALRUS TO FLY AGAIN

The Supermarine Walrus was designed to be launched by catapult from Royal Navy Ships and came into service in 1936.
During wartime the Walrus became an essential part of Air Sea Rescue work to save aircrew who had been forced to bail out over the English Channel and North Sea.
This short film pays tribute to all the aircrew who were saved and all the air crew who undertook these hazardous missions.
There is an interview with Squadron Leader Vic Hester DFC who flew the Walrus with 278 Squadron.
The Walrus that is now at Duxford under restoration is also featured which has endured quite a journey, saved when it was a caravan by Dick Melton through to its current home Duxford Aerodrome. John Romain talks of the Walrus Project.
Thanks to IAS Industrial Art Studio for their amazing work. / @industrialartstudio4236
Keith Jones Air Show Videos.
• RARE SUPERMARINE WALRU...

[@RexyH267]

My Dad, Lt Jack Palmer, was a Walrus pilot flying off HMS Glasgow in WWII. I'm looking at his log books as I write this, he started flying the Walrus on 14/07/1941 & went on to accumulate 228.40hrs on the type until 26/08/1943 3

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

That is amazing very brave man. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@davidgill2592]

Thank you for showing that, Chris. My father joined the RAF in the mid 30s, and after basic training, and as a non swimmer, was obviously posted to work with flying boats by the RAF! However, he started on the Walrus, then progressed to the SaRo London, then the Sunderland until the Aussies arrived, and finally Catalinas in East Africa until the end of the war. He often spoke about the Walrus, but I have never seen one first-hand and this short film showed me much more about them. Thanks again!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing feedback on your fathers service, I have made two other films on my channel about the Walrus, one was a secret mission to rescue General de Gaulle's wife from Brittany in 1940, the Walrus took off from RAF Mountbatten. Chris.

[@mothmagic1]

If you visit Solent Sky I seem to remember they have one. Or maybe the Fleet Air Arm museum. Ii can't remember where I saw one all I can remember is that I have been within touching distance of one. Considering my youngest was with me it's also possible that it was IWM Duxford

[@LIEGELEAF1]

As a GP in Southampton I had a patient who flew a Walrus in the war, he was proud of the high level of craftsmanship in the panels. I was lucky enough to have Spitfire makers and RG Mitchell’s secretary on my list.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

How interesting to meet those brave folk. Do consider subscribing to my channel. Chris.

[@johansoons8413]

I actually know this feeling, I used to take care of a lot of older people as my job. And i also met a lot of people who had somthing to do with the war. Mather of a fact, i was triggered verry young because my own granddad was forced labour, my father was born in 44 and mother in 46, so i have older parents than most of people from my generation. I also learned german , and as a mather of a fact i even spoken to the "enemy" ... what to me where no enemy's. In war u only have losers, war brings out , pain and suffering, loss and dispair. The only one gaining somthing out of it are crooked politician and the so called elite. We dit do brother murder in the past, and look where it braught us now. seeing down the line.

[@rkttime]

How wonderful to see such a rare type being restored to fly again! Thanks very much for sharing this video with us.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it RK please check out my other films and have a subscribe. Chris.

[@Zoydian]

I love the Brits and Americans for their 'thing' with restoration projects. Have seen many a hopeless wreck come back to life by sheer craftsmanship and dedication! God bless you and your viewers, and may the new year bring many exciting new aviation adventures!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Zoydian do please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@krazytroutcatcher]

It’s a strange one that, I’m British and spent time growing up in the 70’s helping out with odd restorations, I still do a little. It must be in the blood not wishing to see old mechanical marvels dissolve into the ground.

[@tubaman500]

My Dad was a Royal Marine on HMS Resolution, the ship was lying off of the coast of Kenya in 1942 and he had to accompany the Purser, as an armed guard, ashore to collect the wages for the ships company. This involved a flight in the ships aircraft a Walrus, affectionately known as the Shagbat! He said he had never been so frightened when the aircraft was launched off the catapult, as the Fleet Air Arm pilot struggled with the stick to get the aircraft airborne!

[@andrepienaar6459]

As a young boy in the 60's I developed a liking to the Walrus. I built a lot of model planes at the time and the Walrus was one of them. I had them threaded up on my bedroom ceiling in all angles of battle. I think it is Wikipedia that also has the nickname 'steam pigeon' for the Walrus, referring to the steam coming off the hot engine.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Andre, I too had my models on my ceiling until my sister claimed my room when I was away in the merchant navy, she pulled them all down sadly. Chris.

[@mikeonb4c]

Me too Andre. I was an industrious builder of Airfix kits when I was a boy. They lived on my shelves, hung from the ceiling, and anywhere else I could put them. I also built an airfield with hangars at the bottom of our garden and they took turns to be stationed there! I remember the Walrus with great fondness.

[@chrissharp5073]

Me too! Part of the rights of passage for young boys constructing Airfix kits. Seaplanes were always my favourite models. 70 years later I stil make the odd kit but then did I ever grow up!!

[@andrepienaar6459]

@@chrissharp5073 I don't think we men ever grow up!!

[@johnbower7452]

Thank you; another unsung hero, I'd never even heard of the Walrus until this.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks John please check out my channel I have several wartime aircraft featured there. Chris.

[@SlideRulePirate]

My father was in the Royal Navy during WW2. In a convoy escort in the North Atlantic to begin with and Air Sea Rescue launches later. I remember him telling my brother and I how he thought that these planes were marvellous. He also said that they could end up needing a rescue themselves in the form of a tow, because once they were down there was the possibility of being unable to take off again if there was too much of a chop.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I think many a time a Walrus had to motor back to harbour. Chris.

[@dukecraig2402]

I knew a guy who was drafted into the US military during WW2, they had him and all the other draftees seated in an auditorium in Pittsburgh, a guy who was standing down in the front pointed up the center of the seats and then waving his arm in one direction said "Everyone on this side will be going to the Navy and everyone on that side will be going to the Army". He was on the Navy side and not being able to swim raised his hand and informed them of that fact, so the guy told him to go ahead and move over to the Army side, so what'd the Army eventually do with him? Put him in the Amphibious Corps of course. When he told me that story I assured him that their logic hadn't changed any by the time I was in it in the 80's.

[@HighFlight]

Well done for putting this together so well and making it so interesting. I've been following the progress of this at Duxford over the past couple of years. I was there on 29th December and encouraged to find that the Walrus and its detached wings are no longer to be seen in 'hangar 2' where it has been visibly progressing for some time. My guess is that it's now in one of the ARCo hangars, which if I'm right means that they are actively working on its restoration to fly.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Brilliant news, I did call aircraft restorations and they wouldn't say anything, told me to email in, Spoke to the tower and they said that's typical. !! Chris.

[@HighFlight]

​@@GULLPERCHFLYER Also of note is that according to the CAA G-INFO database, it's insured (presumably for flight) from last August - another good sign!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

That would be really exciting - I would bet a tenner you will be there to video her!

[@victuff9765]

The demonstration of the catapult launch of the Walrus is off HMS Pegasus, this ship was originally HMS Ark Royal, the second ship named Ark Royal. She was built here in my home town of Blyth in Northumberland England in 1914 as the very first purpose built aircraft carrier/tender! She was renamed Pegasus to release the name Ark Royal for the flat top carrier of that name which was sunk in WW2. Ark Royal / Pegasus outlived her namesake and wasn't scrapped until 1950! Incidentally she was the only aircraft carrier that was built with a sail! A steadying sail on the mizzen to help keep her head to the wind... she was quite underpowered with a max speed of only 11 knots!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Much interesting naval history there many thanks, do subscribe please. Chris .

[@mikeonb4c]

FANTASTIC to come across this video and learn that a Walrus is being restored to airworthy condition. It always seems to me that this little plane was seen by aircrews at the time as the invaluable and much loved ugly duckling that they were always grateful to see. How great that one will take to the skies again, hopefully before too long.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Mike I will post any updates on my Facebook blog gull perch. Chris.

[@mikeonb4c]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER Fantastic Chris, must get over to Duxford again before i get too old to do it. Would also love to sit in the Lancaster that is being restored over that way. My dad was a WW2 Lanc pilot and the older i get the more I think about all this!

[@philhawley1219]

I knew an old bloke who flew a Walrus out of Trinidad in the war looking for U boats. Later he became a pilot flying one from a whaling ship to spot whales.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Wow those aircraft were well used. Chris.

[@alanmayers1349]

I’m m

[@alanmayers1349]

I’m iiiiiii

[@davidbeattie4294]

Fugly, obsolete, and an absolute lifesaver. The Walrus is an unsung and under appreciated hero. Over a thousand airman were picked up by air-sea rescue Walruses, a truly magnificent achievement for a biplane designed in the 30's.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks for your feedback David hopefully you can have a subscribe to my channel. Chris.

[@clementevaldez1271]

One fine aircraft....indeed the crew did some heroic work on the ocean...keep it flying

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Clemente do please consider a subscribe. Chris.

