Introducing Lisa Daly, Aviation Archaeologist

We are pleased to announce that Lisa Daly, a PhD student at MUN dealing with World War II in Gander, specializing in Aviation Archeology, will be contributing her research papers for our purposes here at GAHS as well as having an input on our website. Lisa is a welcomed addition in assisting us in bringing more of the Airport’s history to light. She has been researching plane crashes in Nfld. and Labrador, especially at Gander Airport since 2011. Her papers and photos are made available for viewing on her MUN website . She also keeps a blog called ‘Plane Crash Girl’ which is worth the read. Lisa's presence will certainly add to the GAHS's credibility as an historical society.

Gander Lake Dive For Plane Wrecks

It looks like Tony Merkle’s Gander Lake Dive project for crashed WWII aircraft is starting to fall into place. An article published by the Gander Beacon this week, and carried by the Evening Telegram , gives more in-depth information on exactly what Tony is looking for. All permits have been issued so exploratory work will soon commence. From reading the article one must agree that Tony’s team of divers might just find something. Whether the condition of the wrecks will be salvageable is something we will have to wait and see. It is interesting to know there are still three missing airmen that were aboard one of the crashed airplanes being sought . The Military’s involvement in retrieving the remains of the airmen will certainly be a priority for them. We plan on relating up to date reports as they are made available to us.

Our Newest Board Member

The GAHS would like to welcome Dean Cull as our newest Director to our Board. Dean is retired and living Gander. He will be passing along his experience in aviation as a licensed commercial pilot, airline dispatcher, Manager of Hemeter Aviation and Manager of Irving Aviation. With his life time work at Gander Airport, Dean has a keen interest in the airport’s activities and keeping it’s history preserved for the future. He will be an asset to our group and we look forward to working with him.

OK523 Crash Survivor Visit Plan in Progress

In making plans for the Czechoslovakian survivor visit on September 12, Alena will be arriving in St. John’s and driving to Gander with a planned side trip to the Bonavista area for a sight seeing tour. We had contacted the Hotel St. Jude's in Clarenville to book rooms for this side trip. On learning the reason for Alena’s visit to Gander, the St. Jude's management has offered complimentary accommodations while in the Clarenville area. Alena’s visit is already  starting to create a stir in our hospitable spirit. We thank Hotel St. Jude's for this fine gesture of hospitality . 

GAHS Director Nomination

The GAHS Board of Directors is requesting a position for an additional director from Gander. The need for an extra director is necessary because we feel the town of Gander is not represented sufficiently to meet the Board's needs. Those who are interested please forward your intentions to serve as a Director to gahs.webster@gmail.com for our consideration no later than June 30.