May 1943
Ted Oldale began his military training at Taieri Aerodrome, Dunedin, in this very province.
He flew Tiger Moths, displayed high skill levels, and was transferred to Wigram and then Omaka for an officers’ course.
He then went on to complete a Flying Instructor’s course at Tauranga.
January 1944
Oldale transferred back to Taieri as an instructor.
September 1944
Posted to Wigram instructing on T6 Harvards.
December 1951
Ted Oldale joined No.1 Squadron Territorial Air Force (TAF) in Whenuapai, Auckland. Here he flew and instructed in both Harvards and the now famous WW2 P51 Mustang Fighter, a squadron of which was supplied to the RNZAF post-war.
The great irony of Ted Oldale’s military service is, his outstanding qualities as a pilot precluded him from joining the war effort overseas despite his desire to do so.
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