By now, one could say that preservation of the military history of the region has turned into almost a full-time job for Hinzman, a man known in the community, across the province and even further for his involvement with the Soldiers Tree, Forever in the Clouds and the latest Returning Soldier monuments created by sculptor Darren Jones. Just before Christmas, Hinzman finalized another project, giving a new home and a new purpose to the training Avro Anson airplane that was abandoned for many years. The plane was covered with grass and a tree was growing through it. This plane will never fly again, but Hinzman hopes it will help to educate others about the history of the area, and the brave men who took their first flights in this machine and who later fought for peace and freedom on the other side of the world.
NEAR ESTEVAN A World War Two aircraft has been grounded in a field near Estevan since the war ended. The Avro Anson sits in Lester Hinzman s yard. The plane was used to train pilots for the Second World War. The plane was found in a field near Estevan by Hinzman s friend that knew he would be interested in it. [He] phoned me and asked me if I want the propeller, Hinzman said. I said, No, I ll take the plane . Hinzman said the plane was bought by a farmer after the war and used for parts. It was bought after the war for $50, Hinzman said. There was a lot of them sold after the war because they weren t good for much after the war was over.
A group of Estevan men recovered a plane that was used during the times of the Second World War. This Avro Anson plane was used for training pilots during war times and then was sold to a local farmer, who used parts of it for his daily operations.
“75 years. Missing in action. A group of friends came together to bring home a forgotten history, so it wouldn t be alone at Christmas,” said Lester Hinzman, who is planning on turning the recovered historical piece into an educational project.
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A group of Estevan men recovered a plane that was used during the times of the Second World War. This Avro Anson plane was used for training pilots during war times and then was sold to a local farmer, who used parts of it for his daily operations.