[@Halli50]

The incredibly posh accent of the commentators in wartime inf-clips is absolutely priceless! The catapult charge table absolutely also floored me. Find and pause to locate it (3:08 into this clip) - it exemplifies the British penchant for starting on an apparently logical-but-illogical path, assigning charges for decreasing a/c catapult weights, weirdly by assigning ASCENDING capital letters A-G. Then, probably blindsided by a weight upgrade for catapults & aircraft, they go off on an odd tangent (ascending letters K-M) for ascending catapult weights, quite opposite to the original order of things! Make no mistake, British ingenuity during and following WW2 was mind-blowing and game-changing, and all IN SPITE of their convoluted way of arranging standards.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks for that insight. Chris.

[@richardthompson9836]

I've happly subscribed to your channel from Florida. Half a Brit here. My father was a GI glider pilot and my mum was with the Brittish Air Ministry. I've been an active pilot now for 54 years and still going. I was fortunate to have owned and flew a 1942 DH-82A, and a 1941 Harvard MK 2. In 1992 I acquired a DH-100 MK6 and flew it for 13 years. Thank you so very much for bringing us these classic examples of interesting aircraft. Please keep us updated on the restiration of this, and other, old planes. Many thanks. R

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Wow thanks Richard you have some amazing memories. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@exb.r.buckeyeman845]

Nice comment Richard.

[@kevchilton908]

Some great footage again Chris. What an amazing aircraft it was. It’ll be great to see a fully restored one👌👍👏👏👏

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Kevin, fingers crossed the Duxford Walrus flies. Chris.

[@johnbower7452]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER If anyone can they can.

[@everestyeti]

Cracking little Aircraft, saved so many lives. Like the one that took off, it had a bullet mark in the co pilots screen.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Everest glad you found it of interest. Chris.

[@robertmarsh3588]

Thanks for posting. Love the Walrus, and great to see some decent footage of it. Will be wonderful to see one flying. I have lots of photos of the one at the Fleet Air Arm museum in Yeovilton. I made the Airfix 1/72 kit as a child and had the 1/600 mini version on a Royal Navy County class cruiser (HMS Suffolk?).

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Robert I must get back to Yeovilton again. Chris.

[@loganjohnson3589]

Today we would call it an odd and eccentric type of plane and maybe the precursor of the Catalina but in it's day it was a state of the art and innovative float plane .Thank you for this interesting bit of navel and aeronautical history .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Logan. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@darrellcook8253]

For everything there is a time to be considered cutting edge and entirely modern. Then comes tomorrow. Suddenly obsolete like an 8 track tape player.

[@timmyall4279]

i REMEMBER FINDING A WALRUS AIRCRAFT PARKED IN A FIELD CLOSE TO REDHILL AERODROME. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AROUND 1951.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

might it be the same one, c/n 2S/5591 Built in 1940 by Saunders Roe and delivered to the Royal Navy with the British military serial W2718. She served with 764 and 751 Naval Air Squadrons before transferring to the Royal Air Force and flying with 276 squadron. She was sold off in April 1946 and bought by Somerton Airways at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, but she did not fly again and was broken up sometime around 1947. During the 1950’s the forward fuselage was converted into a touring caravan and survived as such until purchased by David Green (the founder of the Spitfire Society) during 1986. With nowhere to house it, the caravan was kept at the Southampton Hall of Aviation until it was sold to engineer Dick Melton during 1989. He put the project on the British civil register as G-RNLI and had restored the complete fuselage before work stopped in 2002. In 2006 it was sold to Solent Sky (the new name for the Southampton museum) and was kept there until sold to Walrus Aviation in June 2009. The project then moved to Audley End and restoration began again, although at a slower pace. She was sold to a private owner in March 2018 and was immediately moved to Duxford and reregistered as G-WLRS. Restoration is now being carried out by the Aircraft Restoration Company and she is seen while briefly parked in Hangar 2 (North) at Duxford Airfield, Cambridgeshire.

[@fredtedstedman]

the guy sitting on the top wing-in front of the prop-looks vulnerable ! love the Walrus , Dad was FAA and it was one of his favourites !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Fred please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@SuperReasonable]

Fascinating film. I had forgotten the Walrus for years having made a few models of it as a kid. Very excited to see there’s one being renovated and look forward to seeing it in flight.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it, let us keep our fingers crossed that it does fly. Chris.

