S/L Rex Daniell DFC AFC - RIP

I found out about RD's passing when I caught a snippet in a Kiwi paper but have only now found an obit. Very well known in New Zealand for his airline work but also well known as a wartime Dak afficianado, IIRC. He wrote a wondefully titled book - What Did You Do In The War, Poppa Rekka? - which has had two very limited print runs. He also flew Blenheims with 82 Squadron. A fine pilot indeed. RIP.

Rex Daniell, DFC, AFC, pilot, airline pioneer.
Died aged 89.

In 1960, when Rex Daniell and his mate Bob Anderson decided to start South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand (Spanz), they knew they were taking a risk. New Zealand was heavily regulated then, and the government-owned National Airways Corporation (NAC) ruled the skies.

But Daniell and Anderson had been to a number of overseas conferences; "all fired up" and full of confidence, the pair went ahead.

To get Spanz off the ground, they needed £120,000. They managed to raise £80,000 and then borrowed a couple of DC3s from Australian airline Ansett to make up their fleet.

Spanz flourished for several years in the early 1960s, opening up new routes to smaller towns such as Napier, Taupo, Masterton and New Plymouth. Spanz planes had bigger windows than those used by NAC, and it was the first airline to introduce in-flight food on secondary routes, offering cherries from Alexandra, or strawberries.

Although Spanz folded in 1966, it had impacted on the national carrier, forcing it to improve its service.

At its peak, Spanz could muster four DC3 aircraft and 12 flight crew.

The DC3 is famous in aircraft circles. Introduced in the 1930s, it was the first major passenger plane with a "stressed-skin" metal fuselage and wings instead of the old fabric-covered frame. "New Zealand is a rough country to fly in," Daniell said in a Herald interview in 2000.

"The fact that a DC3's wings stay on is very reassuring ... Those were the best years of our lives."

Daniell and Anderson were both familiar with DC3s, having flown the military version during World War II.

Born and raised in Masterton, Daniell enlisted the day war broke out, flying first with the RNZAF and then the RAF, rising to the rank of squadron leader.

He took part in the Battle of Britain and served in Bomber Command before transferring to Transport Command, serving in the Middle East, India and Africa. He towed gliders during the D-Day invasion of France and flew supplies to Arnhem during the Battle of the Bulge.

He was awarded the DFC and AFC, invested by King George VI after the war.

When Daniell returned home, he flew for Union Airways and later for the NAC before starting Spanz.

When the little airline folded, Daniell moved to Australia and worked as an operations manager for Ansett. He died in Maroochydore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where he had lived since retiring.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, three daughters and two sons. Another son predeceased him.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10682565

Dad's medals

Letter of authenticity and medals on their new mount. These were kindly purchased and given to dad by Garry Daniell. They will be returned to him and then will be donated to Wairapa College where they will be displayed.

Dad meets new friends Anzac Day 2010

Dad with some new friends very early morn on Anzac day. His photo appeared in the local paper with article about these kids who just had to meet a real life vet who had lived through the second world war.
BEING up at 4am is a big ask for almost anyone but for Point Cartwright mother Ann Lando, it was only the beginning of an exhausting morning.

With three children – Emma, 9, Sarah, 8, and James, 5 – excited to be going to the dawn service at Cotton Tree and their two young friends heading along for the first time, by the time she spoke to the Daily, you could hear the exhaustion in Ms Lando’s voice.

“They really wanted to do it,” she said. “They wouldn’t miss the dawn service. “I love it myself but they really wanted to go.”

She said her own grandfather had recently died and the children knew he had served in a war and Anzac Day was a way to remember him.

What Ms Lando perhaps didn’t expect was that the children would see a World War II veteran as something akin to a superhero.

When 89-year-old Rex Daniell, who served in Burma, Europe and Africa, sat quietly beside the five children they were stunned.

“Sarah was so taken with him and was so excited to meet someone who fought in World War II,” she said.

“She gave him a big cuddle and almost knocked him over I think.”

Ms Lando said that all five were well behaved during the service and understood it was important to show respect for the Anzacs.

Memories of Rex and family by Betty Tucker

I am a lifetime friend of Betty’s. I am at my daughter Elizabeth Summerville’s house with my sister Barbara Tod. We have been enjoying the memories as we looked at the photos and writings on the blog.

One of my memories of Rex was when I flew on a celebration flight for the beginning of SPANZ. It was a privilege to be asked.

Another memory was looking after their precious three month old baby son Clifton when Rex and Betty had to go to England. It was lovely and Clifton was such a good baby.

Barbara and her husband Dick used to travel to Australia and Rex and Betty always made them feel very welcome when they called in to visit.

Rex was a real old time gentleman.

I have been thinking of you a lot Betty. Love from your friend Betty Tucker and also Barbara and Elizabeth xxx

We are now going home by ferry and train to Papatoetoe. It’s been a fun day to come and see the stories of Rex’s life. Love Bett

Sunday the 24th of October 2010

On Sunday, we gathered to honour and remember Dad. On his bequest, his ashes were scattered in the Maroochy river, just down the way from his home with mum in Anzac avenue.

