Paul Coggan, a memorial...
Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:01 am
The formal bit:
Excerpt from an appreciation published recently in Aeroplane magazine, Sept 2006.
Paul Coggan – a memorial
It might seem a strange thing to start with knowledge, but it is a measure of Paul’s achievement. To many, Paul was ‘Mr Mustang’, endlessly knowledgeable about North American’s finest product, and always happy to share that expertise. From the early days of “Mustang International”, Paul realised there was a need for an international magazine focussed exclusively on the warbird business. He was not just the Editorial Director and Publisher, but the driving force behind Warbirds Worldwide a journal and association founded in 1987, and which lasted thirteen eventful years. As a result, since the mid ‘eighties, Paul had acquired and developed an unrivalled repository of knowledge of the warbird world.
From his first Warbirds Worldwide editorial on 11th May, 1987 to his last column for Aeroplane, Paul was always advocating the importance of a hands-on, worldwide all-embracing warbird movement – safe and inclusive. Not just for owners or for the rich, but for anyone interested and prepared to participate. He did a lot for others in this, and many people can trace something of his influence in their involvement or achievement with warbirds today.
He gave many now-famous photographers and journalists a great opportunity, and when the time came to move on he wasn’t one to be small-minded or to hold a grudge. He earned the respect of pilots, owners and engineers – never easy to do – and more; he got them to write firsthand accounts of their experiences, one of the toughest jobs in aviation journalism.
In a pre-internet age, Paul took a worldwide view of an industry that can naturally be nationalistic or parochial, and he acted as a global ambassador for the industry; a role requiring a lot of diplomacy on occasion! In just one editorial he talks of a three-month period where he travels to Tucson Az. for the Classic Jet Aircraft Association meeting, then onto Chino, Ca., followed by a trip to Norway to see the Scandinavian Historic Flight, and finally off to New Zealand as a guest of New Zealand Warbirds. He recognised the benefits of the globalisation of the operation of heavy ex-military aircraft, and critically, hesupported and encouraged it. Later, when the opportunity was there, as Mike Shreeve and others noted, he was quick to embrace the internet.
In the latter years of WW, Paul had a number of misfortunes which would have tested anyone, yet only those close to Paul knew of them. He faced a long list of problems, yet, as fellow journalist, WW and Aeroplane contributor Gary Brown said: “He had strong shoulders. Following the demise of WW those of weaker character would have buckled under the intense criticism that was aimed in Paul's direction, yet he chose to go back under the spotlight for Aeroplane.”
One of the toughest parts of his professional life was the loss through accident or illness of many supporters, colleagues and friends – founder members of WW John R Sandberg, Robb R Satterfield and Jeff Ethell, and later Mark Hanna – yet Paul kept going.
Gary again: “He had time for everyone. (Even when he was far too busy, often to the detriment of a deadline.)” As a result he provided encouragement and champion for many. He wasn’t afraid to disagree or to stand up to the rich and powerful or the big egos in the aviation game, but he never made a scene for self aggrandizement.
Mike Shreeve adds; “I noticed how many people commented on Paul’s 'personal touch' that was always present, in the form of a note in with subscription renewals, or taking the time to chat at Duxford.”
He will be fondly remembered as a generous, honest, driven man, who made a difference to vintage aviation. A last word with Gary: “He had an unrivalled passion for the continual preservation of flying historic aircraft, without his enthusiasm, the worldwide interest in warbirds may have been smaller than it is today. Above all though he was a good man. ”
Photo of Paul really flying Stallion 51s TF-51 - an ambition achieved. (Lee Lauderback)
* * * * *
The less formal thoughts.
I thought I’d try and put down a few impressions of working with Paul, and I hope they are of interest. Paul (in my opinion) did a lot for the kind of aviation we all like, and while he was the first to point out his lack of aeronautical qualifications, what he did do was as important in many ways as anyone else’s. No, he never fought in a war, but he was ex-RAFF.
Paul was farewelled by a Mustang flown by a good friend, and I’m sure seen off by a good crowd of people.