[@harryfaber]

Wonderful! When I was a young air cadet, I met a retired naval gentleman who had been a front gunner on the Walrus. From memory, he explained that when you are all properly dressed for north Atlantic weather, it is just not possible to get in the nose once the aircraft was flying, so he would have the joy of being up front when it was catapulted off. He then patted his tummy and suggested that he would not be able to get in one 'now' (that was in 1972 or thereabouts).

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing bit of historical information, they were very brave men. Chris.

[@higgs923]

Old USN airframes guy here. Wonderful craftsmanship. It's heartening to see the old girl brought back to such fine condition. The movies are marvelous!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Higgs please consider subscribing. Chris.

[@charliemanson4808]

The most amazing part for me was that someone had the vision to save it from scrap and made a caravan out of it. If they hadn't, it would have been lost forever. I live under the stacking area for Duxford and see some amazing planes running through their display routines almost daily during the summer. I counted 12 WW2 fighters in the sky at one point this summer.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Charlie you live in a wonderful location. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@hodaka1000]

My father was a WWII veteran In the 1960's he was working at Bankstown Aerodrome west of Sydney with a crane picking up DC3's and dropping them to break them up for scrap At the time he was building a caravan and used a door on it from a DC3 It would've been the flat door to the fight deck/pilot's cabin He also brought home two 24 inch diameter aircraft drop tanks He cut the top out of one of them to make a canoe and the other one we had tied to a rope swing in a gumtree in the backyard

[@michaelbullen4146]

Who would believe this aircraft came from the same stable as the fantastic spitfire!

[@glencrandall7051]

If that Walrus is to be restored to flying status I imagine it will be quite a feat. There doesn't appear to be much to work with. It is an interesting aircraft though. 740 were built but only 4 survive. It would be fantastic to see one fly again. Thank you for sharing. Have a great new years.🙂🙂

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Glen appreciate your kind feedback, do please consider subscribing. Chris.

[@N1611n]

Fantastic footage, that lad was very lucky to hang on after falling out. Thank you for posting.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for your feedback, hopefully you can have a subscribe, loads more on my channel. Chris.

[@N1611n]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER I'm already subscribed sir. 👍

[@beverlychmelik5504]

Interesting in the Walrus on the catapult had a bullet hole in the windscreen that hadn't been replaced.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing Beverly I had not spotted that, do please subscribe I have two other films on my channel about the Walrus. Chris.

[@jeffrenman4146]

you did a remarkable job putting together this video… these antique aircraft like this one I've never seen before and without videos like this they would be forgotten.… Amazing antiaircraft. Thanks for your work I appreciate it.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeff do have a subscribe loads more on my channel. Chris.

[@envitech02]

First time I have heard of the Walrus I was maybe 12. This was because I assembled an Airfix 1/600 scale HMS Belfast, which came with the teeny weeny Walrus, with less than an inch of wingspan.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing so tiny, I have visited HMS Belfast in London and never realised the Walrus connection many thanks. Chris.

[@kristoffermangila]

IIRC, Belfast had 3 Walrus, but were landed off the cruiser by 1943

[@poowg2657]

Love how the "between the wars" designs were able to last most of WWII. This seemed to happen regardless of being Allied or Axis. Best of luck on the resto' and look forward to updates.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Poowg265 appreciate your kind feedback. Chris.

[@colvinator1611]

Thanks a lot, it's really good to see more history being brought back to life.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Colin please do consider subscribing. Chris.

[@jacksemporiumofstuff]

In a strange twist, perhaps the fact that it was converted to a camper saved it's existence? Glad to see it's restoration to an aircraft, airworthy too! I have a lot of admiration for people who restore aircraft. I have been part of a few nut and bolt car restorations, and can't imagine what it takes to make an actual flying machine. There are so many more parts than in a car, plus everything has to be so precise and also pass inspections. Excellent work to all involved! BTW, hello from North Carolina USA!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Jack appreciate your support from North Carolina, please subscribe I have a lot more on my channel. Chris.

[@jacksemporiumofstuff]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER since you asked; liked and subscribed!

[@Backwardlooking]

My late father who served on various battleships during W.W.2 would have enjoyed your video. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you backward looking, you tube does have some gems. Chris.

[@johnspruit7296]

An important , and vary rare piece of Airforce history. The computer graphics were wonderful. My father worked on Lancaster's , loved them. Wonder how many crews were saved by this tough ungainly bird ? Ontario Canada .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks John appreciate your kind feedback, please consider subscribing. Chris.

[@stulynn2005]

Fantastic. Can't wait to see it fly

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate you watching Stu. Do please have subscribe. Chris.

