Bob, VK2YQA wrote:
"The question is this. If one hangs a 1/2-wave dipole in free space I
assume it receives such that current maximums are at the centre and
voltage maximums at the ends. Is this the case whether a feedline is
connected or not?"

Yes, but you must have continuity between both halves of the dipole. If
you disconnect the feedline leaving an open circuit gap in the dipole at
its centre, you no longer have a 1/2-wave dipole of the same frequency.
You have (2) lengths of wire and each has its first resonance at about
twice the frequency of first resonance of your original dipole.

Best rergards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI