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Post by trees on Mar 2, 2024 7:57:07 GMT 12
CPL (RTD) John Ross (Ross/Balcy/Rossco) Balcombe R82378 Tech(AV) RNZAF 7 February 1968 to 6 February 1976, 41 SQN 1973 to 1975.
Born September 27, 1950. Passed away on February 27, 2024. Passed unexpectedly at home. He has now flown the coop. ex RNZAF, Air NZ, MA, Avionics Engineer. Friend and mentor to many, on the land, the sea and in the air. His great intellect, humour and personality will be sadly missed, especially his stories. Loved son of the late Kura and brother of the late Brent and brother-in-law to Anne. Devoted uncle to Philip, Debbie and Kimberley. Loved great uncle to Jordan, Emma-Kate and Andrew.
Family and friends of Ross come celebrate his life on Monday 11 March at 3pm - Remuera Club 27-33 Ohinerau St. Remuera, Auckland. Communications Vivienne 0274 798 153
Published by The New Zealand Herald on Mar. 2, 2024.
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Post by trees on Mar 3, 2024 6:28:42 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Christopher John (Chris) Whitley V78748 ARM MECH RNZAF 16 January 1957 to 15 January 1965 6 February 1940 - 26 February 2024 'Coach Extraordinaire' It is with great sorrow we advise the unexpected, but peaceful passing, with his daughter by his side and his adored wife close by. Respected mentor, esteemed friend and highly valued member of the NZ Cycling fraternity. As per family wishes Chris was cremated privately in Whangarei, with a memorial to honour his life to follow in Auckland at a luncheon on Wednesday March 20th. All enquiries please contact Paul Sumich Ph 021 606 460. Any communications to Jan may be made C/o Kamo Home and Village,31 Ford Avenue, Whangarei. 0112. 'He will be sadly missed, forever in our hearts' Published by The New Zealand Herald from Mar. 2 to Mar. 3, 2024.
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Post by chbessexboy on Mar 4, 2024 17:28:38 GMT 12
Lindsay McNichol, owner of Yeoman Cropmaster ZK-CPW, at Hastings (NZ) on Friday, March 1st, 2024.
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Post by trees on Mar 5, 2024 16:59:38 GMT 12
F/S (RTD) Richard Gerald (Dick/Bantu) Thompson S83437 AVTECH RNZAF 10 January 1968 until 19 February 1999, 3 SQN Wasp Afloat. Passed away 5 March 2024 in Blenheim Loved husband of Aeriel A funeral for Dick will be held at Sowman’s Funeral Home Corner Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Mayfield, Blenheim on Friday 8 March at 1300 hours, followed by afternoon tea and then a graveside service at Fairhall cemetery, Fairhall. The Marlborough RSA at the Blenheim Bowling Club 65 Welds Street Blenheim will be open for refreshments following the Fairhall service.
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Post by trees on Mar 6, 2024 17:38:53 GMT 12
WAL Robin Ashley W1349 WAAF WW2 Born January 1923 in Okains Bay. Died February 2024 in Wellington. Robin was raised in Okains Bay, attending the local primary school and being part of a close-knit farming community. Her dad, Bill, owned the local store and was the J.P. for a time. Her mum died when she was 6 and she was raised by her older siblings. Her childhood memories were of being free to roam, but always being watched by the older folk in the community, most of whom were related. She remembers trips in a horse drawn cart or the Okains Bay truck driven by an uncle who was gassed in WW1. At 18 she enlisted in the W.A.A.F and became a wireless operator, being left-handed she was able to write messages with her left hand and send messages with her right. She deployed to Fiji in 1944, arriving at Suva on a seaplane. Robin met Jim, an officer in the Fijian Army, they married and built a home in Suva Point. On their return to Christchurch, they settled in North Beach, Jim went teaching and they raised their 3 children Craig (Sydney), Sheran (dec) and Brent (dec). She was a very enthusiastic Corgi breeder, attending shows and being an active member of the Canterbury Kennel Club. Her Corgi's gave her great pleasure into her 90's. In 2019 Robin moved to Wellington and has been looked after with great care by the wonderful team at Te Hopai. She died quietly at 101yrs after a period of declining health. Her ashes will be returned to Okains Bay to rest with her family. She will be remembered with great fondness by Craig and Louise, Robyn, James and Kirsten, Robert and Nicole, Julia and Tom. Her great-grandchildren Finn and Wilder will also remember her. Messages to the Ashley Family can be posted to C/- P.O Box 14366, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241.
'In the wake of the Steadfast' Lyttelton June 1851
Published by The Press on Mar. 6, 2024.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 6, 2024 18:08:31 GMT 12
She was Dulcie Edna Esabelle Robinson when she joined the WAAF, according to Errol's WAAF list. Ashley must have been a married name, and Robin a nickname. Her death notice and the Death Register however have her as Dulcie Edna Isabel Ashley.
