Keith Park statue to go up in Trafalgar Square

[MontyB]

Seems somewhat sad that the man gets more recognition in the UK than he does here.


Keith Park statue to go up in Trafalgar Square

11:15AM Friday May 08, 2009

London authorities have approved the erection of a statue of New Zealand airman Keith Park in Trafalgar Square.
The statue will go on the square's fourth plinth for six months from October, said English businessman Terry Smith, who has led the campaign to have the statue erected.
The City of Westminster Council approved the placement this morning, and Mr Smith told Radio New Zealand he "couldn't be more delighted".
After the Trafalgar Square stint the statue will go to a permanent site in Waterloo Place, close to New Zealand House, to coincide with next year's 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Mr Smith said Sir Keith was a remarkable man and was modest about his achievements.
Sir Keith was born in New Zealand in 1892 and served at Gallipoli and the Somme in World War 1 before becoming a pilot and shooting down 20 enemy aircraft.
In World War 2, he commanded 11 Group Fighter Command, responsible for the defence of London and southeast England during the Battle of Britain.




http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10571190

 

[BritinBritain]

Seems somewhat sad that the man gets more recognition in the UK than he does here.


http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10571190

Although I agree with you Monty, I am still over the moon that his contribution to the Battle of Britain is at last recognised.

Remember, Frank Whittle got more recognition in the USA then he did in UK

 

[MontyB]

Yeah it just irritates me that we can spend millions shipping "cultural" groups that no one cares about around the world to every political event but we show no interesting in remembering those that are already known and have actually achieved something.

Lets face it this has been organised and paid for by a local businessman with no help or support from the New Zealand government yet if they were to paint an office at New Zealand house we would be spending millions to fly in every worthless politician and concert party that wanted a junket.

 

[Del Boy]

Keith Park is well-rated here; quite a big noise.

 

[Partisan]

I'm glad to hear that we haven't completely lost our historical moorings and actually recognise the value that the Commonwealth has given to GB, now all we need to do is get some leaders who are able to lead.

 

[Del Boy]

Right. And it looks as though our dodgy political class may be unravelling. We have them by the throat ; none too soon. You can't fool all of the people all of the time. We are crying out for democratic representation by men of integrity ; will we get it?

 

[rattler]

-snip- ...We are crying out for democratic representation by men of integrity ; will we get it?

As you are asking I take the liberty to hijack this thread a little bit along:

Answer is: No.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Rattler

 

[Del Boy]

This might develop into a serious constitutional matter; the people may be roused from their slumber; there is talk of a smaller House of Commons, with reduced numbers of members necessary; there is talk of taking control of the government of England from the political grasp of Scotland.
We shall see what is occurring. Political revolution??

In a few minutes I am off on a little journey, so I might miss the fun.