Bomber crew's secret mission for Jackson

Vic Viggers served in Lancasters. Picture / Andrew Labett

Three months ago New Zealand Lancaster bomber veteran Vic Viggers became involved in a top-secret mission.

It was a mission as secret as the famous World War II dambusters raid by British bombers which Peter Jackson has in his sights as his next big-screen venture.

While the 44-year-old producer and director only announced his movie venture yesterday, Mr Viggers and six other former Lancaster bomber crewman were in on the secret back in May - but didn't realise it.

"He [Peter Jackson] didn't tell us what he was up to. He said he was gathering information for his archives," said Mr Viggers.

"I knew he was an aviation buff."

Mr Jackson had flown Mr Viggers, 86, and two other Lancaster veterans from the North Island and four from the south, to Auckland to meet him at the Motat transport museum where a restored, but not airworthy, Lancaster is on display.

He picked the men through their individual roles aboard the bombers. Mr Viggers had been a wireless operator aboard a Lancaster with 101 Squadron, and took part in 19 sorties during the Battle of Berlin.

He said he had been aware of the Dambusters Squadron back in 1943.

"They weren't far from where we were stationed. We knew something special was going on but didn't know what. It was kept really secret."

It was a mission as secret as Peter Jackson's "gathering information" ploy this year.

"He was a delightful guy. He didn't film us but did audio interviews. I was actually surprised to see him there. I thought he'd have got one of his minions to do it."

Mr Viggers said he got the veterans to take up their old positions in the Lancaster and quizzed them on their roles. "He'd clearly done his homework."

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY