WONZ 321 – Steve Subritzky and the Vincent

Guest: Steve Subritzky

Host: Dave Homewood

Recorded: 2nd of March 2025

Published: 11th of April 2025

Duration: 44 minutes, 35 seconds

In this episode we hear a presentation given by Steve Subritzky and Dave Homewood about the world’s last existing Vickers Vincent biplane bomber. Steve, who is the Aviation Manager at the Museum of Transport And Technology (MOTAT), has been piecing together the puzzle that is the world’s only Vickers Vincent for many years in his spare time after work, without the aid of any drawings as they no longer seem to exist.

The Vincent, minus its wings (which are still yet to be restored), had been transported from North Shore Airfield down to Ardmore to go on a special temporary display in the New Zealand Warbirds Hangar from March to May 2025, so it was on display during this event.

Dave gives a background to the Vincent as a type, and details the specific aircraft, NZ311 (previously K6357 with the Royal Air Force). And then Steve details how it was rediscovered and dug out of the ground on a riverbank in Marton after being buried for over two decades. Steve talks about the restoration of this rare aircraft, and the challenges along the way.

Quick Links:

• New Zealand Warbirds Association Ltd

• NZ Warbirds Association of Facebook

Thanks to Stu Russell for the recording.