(reprinted from the 15 October 1980 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba)
During the recent Commonwealth Aircrew Reunion held in Winnipeg, Hollywood actor Cliff Robertson’s vintage Mk 9b Spitfire developed serious engine oil and coolant leaks. The aircraft was unable to fly without permanent repairs so a plea for help went out to CFB Winnipeg’s Aircraft Maintenance section. To the rescue came SGT Bob Hare, an Aero Engine technician and Winnipeg’s only remaining “Fitter” with Rolls Royce Merlin experience.
Ably assisted by a crew of technicians obviously delighted with the chance to work on such a classic, SGT Hare completed all required repairs.
In the above photo, SGT Bob Hare keeps a watchful eye on the powerful twelve cylinder engine as the pilot does his post-repair “run-up” sharing the ‘Tarmac’ with a slightly larger Hercules transport of 429 Squadron.
(CF Photo by CAPT T. Lawrence)