Acknowledgements and Thanks

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The Irish Adventure of Richard Kukura and Tommy Hulme and the fate of their Beaufighter JL710

Acknowledgements and Thanks

Many thanks are due to: Richard, Olga, Nikki. Lynette and Stephanie Kukura without whom this booklet and web site wouldn’t have been possible.
The story by Richard Kukura in this booklet is part of what may become his War Time Memoirs and may not be copied without his permission . © Richard Kukura 2004

Liz Rothwell provided photographs and an article about her father’s time in Ireland and subsequently which are much appreciated.

Thanks are also due to so many others who made useful contributions to the research, this booklet and the website: Aidan Brady, Aidan McGovern, Benny Reilly, Chris Maguire, Ciaran Maguire, David Breiden, Eddie Brogan, Frank Reilly, Gene P Owen McGovern, Georgie Gault, Isabel Rofé, James McGovern, Jim McGoldrick, John Edwards, Katie Dolaghan, Kevin McCaffrey, Margaret McIntyre, Maura McGovern, Oliver Brady, Phil McManus, Seamus Brady, Sean McHugh, Sean O’Reilly, Sean Smith, Staff at Ballinamore library, James Joseph McGovern, Terry McIntyre, Fr Tom McKiernan, Tommy ‘Tucker’ McGovern, The staff of the Ballyconnell branch of Cavan County Council, Packie Joe Brady, Patrick Duffy, Willie Seamen, Councillor Wilson Elliot M.B.E., John Patterson, Dennis Burke and Dave Earl.
Apologies to those who have helped but been left out.

The photograph of Initial Training School, Pearce, Perth, W.A. and A ‘Beau’ in flight were provided by the Australian War Memorial Collection. Richard’s service record is from Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Cockpit of a Beaufighter is from Wikipedia.

The map on page 46 is from the Ordnance Survey Ireland 1:50 000 Discovery Series No: 27A and should be available at all good book shops or from their website at www.irlgov.ie/osi

Finally, a huge Thank You to Sue and John Patterson for all the support and help with the preparation and layout of this booklet.

NR 7th July 2006

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The JL710 Committee

The committee who are organising the events for 16th July and collecting the funds to enable not only the printing of this booklet but for accommodation and feeding of our guests, the expenses of lifting the engine and many other incidental expenses.

Chairman: Councillor Peter McVitty, Vice Chairman: Councillor Sean Smith,
Secretary: Isabel Rofé, Assistant Secretary: Oliver Brady,
Treasurer: Kevin McCaffrey

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Bristol Hercules Engine lifting team

Without doubt the credit for the diving and searching operation in the mud several feet below the surface of the water must go to Willie Seaman and Eddie Brogan who gave up many days of their spare time to attempt the ‘rescue’ of the sixty three year old engine.
Others who assisted with raft preparation and moving were Aidan Brady, Connor McGovern, Gabriel McGovern, Isabel Rofé, Kevin McCaffrey (senior), Kevin McCaffrey (Junior), Sean McCaffrey, Nial McCaffrey, Paddy McKiernan, Pauric McCaffrey & Terry McIntyre.

     

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