[@nzs316]

This was a real treat thank you!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Neil, keep an eye out for part two where I look at winching a Walrus back aboard the ship, what happened to the Australian Walrus and more from Squadron Leader Vic Hester DFC. Please subscribe. Chris.

[@nzs316]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER I’m x airforce and we flew single Otters on wheels, skis and amphibious floats up until the 80’s. That ended our search and rescue role when we got the Kiowa. So this was a real treat to watch.

[@johnjephcote7636]

I believe that a few were still around in near-arctic areas, possibly Canada, into the late Forties and possibly even early Fifties. They were pretty rugged to survive catapulting and the shocks of rough water landings, despite all their rigging. The most hair-raising scenes must have been when a matelot had to sit astride the upper wing to engage the crane's hook while barely a metre away from the still whirling prop.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I found a Walrus flying in the Faroe Islands 1950's. Many Thanks Chris.

[@chapman9230]

My goodness that landing in those seas !

[@maximilianboost8498]

I have one of the 2 walruses props on my wall. Even my wife loves it!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Wow what great treasure. Chris.

[@whosthomo1861]

Helped restore the one at Pt Cook Australia at the RAAF museum. It was the best sheetmetal work for a young apprentice

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks Whosthomo, do please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@alecblunden8615]

I understand the initial design and construction- as the Seagull - was for the Royal Australian Navy's cruisers - the Counties and, later, the modified Leaders or Perth class.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

From research please see the following, In 1934 the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ordered 24 Seagull V’s and they were delivered during 1935-37 and operated by 5 Squadron (later 9 Squadron, located at RAAF base Rathmines, as of 1 January 1939). In accordance with pre-WW II Australian procedures only the RAAF was permitted to operate service aircraft thus aircraft for use in the heavy cruisers HMA Ships Australia and Canberra and the light cruisers HMA Ships Hobart, Perth and Sydney were operated by the RAAF. Thanks for watching Alec please subscribe. Chris.

[@georgeknight636]

Re the walrus at faa museum at Yeovil , remember helping to load it on to a queen Mary lorry in 1967 when I was a trainee air mechanic at hms condor , arbroath scotland . Not airworthy due to engine parts missing .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks I must pay a visit to the museum. Chris.

[@marklelohe3754]

What beautiful high quality footage that shows in great detail how good what was. Thank you for sourcing and sharing. Your video has put a new perspective on the usefulness of a type that may not have hereto been well regarded. As a navy aircraft designer previously, the enormity of the design task for this aircraft with all its interfaces with ship, catapult and handling is not lost to me. Hopefully, the restoration of this aircraft will be well supported.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Mark hopefully you can have a subscribe. Chris.

[@mikemyers8064]

Super film , thank you 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike, do please subscribe and check out my channel. Chris.

[@stuka97]

Beautiful plane great to see another treasure restored.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks stuka97. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@ronaldridge9427]

My first Airfix kit, and what got me into a lifelong interest in aviation. I’m 73 now.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Ron my follow up film on the Walrus will include more details on the Airfix models. Please subscribe. Chris.

[@nicholasvaughan7080]

Fantastic to see that footage. My Grandfather served as a Royal Marine aboard HMS Southampton during the Spanish civil war before being posted aboard Arethusa from 1939-1942, in the Mediterranean, Atlantic convoys and landing the Commandos in Norway, engaging the chase for the Bismark and then the Malta convoys. The Old Arry as he called her was equipped with a caterpault and a Walrus although I have photos in his album of before and after shots of his AA practice on the Queen Bees also launched from the caterpault - Tiger Moth float planes flown by radio control for target practice! Seems such a waste of a delightful little plane. Hope to see this at Duxford then!

[@garethgriffiths8577]

Thanks you for your grandads service from a former Royal I bet he was a bit of a lad in his time

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks Nicholas. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@garyhooper1820]

Best wishes on the restoration . Too many have been lost .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Gary please subscribe.

[@rickestabrook4987]

Outstanding!! Thank you.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very welcome Rick loads more on my channel do take a look and subscribe if its of interest. Chris.

[@kiwikeith7633]

I have a VHS which includes footage of a Walrus arriving, taxiing and taking off again after it's visit. Lifted from 16mm from memory. This was shot at Bell Block during WW2. Your footage shows a man cranking the engine over but not starting it. The VHS shows the whole start, and it occurred to me what a hazardous task that was . Would not want to lose footing.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Interesting Kiwi Keith the footage was from a 1940 Royal Navy training film, please have a subscribe to my channel. Chris.

[@kiwikeith7633]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER Actually, I doubt it is a training film. It isn'y specifically about the Walrus - its just one subject of several. It would surprise me if this turned out to be a government film, because of the other unique local subjects also in the film. I also have a copy of a film shot at a Pre-war Wanganui airshow, about 1938 showing the RNZAF biplane bombers doing circuits and bumps. Lots of other stuff too. My best guess is these were taken by a prominent local citizen businessman.

[@daviddavid5880]

Seriously? That is so cool. The Walrus is such a cool plane.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it David. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@colinwithey6792]

My dad was in the navy and he loved the walrus

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Colin the little aircraft was often remembered with fondness. Chris.

[@nickberryman1571]

My Dad, Flt Lt Nick Berryman, was on 276 Sqn (Harrowbeer & Warmwell), flying the Walrus, Defiant and Spitfire 2c. The Walrus was his favourite.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Nick I have read his book In the Nick of Time. Appreciate your memories. Chris.

[@nickberryman1571]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER 🧑🏼‍✈️👍🏻

[@Tappit333]

Just the other day, we had a Walrus appear on Calshot beach, but it soon swam away when it found that there were no more Walruses flying there anymore; it would be lovely to see a Supermarine Walrus or a Hythe Class Flying boar at Calshot again, super video

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Lovely thought. Chris.

[@steveturner3999]

Very cool to see this being restored. First saw this aircraft in the movie “The Sea Shall Not Have Them” about the Air Sea Rescue Service. Never knew it was originally designed for shipboard use. Great informational video. Thanks for sharing.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback Steve please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@timeflysintheshop]

Very neat old airplane design! Flying boats have always impressed me! 👍😁👍

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Timeflys quite a machine. Chris.

[@spikeyflo]

Fascinating story and great footage.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Spikey Flo please consider subscribing to my channel I have two other films about the Walrus and over 200 historical films. Chris

[@johnnunn8688]

Thanks, Chris. Glad I found your channel, I can see I won’t have to watch owt else for a good while. Have subscribed 👍.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Brilliant John appreciate your support. Chris.

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

that would be a fun ship to see fly again thanks for sharing and have a great day

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks R G Arizona appreciate your kind feedback, do please check out my channel and subscribe. Chris.

[@bilplaymo6121]

Walrus : i have made during childhood the 1/72 matchbox kit of this elegant seaplane, always happy to see old planes living again ! all my best courage to finish it ! and of course Remember veterans who have flew on it, and all guys they saves ! Take care ; )

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Bill hopefully you can have a subscribe. Cheers Chris.

[@martinross5521]

Thank you Chris - excellent video and story on a fascinating and much respected aircraft. Many of the comments add interesting experiences and insights. I’m delighted to see you’re getting close to 5K subscribers now. Best regards, Martin

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Martin appreciate your kind feedback. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@eugenegilleno9344]

Brilliant ! ......I remember building the Airfix kit in the 1950’s, and my father’s Royal Naval memories of the Shagbat ! 😁👍🏼...excellent video, thanks.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Eugene please subscribe and keep an eye out for part two. Chris.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

5:16 I've never seen a launch before - that was quick!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks dss Happy New Year. Chris.

[@agwhitaker]

Neat aircraft, supposed to be very rugged and able to take off and land in really rough seas. .... but sitting on the wing and trying to catch a dangling crane hook while taxiing must have been fun, specially with that spinning prop right behind.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Andrew they had some nerve I have to say. Chris.

[@billfawcett3691]

@ 08:24 "We had lots of fun". Typical military understatement.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Cheery lads. Chris.

[@michaelrussell5346]

We had one of these in Melbourne that was used for joy flights from the seaside locations during summer seasons.We would sometimes see it at Moorabbin Airport in the early60’s .Not quite sure what happened but saw parts of it at the Point Cook Air Force Museum. It was in a sorry state to say the least.It appeared to have been submerged at some stage.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Michael I have read about that one was it painted green? Chris.

[@blueycarlton]

There is a restored Walrus at the museum at RAAF Point Cook, the world's oldest operating airforce base, near Melbourne.

[@andrewrobinson5837]

If it was ex RAAF it was probably a Seagull V, the forerunner of the Walrus.

[@EVISEH]

@@blueycarlton The aircraft at Point Cook is from a batch of Walrus supplied to the RAAF during World War Two. The RAAF retained several Walrus in service post war. In 1947 the Walrus went to the Antarctica as part of Australia's Antarctica Research program, to be used for survey work. Whilst in the Antarctica it was flipped over on its back during a gale, the wreak subsequently being abandoned there. In the 1970s [or was it the 1980s?] it was recovered by a special RAAF team and brought back to Australia whence it underwent a complete restoration.

