The
Cover of Merv Pike’s book,
now available at the Flying Boat Centre.
Family follows wartime footsteps
An Australian family has travelled
across the world following in the wartime footsteps of a
flying boat pilot.
Anne Flaherty’s father, Merv Pike,
spent two years stationed at RAF Pembroke Dock with the
famous 461 Australian Squadron, flying Sunderlands.
“Dad always talked about ‘PD’ and a
large part of his time in the Air Force was spent here,”
said Anne, from Blackheath, New South Wales.
“He married a Wolverhampton girl in
1944 and their first married home was in Wellington
Street, Pembroke Dock, so this town is important to us
all.”
Anne was accompanied by husband
Hugh, son Beau and daughter Samantha for their UK trip.
They also arranged for copies of Merv Pike’s wartime
story, which has been published by the family, to be
delivered to the town’s Flying Boat Centre.
The book - entitled ‘Just As It
Happened’ - is now on sale at the Flying Boat Centre
where Anne and family met members of the Sunderland
Trust team. They also had an extended tour of the local
area and saw many reminders of the flying boat era
including the two Sunderland hangars.
“Dad died five years ago so our
visit has been very special,” added Anne. “Beau and
Samantha were very close to their grandfather so coming
here has been important for them too.
“We are all so impressed by what
the Sunderland Trust has achieved in a short time and we
shall be doing all we can to promote their work back
home. There are many connections between PD and
Australia through the wonderful flying boats, and these
must never be forgotten.
“Proceeds from the sale of the book
will be donated to the Flying Boat Centre because of the
special place that Pembroke Dock had in Dad’s heart and
therefore in ours. And, having been to the Flying Boat
Centre, our support for it is undeniable.”
* The Flying Boat Centre is open
Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am - 4 pm.
Funding for the Centre is from
the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is
funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, and the
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
This is administered locally by Pembrokeshire County
Council and supported by Milford Haven Port Authority.
The
Flaherty family at Pembroke Dock’s Flying Boat Centre
with members of the Sunderland Trust team. Left to
right: Allan Ross, Mike Hurley, John Evans (Sunderland
Trust); Beau, Hugh, Anne and Samantha Flaherty.
PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.