It was back in 19(cof cof) when I was standing in at Old Warden with some friends, and we were chatting about this ‘new’ magazine that was all about warbirds, during a lull in the display. Gary had turned up some time earlier with WW.1 at North Weald off one of the magazine stands and we were blown away by the coverage and breadth of content, gloss, and lovely piccies. Personally the photo of Col Pay’s RAAF painted Spitfire on the cover was a big plus, but while that was a personal preference it is indicative of a global attitude he fostered in the warbirds field.
I wondered aloud if ‘the editor’ would publish something on the Gladiator, which had just been repainted, or whether it was ‘out’ because it was a biplane when Robert Rudhall suggested I write something and send it in. That’s where it all started. Paul said ‘Yes please’ and I worked really hard and checked it all with Shuttleworth. Paul promised to put it in the next issue, then when that was out, absolutely the next,… then, well it was about four issues that slipped by, but it went in and I was dead chuffed and pleased to be promoting Old Warden's charms to Mustang-lovers.
Paul was a great guy to work for, infuriating, annoying, evasive, a right pain, but that was all outweighed by his generosity, hard work, innovation, dedication and support of good (and sometimes bad) ideas.
People sometimes seem to think aviation mags are staffed by lots of bods in an office. In the case of some of the bigger ones, there’s a small, dedicated and treadmill-accustomed team of about half-a-doz, but most are an editor, some volunteers (such as I was for WW) and lots of guys freelancing or doing it for love… It certainly was a lonely, tough job for Paul.
Warbirds Worldwide was the Warbird magazine, and in that niche was untouchable by anything before or at the time. In terms of it’s content, international outlook it was without peer (Paul ensured it covered Australasia, Europe, and Africa when the other mags seemed fixed at Chino and Duxford) - and remember this was pre-internet. We had Macs, so the computers worked, but a scanner was something the printers paid thousands for, and everything would seem steam-powered today.
He had a vision and brought it off; a magazine on warbirds and nothing else, that the enthusiast could read, but critically the owner or operator, crew or specialist would find useful. We had our critics – right and wrong, but since it’s demise, I’ve been told so many times how much people rated it, and how good it was – it’s one of the things I’m most proud to have had a hand in, and it was Paul’s baby.
When I got a (proper) job in Nottingham Paul took the day off to ferry me around looking at houses and stuff that was necessary, and ever after that was generous with his time and energy. He would be the first to admit he never paid me well, but I got a lot of meals – we met for a Pizza at Pizza Express in Nottingham every few weeks to discuss the journal (never ‘mag’ to Paul). I’d drive up to the office in Mansfield (1/2 hour) and pitch in when I could. For about a year at one stage, where I was very busy during the day we had a weird working arrangement where I’d turn up at the office at about 10pm (after Paul had gone home) and bash away at stuff until 2 am, and we’d leave notes for each other with ideas, suggestions demands and requests…
It seemed to work. I look through the issues of WW (I’ve five volumes, 52 issues and a bunch of specials around me as I write this.) and the content is re-readable and interesting today. Much of what was predicted had happened, restorations covered in their early days are flying, and (sadly) all too many faces aren’t with us.
Paul gave good breaks to some of today’s star photographers, and as Mike Shreeve pointed out, he got the respect and trust of owners and operators who were normally wary of others in the field. Because of that Paul had a good ‘in’ with a lot of warbird operators – and got accused of being in their pockets, which I thought unfair, as he wasn’t, but was very careful to publish solid fact, or where there was doubt, not publish. I lost count of the number of ‘scoops’ we skipped because Paul had heard it first from the owner, yet kept his promised to keep mum. (To clarify, that’s not to say other Eds were dodgy, but that they didn’t get told by the owner, ~ so no obligation of trust, and the info was often less from the horses mouth. Warbirds was quarterly, not monthly, and doing ‘news’ on a quarterly basis isn’t funny.)
Getting articles out of people like Mark Hanna was like drawing teeth, but Paul did it. (Mark was charming, but busy, busy, busy…) Without that effort, we’d not have Mark’s thoughts on flying the P-40, the T-33, or the Empire of the Sun filming, or on the Polikarpovs. Those are all great articles we all prfit from today. Search them out.