[@EVISEH]

@michaelrussell5346 After disposal by the RAAF, it was acquired by a private buyer who used it for a while on charter work in New Guinea. It returned to Australia in the 60s being eventually grounded due to a lack of spare parts

[@ralphwood5875]

Happy New year Chris, and many more "Bolt Head tails or should that be Tales. *L* Youve done some wonderful research on this project to make a great video on this unsung hero of Air sea rescue and Naval aviation. I see you mention being in the Merchant Navy as was I with Shell Tankers mostly in the far east Manchester liners and Furness Withy. Cheers from Canada where its been extremely mild , not a flake of snow to be seen at the moment but we have a way to go yet before its spring.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Ralph I was with the Fleet Auxiliary on RFA Olmeda. Chris.

[@brucemackinnon6707]

Ah, Biggles would be pleased. Sea Biscuit was always on board, and Algie.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Bruce Happy New Year. Chris.

[@informationwarlord]

The Walrus must of been the most beautiful plane in the world to the men floating in the water. Glad to see her being restored.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Information World , follow up film will feature the journey's end for the Australian Walrus aircraft. Please subscribe. Chris.

[@EVISEH]

In point of fact the Walrus or to give its proper name, the Seagull first entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] and essentially the aircraft came about following a request issued by the Australian Government for an improved more modern catapult launched version of the aging Supermarine Seagull 111 seaplane that had been in service with the RAAF since the 1920s. The Walrus name was the name given to the aircraft by the Royal Air Force [RAF] when it entered service with it. The aircraft was adopted by the RAF / Royal Navy AFTER it had entered service with the RAAF.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks you are spot on with your historical facts. Happy New Year Chris.

[@stevelangstroth5833]

I've always like seaplanes, then.... I found out that I'm related to Glenn Curtiss. Win-Win!!! 😃

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Steve please check out my channel I have a Sunderland film on there, please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@Kim-the-Dane-1952]

Very nice. As a child i built an Airfix model of this fine plane and have always been fond of it.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks greerops I will feature the Airfix model in my next film, please Subscribe. Chris.

[@Kim-the-Dane-1952]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER Consider it done 🙂

[@nicholasroberts6954]

There used to be a Walrus fuselage, or at least a mock-up, submerged, as a sort of man-made reef in the tank of the National Aquarium at Plymouth.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

That was 2017 Robert as a tribute to a Walrus crew that took off from Mountbatten to fly over to France to rescue the wife of General De Gaule, sadly the aircraft crashed and all the crew were list, I made a short film about it on my you tube channel, please subscribe and check it out. Chris.

[@proveritate9312]

Brilliant ! Seems like they didn't worry very much about the aerodynamics of the cockpit windows .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Think it was a very practical aircraft bit like a flying land rover. Please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@spikeyflo]

I just made an Airfix model of a Walrus. Always liked its rugged good looks.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

They are a great looking little aircraft. Chris.

[@mothmagic1]

Shagbat, steam chicken, flying gas ring. All nicknames bestowed on the type but I imagine the remark of a downed airman when one arrived to rescue him would have been thank God.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Ian appreciate your feedback please consider subscribing to my channel. Chris.

[@gitfoad8032]

This is great news. I hope they get her flying again. Soft spot for these crazy contraptions since the Airfix kit.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Git my follow up film will focus on lifting the Walrus back on to deck and details on the Airfix models, please subscribe. Chris.

[@gitfoad8032]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER - consider it done. Cheers.

[@mikegriffin4657]

Excellent film, thanks.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks Mike. Chris.

[@keithgladman2410]

my father mentioned seeing a Walrus trying to land on the aircraft carrier (HMS Colussus). Each time it managed to catch up , it caught by a gust of wind and was blown backwards. Suspect a little bit of embellishent and my memory on this and the carrier did about 23 knots flat out.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Keith interesting memories, please have a subscribe Chris .

[@nickjung7394]

What a peculiar contraption!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Peculiar looking but very effective at it's job. Chris.

[@heinz-dietersindhoff7344]

Lovely Aircraft, good luck for your cool project

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks check out my Facebook blog gull perch where I post updates. Chris.

[@GlideYNRG]

Finally got to see one at RAAF Point Cook and was taken aback at it size. Simply reading about them doesn’t do them Justice.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Ryan very interesting, please have a subscribe to my channel. Chris.

[@TheBaron481]

Great stuff mate !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Alastair glad you enjoyed it. Chris.

[@randlerobbertson8792]

Fascinating piece.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks Randle. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@randlerobbertson8792]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER happy new year to you too. Fondly known in the service as the shagbat wasn't it ? Be great to see one fly again.

[@SimonWallwork]

What a lovely video!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks Simon please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

Shes a great ship! Thanks for the video!! :-)

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks ka9radio do check out my channel and have a subscribe. Chris.

[@shotforshot5983]

I have to admit. Someone turning the fuselage into a camper was genius too! With small outboard and rudder it could have been caravan and boat!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Hmmm I guess back then there were many more about. Chris

[@shotforshot5983]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER the entire aft section, wings, engine may have been destroyed in the war or training. It's either scavenged for useful, scrapped, vandalized or restored. A restoration such as this is incredibly expensive mind you! A lot of classic planes on display are just hodgepodged hulks-they resemble from 30 feet away..

[@Qspecialman]

What an interesting video. I will take a look at your others. Thanks for taking the trouble. I used to be very involved with the International Air Show at Biggin Hill in the 1980's we used to get some very interesting aircraft there. There is a particular type that gets involved in vintage aircraft. Not always complete sane!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for watching appreciate your support. Chris.

[@fredMplanenut]

Nice video, thank you.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you liked it Fred do have a subscribe please.

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Magnificent....brilliant!...

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Brent, hopefully you can subscribe, much appreciated. Chris.

[@brentdykgraaf184]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER just did subscribe....but warning.. I am a content snob. Mike patey and Dan gryder subscribed too. Content needs be accurate...complete..through. you made it.

[@simongee8928]

Just occurred to me that the rear gunner was in the direct line of the backdraft from the pusher propeller. Must have been an interesting position - ! 😁

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I reckon they all had strong nerves. Chris.

[@HootOwl513]

Lovely. I built the 1/72 Matchbox model. Many years ago.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for your memory Hoot. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@HootOwl513]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER Thanks and Happy New Year to you too. Any pix of the airplane as a caravan? It must have been unwieldy on the road. Airstream trailers are built ĺike aircraft fuselages, with about the same interior dimensions as a DC3, Sans the tapering toward the tail.

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

Good video old chap. Subscribed.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Graham appreciate your. support. Chris.

[@charliemanson4808]

On a WW2 caravan made from planes note. About 2004 I knew a chap who had a caravan made from plane parts, he paid more than he could afford for it and the refurbishment was looking at between £10-15k mark. The renovator said the wheels are worth more than that by the way, stating if sold as is it would be purely for the wheels. I've never seen a man smile so much as he replied, really? It came with 6 spares! They where a rarer spitfire wheel... They where snapped up by a renovation company, possibly Duxford. The renovated caravan still on its original spitfire wheels was sadly sold to a private collector for a hefty price.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Charlie amazing memories, really appreciate your time writing. Chris.

[@TheBuccy]

Marvellous.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks The Buccy appreciate your taking a look. Chris.

[@TheBuccy]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER I play World Of Warships British line, the spotters you can launch on the capital ships are Walrus types. Fascinating to see them launched and in the air then returning to the mother ship.

[@OL-xs4rd]

One Australian Walrus was entered in the 1969 London to Sydney Air Race. The plane and crew went missing on the journey to UK and never made it to the start. They had had some fuel or mechanical problems and landed on the tropical waters of Timor where they found the fishing and hospitality of the locals was preferable to pushing a vintage single engined biplane thousands of miles into the northern hemisphere winter weather. After a couple of weeks they returned home to their families and jobs in Australia. Some years later the plane crashed at Taree and then was sold to the RAF Museum in Hendon where it has been restored and is now on display.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks a very interesting factual journey. Chris.

[@robastell444]

Yes remember seeing this plane in Darwin,1969

[@stephensavioli5930]

Well done !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Stephen glad you enjoyed it. Chris.

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

This is dedication.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Winters Battle of Bands. Happy New Year. Chris.

[@stationmanager9325]

I had the good fortuine to fly in a Walruss Amphibian aircraft in Australia.. WHAT A MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plenty of noise, heaVY CONTROLS AND THAT RADIAL ENGINE LETTING YOU KNOW IT'S ALL GUNNA HAPPEN !!!!!!!!!!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Wow Station Manager that is a really amazing experience, would that have been in the early 1960's ? thank you so much for sharing your experience. Please do consider subscribing to my channel. Chris.