Help Get The Vickers Vincent To Ardmore
Raising funds to get the Vincent bomber to Ardmore
Ardmore, Papakura
New Zealand Warbirds are hoping to place the Subritzky family's unique Vickers Vincent biplane bomber on temporary display in their museum at Ardmore, making this amazing aeroplane accessible to the public.
The Vincent was built for the Royal Air Force in the 1930s, and served in Iraq in1937-1939. It was then sold to the Royal New Zealand Air Force and arrived in NZ in July 1939.
It served in the Auckland (General Reconnaissance) Squadron when WWII broke out, then it moved to the Air Gunners and Air Observers School at Ohakea. In Nov 1941 it went back onto operational flying with No. 2 Squadron, Nelson.
By Nov 1942 it was with No. 22 Army Co-op Squadron, Ohakea. And finally onto No.1 OTU, Ohakea in April 1943 for drogue towing.
The remains of this Vincent were dug out of a riverbank at Marton in the 1970s, where it had been pushed into landfill at the end of the war. Over many years it has been painstakingly restored by Steve Subritzky and his father Don Subritzky.
Being privately owned, this loan to Warbirds will give the public a chance to see it. Vincents served at Ardmore during WWII as target tugs, towing drogues for the fighters. This will be a unique opportunity to see one back there for the first time in 80 years. This is the only Vincent in the world.
This fundraiser will help to pay the transport costs to get it from the North Shore to Ardmore for the Warbirds On Parade airshow and a WONZ Forum Meet in March, and back home afterwards. Can you help please?
Dave Homewood's involvement (page creator)
I am a friend and supporter of the New Zealand Warbirds
Use of funds
Truck transport costs
Latest update
Thanks again to all who helped get the Vincent to Ardmore! 6 May 2025
The very rare ex-RNZAF Vickers Vincent biplane bomber has had a very successful time on temporary public display at the New Zealand Warbirds Association's museum at Ardmore, and it has been seen and enjoyed by many people during its time there.
Frank Parker, President of NZ Warbirds Association, says, “Leading up to NZ Warbirds Open Day on 16 March we were able to arrange with owner Steve Subritzky to have, as an added attraction, his Vickers Vincent on display.
"This is a truly remarkable machine, its size, its presence, and the only remaining example in the world. It is planned to have the aircraft remain on display for the winter months so there is still an opportunity to view this historic aircraft at Ardmore.
"I would like to thank Steve Subritzky for entrusting NZ Warbirds with his rare ‘treasure’."
Steve Subritzky, who is restoring this unique survivor of the 1930s, says, "It’s been absolutely fantastic to have her out on public display and such incredible positive feedback from the forum community and NZ Warbirds airshow. I still can’t believe how good she looks out there."
You can watch and listen to a presentation on the Vincent at Ardmore here:
https://cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2025/04/wonz-321-steve-subritzky-and-the-vincent/
Thanks again to everyone who helped to make this happen. It is really appreciated. It has bolstered the profile of an important type in RNZAF history, and of this one-off survivor in particular.
Latest donations
Thank you Mitchell.
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