That’s just one name, and there were many others, many other achievements, and behind the printed matter was a lot of quiet connections, deal-making help and listening and discretion. None of us are perfect, and Paul certainly wasn’t, but he was very good at helping and keeping shtum. He knew it was good business sense in the long run.
Paul was a very private person; shy perhaps, and while he enjoyed getting out to shows to ‘meet the public’ it was also an ordeal for him. We would have long chats with people on the stand (usually at DX) and Paul treated everyone from the big names to the keen newbie to the village idiot politely, well, heard them out, and they went away thinking ‘What a nice guy!’ And they were right. My job became removing the village idiot, and the people who wanted to act like prats (and did) but if I’d not have been there Paul would have just stuck it out as placidly as ever. Who was the smart one then?
I should say that WW went to the wall, and that was down to Paul too. Without any details which would be indiscrete, WW had a viable future, but Paul just wouldn’t do some of the things he needed to. He could be stubborn, and that’s good at times (he stood up to some pretty scare warbird folks, and held his ground when he was told not to publish and was proven right afterwards) but can be problematic at others. WW’s success was Paul’s achievement, but he broke it too. It could have survived, and certain people tried very hard to make that happen, but it didn’t. It was sad, but all good things come to an end, and though I lost some valuable things at the finish, what I gained, and still get I think outweighs that. Anyway, it went into receivership, and Paul went through one of the toughest series of hard knocks I’ve seen someone take. Again, it’s not for public consumption, but I wouldn’t have been too good at coping, and Paul did.
One of those knocks was the transition of the Warbirds Worldwide website to ‘Vintage Aviator’, and the debacle that followed there. One good thing which did come out of it was one of the things that led to the WIX we know today, and that’s a great thing.
I got to know Paul’s wife Amanda, and their two girls quite well, and they were very nice to see when they were in the office, or helping out. Sadly just one of Paul’s knocks was being divorced, and about the only good bit for him was meeting Deborah, the woman who became his second wife.
There’s a lot more stories (including the great P-51D Mustang Antipathy Saga) and it would be great if Mike could add a bit about the WW early days and Mustang International – also I’d appreciate some feedback if people want to hear more. It’s funny to realise what was a very personal experience was actually a very special opportunity, and what I've been told is of interest to others; Paul made me a very lucky guy, and in a small way we were on the spot when some sorts of 'history' happened. It's a funny feeling.
Since I drafted these words, Paul’s ashes have been scattered from the HAC Hurricane by Clive Denny over Duxford, over a small group of family and friends. But I don’t think that’s where things end, as his work and memory will certainly go on.
Thanks Paul, it was a privilege and a pleasure. I’ve a small idea of what you did, and it was worth it.
James Kightly (Warbirds Worldwide May 1991 – Feb 2000.)
Excerpt from an appreciation published recently in Aeroplane magazine, Sept 2006.
Paul Coggan – a memorial
It might seem a strange thing to start with knowledge, but it is a measure of Paul’s achievement. To many, Paul was ‘Mr Mustang’, endlessly knowledgeable about North American’s finest product, and always happy to share that expertise. From the early days of “Mustang International”, Paul realised there was a need for an international magazine focussed exclusively on the warbird business. He was not just the Editorial Director and Publisher, but the driving force behind Warbirds Worldwide a journal and association founded in 1987, and which lasted thirteen eventful years. As a result, since the mid ‘eighties, Paul had acquired and developed an unrivalled repository of knowledge of the warbird world.
From his first Warbirds Worldwide editorial on 11th May, 1987 to his last column for Aeroplane, Paul was always advocating the importance of a hands-on, worldwide all-embracing warbird movement – safe and inclusive. Not just for owners or for the rich, but for anyone interested and prepared to participate. He did a lot for others in this, and many people can trace something of his influence in their involvement or achievement with warbirds today.
He gave many now-famous photographers and journalists a great opportunity, and when the time came to move on he wasn’t one to be small-minded or to hold a grudge. He earned the respect of pilots, owners and engineers – never easy to do – and more; he got them to write firsthand accounts of their experiences, one of the toughest jobs in aviation journalism.