We started proceedings on the river bank with a informal service with family members present. Fittingly the Siberian Curlew, the migratory bird that dad enjoyed watching on its annual pilgrimage from Siberia to Maroochydore was standing by. I feel certain, his spirit will be carried away to his next adventure forthwith.

After scattering Dad's ashes we moved onto his bowls club, The Maroochy Swan. The club made us very welcome. Talking with bar staff, they remember dad as a true gentleman. How right they are. A large group of friends and family joined in viewing photos and tributes to the ‘old man’. Fittingly a number of the younger family members, ‘yours truly included’, enjoyed the challenge of a ‘roll up’. Dad would have enjoyed the spirit of competition and a few beers to ‘wet the whistle’.

We all have special memories of dad and I ask that everyone continue to remember him with happiness and joy for his long and celebrated life. He touched us all in so many ways, as is evident by the huge volume of tributes that have flooded in since we began this blog.

Daryl Biggar saddened by the news of dad's passing

Hello Betty,
I am Darryl Biggar (second son of Raewyn). I was very sad to hear of the death of Uncle Rex. I regret not having managed to meet him. My youngest son has been begging me to go up to Brisbane to meet my "uncle" who flew planes in the war...

I hope we will have a chance to meet when you are next in Melbourne...

Darryl

Jim remembers fondly days with dad at SPANZ

Dear Betty and family.

We have just returned from holiday and have received the sad news. Please accept our most
sincere condolences. Being part of SPANZ was a unique experience and to have worked alongside Rex was a once in a lifetime privilege. He will never be forgotten.

Kindest regards,
Jim and Denise Haskell

Ode to RDD by Terry Daniell

So the mighty totara has fallen
Upon the descendants below.
Our rangitira has departed
Where old rangitiras go.

No more the fount of wisdom
Freely given to those who requested.
Even to those who had not
His advice was warmly attested.

A life full of challenge
Grasped with both hands.
Here there and far
Across many lands.

Restive, restless, progressive,
Forever challenging, debating.
Status quo rarely satisfying
Always In need of reviewing

Leading, organising,
Striving for improvement
No obstacle too daunting,
No bridge too far.

Now at peace and at rest,
No more earthly battles to face.
Gone - not forgotten
A life lived at real pace.


Terry Daniell October 2010

Poppa enjoy's a day out with Karen for mothers day 2003

Poppa Rekka gives 'a very little' Archer a big cuddle

Our twin boys Flynn and Archer are about 8 weeks old here when Grandma and Poppa met them for the first time at our home at Castaway in Jan Juc. Still so small!

Dad visits Brenda and Ken in 2009

A life lived large

Click on image to enlarge and view

RDD At the controls

Kind words of support from Margaret and Cedric Wisely

Dear Betty and Family,
When you told us that Rex had wanted to go into a Hospice we knew the end was near but it was still very sad to learn of his passing. We always looked upon Rex as going on forever and if there was a problem he would get over it. This was demonstrated during the SPANZ era when there were many problems but RDD always overcame them.

He will be sadly missed and Margaret and I send you and your family our sincere sympathy at the passing of a true friend.

Love from us both
Margaret and Cedric

Keeping in touch

Te Atatu family home with Bo Paul's Dog 'circa 1966'

Our Dad (RDD)

Our association with our future Dad began in 1956 at Te Atatu, where he had almost finished building his dream home, at a time when he needed a live-in helper for his young family. We quickly became accustomed to a larger ‘family’ unit, including Colleen (10), Brenda (7), Kevin (6) and now Paul (5) and Karen (4). We began our schooling at Edmonton Primary and in ensuing years spent many school holidays getting to know the greater Daniell clan, involving visits to Penwain, Te Awamutu and the Wairarapa.

Our childhood was filled with happy memories. Outstanding were the infamous tyre-rolling episodes, which involved one of us climbing inside a discarded DC3 tyre while two or three others pushed it all around the yard. You were lucky if the tyre stopped in time for you to retain your lunch! Dad figured there had to be some good use for these castoffs, and we all agreed wholeheartedly.

In this way, Dad ensured there was always plenty of outdoor fun and he was always good for playing cricket and footy on the front lawn, and then later teaching us to play tennis on our new asphalt court. Who could forget the toil of the trusty old concrete mixer, which laid the foundation for the tennis court, the long battle-axe driveway and the swimming pool, all completed just prior to us all migrating to Australia!

In 1967 at the end of the SPANZ years, a new life began in Melbourne. By this time the family was completed by the arrival of a little brother Clifton who was 17 months old. Dad’s years with Ansett are well documented in his memoirs, as are his various escapades around Australia by air. All of us in the family enjoyed many overseas trips on a special fare due to RDD’s position in the airline industry. In those days we were fortunate indeed.

As teenagers and young adults we came and went often, as though there were revolving doors at our Lyric Grove residence, often bulging at the seams, always revered as the greatest family home. All due to RDD’s wonderful ability to innovatively create an environment for all of us that was safe and secure – never a dull moment with our Dad, Rekka! Mum, of course, found some of his schemes a little wild but always was a steady support backing him up.

In recent times it was a privilege to work with Dad on his books and to learn in more depth of his epic service during the war, and throughout his remarkable lifetime. He is an inspiration to all his children and grandchildren with his extraordinary attitude and zest for life.

RDD was a wonderful Dad, who loved us as his own, as we loved him. We have all appreciated and benefited from Rex’s special brand of wisdom, guidance and humour. We will miss him very dearly.

Karen and Paul

Message from Laurie and Colleen Barclay

Dear Karen Betty and family,
Colleen and I are deeply saddened by the news of Rex's passing and extend our deepest condolences to you all.

I share and understand your Dads view on funerals, a family gathering at an appropriate time and place is a much preferred option.

Sadly after receiving your last weeks email I crossed my fingers, thought about you all every day and looked forward to sitting down with him for what could or might be the final yarn on the birthday weekend.

Again he was right, when he from time to time said " It's later than you think Laurie"
Thank you again for thinking of me at this sad time.

You are on the button when you say he led a remarkable life, he was a remarkable fellow and a great friend.

Personally I have yet to meet someone with more integrity than your Dad.

Laurie Barclay

Rex Donald Daniell – Dad, Brother, Uncle, Poppa, Great Poppa, Great Uncle, Cousin, Loyal Friend and Husband

I regret to advise has passed away Wednesday October 13th at 12.15am. It was a peaceful ending with Mum at his bedside continuously over the past few days during which time he had told her that he was ready to go, and that it was time for the "final touch-down after many long happy years in the holding pattern".

He will not have a funeral (at his request) though we will have a private
family get-together to celebrate his remarkable life, in lieu of his 90th
birthday party on Sunday 24th.

Love to all at this sad time,
Betty and the family

Memories of Uncle Rex by Terry Daniell

Memories of Uncle Rex
Circa 1948

In thinking on the long life of Uncle Rex I am taken back to the years after the Second World War and the Christmases we had many of them at Penwain (Bill & Elsie’s) and some at Ben Hame (Winstone & Margaret’s). All the FCD’s used to meet on these occasions including the Masterton relies who made the long trek to the Waikato.

In those days Rex flew Dakotas with National Airways Corporation (NAC) or its forebear and somehow used to get himself rostered on the Norfolk Island route. Just before Christmas he would collect a large bunch of ripe bananas directly from the palm tree and deliver it to the Christmas party where it was greeted with great delight by all present. He reckoned he got the bunch in exchange for a pound (500gms) of butter.

On occasions when he was unable to make the family Christmas gathering he was inevitably rostered for flying. On these Christmas days if we were on the flight path from Rukahia (Hamilton) he would “buzz” Penwain early in the morning flying at 1000 feet (about 300 metres) directly over our house. Must have been quite a thrill for the passengers who might have thought the pilot was looking for an emergency landing place! I wonder what the authorities would do today if a Boeing 737 tried the same tactic. Oh for the freedom of another age.

Later Circa 1960.
Rex with long time friend Bob Anderson had left NAC to form SPANZ (South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand flying viewmaster Dakotas on scienic routes through New Zealand (they were not allowed to fly on the main routes in direct competition with NAC!).

Rex had just arrived back at Whenuapai (Auckland’s main airport in those days). Our family who were renting a bach for a holiday in Rothesay Bay at the time were there to greet him and have a look over the aircraft. Among the family and some other friends of Rex’s or Bob’s were our maternal grandparents who at that time would have been close to their 80’s (considered very old at that time).

Rex had the crew still on board and half way through the visit decided he needed to take the aircraft on a test flight which just happened to involve a circuit over Auckland City centre (no sky tower in those days!). For most of the family it was our first flight in an aircraft and for our grandparents who were absolutely terrified but could not dodge the experience it was their only flight.

Fast Forward to 2000
A flight to commemorate SPANZ 40th anniversary since its inception (the company folded about 1966) was being organised to coincide with the launch of a book on the history of SPANZ compiled by Richard Waugh a New Zealand aeronautical historian in association with Peter Layne . The idea was to sell seats on a DC3 which would fly the old SPANZ routes around NZ and at each stop books would be sold.

In the event 3 DC3’s made the 10 day trip – one aircraft taken completely by Americans – all at $3,000 per seat. At many airports they were given a civic reception as many residents remembered the service SPANZ had provided to get them on the tourist map.

During the planning stage which was conducted largely at my accountancy practice office Rex arrived one afternoon at about 4pm to see how plans and costings were going, a visit I expected would take about an hour.

I had started early that morning and had had a busy day and was looking forward to knocking off. Rex and I worked through the exercise twice (thoroughly) until about 7.30pm and then went home to our place for dinner. At about 9pm we were discussing plans again and at midnight Rex left for Peter Rushbrookes place at Maraetai driving Peter’s ute. We swear Rex was doing 100kph by the time he had travelled the 100 metres to the traffic lights to take the free left turn.

That 80 year old left a 60 year old nephew absolutely exhausted after the visit and admiring forever the energy and mental agility shown which would have done a forty year old proud. The thoroughness of the workings left one in no doubt that this was one airman who survived because he did not take chances with mathematical calculations!

We share many happy memories with you all.
Love to all
Terry