Mosquito' to star at Armistice celebration

Star of Armistice in Cambridge this Sunday will the world's only flying WWII De Havilland Mosquito bomber.

The world's only flying WWII De Havilland Mosquito bomber is to make an appearance at the Armistice in Cambridge event this weekend.

Dubbed the 'Wooden Wonder' during its front line service in WWII, this is the only example flying anywhere in the world.

"This is the one and only time this unique and truly spectacular aircraft will ever be seen in the Waikato" says Armistice in Cambridge chairperson, Rob Feisst.

It will make its appearance on the Sunday of the two day event.

Built in Auckland by Avspecs, this enormously ambitious aircraft build took many years and was financed by its American owner who will be taking it to the USA in January.

Its public debut was at an Ardmore airshow last month, so this is its second only public appearance.

Armistice in Cambridge is a celebration of New Zealand's military heritage and will be held this Saturday and Sunday.

It has moved to the Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro this year due to outgrowing its previous venue in Cambridge.

"Each year we get bigger and bigger, so we need more and more space," says Mr Feisst.

With the move to Karapiro the Royal New Zealand Navy will also have a presence for the first time.

The Navy is sending down a Seasprite helicopter and will demonstrate the handling of the 'RIB', a coastal patrol vessel.

Also present will be a collection of fully functioning privately owned tanks among an estimated 100 historic military vehicles.

One of the main attractions will be the low-level dog fight over the lake between a P-51 Mustang hunting a German U-Boat lurking under Lake Karapiro and the boats protector, a Messerschmitt Me108.

The event features a militaria hall, where badges, uniforms, books and guns are bought, sold and swapped. This year a much increased record number of tables have been booked for this.

Reenactments of famous battles will take place at regular intervals, from WWI, WWII, the Boar War, Vietnam and there will even be a Roman Gladiator battle demonstration.

Also present will be the NZ Military Cadets (Army, Sea and ATC) who will run a skills competition. If the military may be a career option for a family member, the NZ Armed Forces will have a recruitment caravan on site.

As part of the event, a ceremony will be held at the Town Hall in Cambridge at 10am on November 11 to commemorate those who fell in the Great War. Everyone is welcome.

This is a varied and exciting event with a packed programme of activities. More information can be found at the event's Facebook page or website www.facebook.com/ArmisticeinCambridge or www.armisticeincambridge.co.nz

Gates open at 9am each day and close at 4pm. Admission is $10/adult per day, $5/child 12 and under.