In a pre-internet age, Paul took a worldwide view of an industry that can naturally be nationalistic or parochial, and he acted as a global ambassador for the industry; a role requiring a lot of diplomacy on occasion! In just one editorial he talks of a three-month period where he travels to Tucson Az. for the Classic Jet Aircraft Association meeting, then onto Chino, Ca., followed by a trip to Norway to see the Scandinavian Historic Flight, and finally off to New Zealand as a guest of New Zealand Warbirds. He recognised the benefits of the globalisation of the operation of heavy ex-military aircraft, and critically, hesupported and encouraged it. Later, when the opportunity was there, as Mike Shreeve and others noted, he was quick to embrace the internet.
In the latter years of WW, Paul had a number of misfortunes which would have tested anyone, yet only those close to Paul knew of them. He faced a long list of problems, yet, as fellow journalist, WW and Aeroplane contributor Gary Brown said: “He had strong shoulders. Following the demise of WW those of weaker character would have buckled under the intense criticism that was aimed in Paul's direction, yet he chose to go back under the spotlight for Aeroplane.”
One of the toughest parts of his professional life was the loss through accident or illness of many supporters, colleagues and friends – founder members of WW John R Sandberg, Robb R Satterfield and Jeff Ethell, and later Mark Hanna – yet Paul kept going.
Gary again: “He had time for everyone. (Even when he was far too busy, often to the detriment of a deadline.)” As a result he provided encouragement and champion for many. He wasn’t afraid to disagree or to stand up to the rich and powerful or the big egos in the aviation game, but he never made a scene for self aggrandizement.
Mike Shreeve adds; “I noticed how many people commented on Paul’s 'personal touch' that was always present, in the form of a note in with subscription renewals, or taking the time to chat at Duxford.”
He will be fondly remembered as a generous, honest, driven man, who made a difference to vintage aviation. A last word with Gary: “He had an unrivalled passion for the continual preservation of flying historic aircraft, without his enthusiasm, the worldwide interest in warbirds may have been smaller than it is today. Above all though he was a good man. ”
Photo of Paul really flying Stallion 51s TF-51 - an ambition achieved. (Lee Lauderback)
* * * * *
The less formal thoughts.
I thought I’d try and put down a few impressions of working with Paul, and I hope they are of interest. Paul (in my opinion) did a lot for the kind of aviation we all like, and while he was the first to point out his lack of aeronautical qualifications, what he did do was as important in many ways as anyone else’s. No, he never fought in a war, but he was ex-RAFF.
Paul was farewelled by a Mustang flown by a good friend, and I’m sure seen off by a good crowd of people.
It was back in 19(cof cof) when I was standing in at Old Warden with some friends, and we were chatting about this ‘new’ magazine that was all about warbirds, during a lull in the display. Gary had turned up some time earlier with WW.1 at North Weald off one of the magazine stands and we were blown away by the coverage and breadth of content, gloss, and lovely piccies. Personally the photo of Col Pay’s RAAF painted Spitfire on the cover was a big plus, but while that was a personal preference it is indicative of a global attitude he fostered in the warbirds field.
I wondered aloud if ‘the editor’ would publish something on the Gladiator, which had just been repainted, or whether it was ‘out’ because it was a biplane when Robert Rudhall suggested I write something and send it in. That’s where it all started. Paul said ‘Yes please’ and I worked really hard and checked it all with Shuttleworth. Paul promised to put it in the next issue, then when that was out, absolutely the next,… then, well it was about four issues that slipped by, but it went in and I was dead chuffed and pleased to be promoting Old Warden's charms to Mustang-lovers.
Paul was a great guy to work for, infuriating, annoying, evasive, a right pain, but that was all outweighed by his generosity, hard work, innovation, dedication and support of good (and sometimes bad) ideas.
People sometimes seem to think aviation mags are staffed by lots of bods in an office. In the case of some of the bigger ones, there’s a small, dedicated and treadmill-accustomed team of about half-a-doz, but most are an editor, some volunteers (such as I was for WW) and lots of guys freelancing or doing it for love… It certainly was a lonely, tough job for Paul.
Warbirds Worldwide was the Warbird magazine, and in that niche was untouchable by anything before or at the time. In terms of it’s content, international outlook it was without peer (Paul ensured it covered Australasia, Europe, and Africa when the other mags seemed fixed at Chino and Duxford) - and remember this was pre-internet. We had Macs, so the computers worked, but a scanner was something the printers paid thousands for, and everything would seem steam-powered today.
