Bellman works with Saunie
in building earliest crew and fleet
Untidy red marker “outlines” Bellman’s role
The untidy red marker in this clipping highlights coverage about Gordon Bellman. His RAF and AAF flying career, his inputs with Saunie to make aircraft selections for the fleet, and their joint interviews to recruit full-scale ground and flight crews. And, finally, the announcement of his selection for Veterans Air Board of Directors.1
While not ever referred to as a “Core Founder” of the Company, Bellman’s early role, as revealed in this September 1945 article, seems to warrant that designation.
The entire article contains “breaking news,” some yet to be officially confirmed. Like Gravely’s Army discharge “because of a leg injury suffered in pre-flight training.” Or his attendance at Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, NJ, “as an Army student.”2
Golden is the list of men with whom Gravely talked – some names new, some confirmation. Brenner, Stevenson, and Rowland. The latter possibly father of Veterans Air international Flight Navigator Gerald Rowland.3 To be determined…and, as I progress, I hope to link other stories together as well.4