He had a vision and brought it off; a magazine on warbirds and nothing else, that the enthusiast could read, but critically the owner or operator, crew or specialist would find useful. We had our critics – right and wrong, but since it’s demise, I’ve been told so many times how much people rated it, and how good it was – it’s one of the things I’m most proud to have had a hand in, and it was Paul’s baby.
When I got a (proper) job in Nottingham Paul took the day off to ferry me around looking at houses and stuff that was necessary, and ever after that was generous with his time and energy. He would be the first to admit he never paid me well, but I got a lot of meals – we met for a Pizza at Pizza Express in Nottingham every few weeks to discuss the journal (never ‘mag’ to Paul). I’d drive up to the office in Mansfield (1/2 hour) and pitch in when I could. For about a year at one stage, where I was very busy during the day we had a weird working arrangement where I’d turn up at the office at about 10pm (after Paul had gone home) and bash away at stuff until 2 am, and we’d leave notes for each other with ideas, suggestions demands and requests…
It seemed to work. I look through the issues of WW (I’ve five volumes, 52 issues and a bunch of specials around me as I write this.) and the content is re-readable and interesting today. Much of what was predicted had happened, restorations covered in their early days are flying, and (sadly) all too many faces aren’t with us.
Paul gave good breaks to some of today’s star photographers, and as Mike Shreeve pointed out, he got the respect and trust of owners and operators who were normally wary of others in the field. Because of that Paul had a good ‘in’ with a lot of warbird operators – and got accused of being in their pockets, which I thought unfair, as he wasn’t, but was very careful to publish solid fact, or where there was doubt, not publish. I lost count of the number of ‘scoops’ we skipped because Paul had heard it first from the owner, yet kept his promised to keep mum. (To clarify, that’s not to say other Eds were dodgy, but that they didn’t get told by the owner, ~ so no obligation of trust, and the info was often less from the horses mouth. Warbirds was quarterly, not monthly, and doing ‘news’ on a quarterly basis isn’t funny.)
Getting articles out of people like Mark Hanna was like drawing teeth, but Paul did it. (Mark was charming, but busy, busy, busy…) Without that effort, we’d not have Mark’s thoughts on flying the P-40, the T-33, or the Empire of the Sun filming, or on the Polikarpovs. Those are all great articles we all prfit from today. Search them out.
That’s just one name, and there were many others, many other achievements, and behind the printed matter was a lot of quiet connections, deal-making help and listening and discretion. None of us are perfect, and Paul certainly wasn’t, but he was very good at helping and keeping shtum. He knew it was good business sense in the long run.
Paul was a very private person; shy perhaps, and while he enjoyed getting out to shows to ‘meet the public’ it was also an ordeal for him. We would have long chats with people on the stand (usually at DX) and Paul treated everyone from the big names to the keen newbie to the village idiot politely, well, heard them out, and they went away thinking ‘What a nice guy!’ And they were right. My job became removing the village idiot, and the people who wanted to act like prats (and did) but if I’d not have been there Paul would have just stuck it out as placidly as ever. Who was the smart one then?
I should say that WW went to the wall, and that was down to Paul too. Without any details which would be indiscrete, WW had a viable future, but Paul just wouldn’t do some of the things he needed to. He could be stubborn, and that’s good at times (he stood up to some pretty scare warbird folks, and held his ground when he was told not to publish and was proven right afterwards) but can be problematic at others. WW’s success was Paul’s achievement, but he broke it too. It could have survived, and certain people tried very hard to make that happen, but it didn’t. It was sad, but all good things come to an end, and though I lost some valuable things at the finish, what I gained, and still get I think outweighs that. Anyway, it went into receivership, and Paul went through one of the toughest series of hard knocks I’ve seen someone take. Again, it’s not for public consumption, but I wouldn’t have been too good at coping, and Paul did.
One of those knocks was the transition of the Warbirds Worldwide website to ‘Vintage Aviator’, and the debacle that followed there. One good thing which did come out of it was one of the things that led to the WIX we know today, and that’s a great thing.
I got to know Paul’s wife Amanda, and their two girls quite well, and they were very nice to see when they were in the office, or helping out. Sadly just one of Paul’s knocks was being divorced, and about the only good bit for him was meeting Deborah, the woman who became his second wife.
There’s a lot more stories (including the great P-51D Mustang Antipathy Saga) and it would be great if Mike could add a bit about the WW early days and Mustang International – also I’d appreciate some feedback if people want to hear more. It’s funny to realise what was a very personal experience was actually a very special opportunity, and what I've been told is of interest to others; Paul made me a very lucky guy, and in a small way we were on the spot when some sorts of 'history' happened. It's a funny feeling.
Since I drafted these words, Paul’s ashes have been scattered from the HAC Hurricane by Clive Denny over Duxford, over a small group of family and friends. But I don’t think that’s where things end, as his work and memory will certainly go on.
Thanks Paul, it was a privilege and a pleasure. I’ve a small idea of what you did, and it was worth it.
James Kightly (Warbirds Worldwide May 1991 – Feb 2000.)
Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:20 am
A superb eulogy for a top bloke.
Thank you James.
Thank you James.
Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:37 am
Well done James. I treasure the program you, Paul and some of the display pilots signed for me at FL 99.
Hope I can work for an editor like Paul one day.
Cheers
Andy
Hope I can work for an editor like Paul one day.
Cheers
Andy
Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:41 am
Andy in West Oz wrote:Well done James. I treasure the program you, Paul and some of the display pilots signed for me at FL 99.
My god! I do feel rather ~outgunned~ in such august company!
Paul Coggan
Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:36 am
JDK, nice to see you here again...it's been too long. I superbly enjoyed reading
your salutation to Mr. Coggan. He was quite the Gent and deserved all our
respect. He is one of those stars that fill the sky.....RIP Paul Coggan
your salutation to Mr. Coggan. He was quite the Gent and deserved all our
respect. He is one of those stars that fill the sky.....RIP Paul Coggan
Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:24 am
JDK.. great words for a great guy!
Warbirds Worldwide was what led me to the warbird scene.. and i've managed to get hold of many issues.
I always wondered why WW was shut down.. so thank you for sharing this with us.
Warbirds Worldwide was what led me to the warbird scene.. and i've managed to get hold of many issues.
I always wondered why WW was shut down.. so thank you for sharing this with us.
Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:38 pm
I was just thinking about Paul just the other day. WW had to be for me the best warbird journal ever produced and it still enters my mind several occassions, such the effect it had on me. The articles were always very indepth and the photography of John Dibbs, to name just one was unmatched. I sure wish I could arrive home tomorrow and find a new issue in the mail. 
When Paul Coggan first passed away, I thought it would be a pleasant gesture to have some type of memorial for him on WIX, since it was his forum that gave way to what we have now. Even now I think it would be fitting to have some type of recognition of him, such as the "Paul Coggan WIX Hangar" or something along those lines....Just a thought.
Cheers
Al Moore
When Paul Coggan first passed away, I thought it would be a pleasant gesture to have some type of memorial for him on WIX, since it was his forum that gave way to what we have now. Even now I think it would be fitting to have some type of recognition of him, such as the "Paul Coggan WIX Hangar" or something along those lines....Just a thought.
Cheers
Al Moore
Thu Sep 07, 2006 4:28 pm
Another way of remembering him would be to revive WW maybe even as a yearly publication.
Also Mrs. Coggan is raising money for a memorial bench overlooking the airfield at Duxford.
Also Mrs. Coggan is raising money for a memorial bench overlooking the airfield at Duxford.
Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:22 pm
JDK wrote:Andy in West Oz wrote:Well done James. I treasure the program you, Paul and some of the display pilots signed for me at FL 99.
My god! I do feel rather ~outgunned~ in such august company!
Well, that's the regard we warbird airheads had for WW!
Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:43 pm
ZuluEcho wrote:Another way of remembering him would be to revive WW maybe even as a yearly publication.
I think if there were more European contributors to Warbird Digest, maybe it would fill the same niche. It sure has it matched in the scope and looks department, IMHO.