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Post by errolmartyn on Mar 6, 2024 19:43:03 GMT 12
WAL Robin Ashley W1349 WAAF WW2 Born January 1923 in Okains Bay. Died February 2024 in Wellington. Robin was raised in Okains Bay, attending the local primary school and being part of a close-knit farming community. Her dad, Bill, owned the local store and was the J.P. for a time. Her mum died when she was 6 and she was raised by her older siblings. Her childhood memories were of being free to roam, but always being watched by the older folk in the community, most of whom were related. She remembers trips in a horse drawn cart or the Okains Bay truck driven by an uncle who was gassed in WW1. At 18 she enlisted in the W.A.A.F and became a wireless operator, being left-handed she was able to write messages with her left hand and send messages with her right. She deployed to Fiji in 1944, arriving at Suva on a seaplane. Robin met Jim, an officer in the Fijian Army, they married and built a home in Suva Point. On their return to Christchurch, they settled in North Beach, Jim went teaching and they raised their 3 children Craig (Sydney), Sheran (dec) and Brent (dec). She was a very enthusiastic Corgi breeder, attending shows and being an active member of the Canterbury Kennel Club. Her Corgi's gave her great pleasure into her 90's. In 2019 Robin moved to Wellington and has been looked after with great care by the wonderful team at Te Hopai. She died quietly at 101yrs after a period of declining health. Her ashes will be returned to Okains Bay to rest with her family. She will be remembered with great fondness by Craig and Louise, Robyn, James and Kirsten, Robert and Nicole, Julia and Tom. Her great-grandchildren Finn and Wilder will also remember her. Messages to the Ashley Family can be posted to C/- P.O Box 14366, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241. 'In the wake of the Steadfast' Lyttelton June 1851 Published by The Press on Mar. 6, 2024. Day/date of death was 24 Feb 24. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 12, 2024 13:44:33 GMT 12
Very sad to learn that 100-year-old Corsair veteran and friend Alan Emett passed away at 8.00pm last evening. Alan joined us at two of our Wings Over New Zealand Forum Meets, one at Ardmore and one online, to talk about his days flying Corsairs and P-40's. He recently turned 100 and went flying on his big birthday. He was then visited by Mike Jones and Frank Parker in the Corsair at his home strip in January for a very special visit. RIP Alan, and thank you. Alan's first Forum Meet talk can be heard here: cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2018/12/allan-emett/And his second appearance was in this online meet:
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Post by ZacYates on Mar 12, 2024 17:58:59 GMT 12
I'm so sorry to hear this Dave. Rest in peace Alan, thank you for your service and sharing your stories.
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Post by trees on Mar 16, 2024 15:28:07 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) Peter McKay R75156 Pilot RNZAF 24 April 1954 until 12 March 1977. Peacefully passed away 11th March 2024 aged 89 years. Beloved husband of Margaret. Loved dad and father-in-law of Keith and Mary, Karen and Gary. Proud poppa of Amanda and Martyn. Peter's family wish to sincerely thank the staff of Kamo Rest Home and Village for their loving care. A private farewell has been held for Peter in accordance with his wishes. All communications to the McKay Family c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei, 0145.
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Post by errolmartyn on Mar 16, 2024 16:53:26 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) Peter McKay R75156 Pilot RNZAF 24 April 1954 until 12 March 1977. Peacefully passed away 11th March 2024 aged 89 years. Beloved husband of Margaret. Loved dad and father-in-law of Keith and Mary, Karen and Gary. Proud poppa of Amanda and Martyn. Peter's family wish to sincerely thank the staff of Kamo Rest Home and Village for their loving care. A private farewell has been held for Peter in accordance with his wishes. All communications to the McKay Family c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei, 0145. From Colin Hanson;s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: McKAY, Wing Commander Peter John, AFC. R75156; Born Apia, Western Samoa, 27 Nov 1934; RNZAF 24 Apr 1954 to 12 Mar 1977, Res. to 12 Mar 1979; Pilot. Hon Aide-de-Camp to HE the Governor-General 1 Dec 1971 to 26 Sep 1972. Citation Air Force Cross (NY1976): Not available. The following is the original recommendation - “Wing Commander McKay joined the RNZAF in 1954, trained as a pilot and later as a flying instructor. In the course of almost 23 years service he has flown in excess of 7,800 flying hours, comprising Sunderland flying boat operations at home and overseas, flying instruction, command of the Orion maritime squadron and latterly command of all four operational flying units based at Auckland. His distinguished service in Maritime air operations, particularly as Flt Cdr 5 Sqn (Orion) from 1969 to 1972 and as OC 5 Sqn 1973 to 1975, is well worthy of the award of the Air Force Cross.” CO 5 Sqn RNZAF (Orion) Jan 1973 to Jun 1975. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 17, 2024 18:39:46 GMT 12
More sad news. I just had a call from Simon Piper who let me know that his father Leon "Pip" Piper passed away today, aged 99.
Leon Bremner Piper, NZ4215704, 22/7/1924 to 17/03/2024. He flew Corsairs with No. 21 Squadron RNZAF.
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Post by errolmartyn on Mar 17, 2024 21:06:13 GMT 12
More sad news. I just had a call from Simon Piper who let me know that his father Leon "Pip" Piper passed away today, aged 99. Leon Bremner Piper, NZ4215704, 22/7/1924 to 17/03/2024. He flew Corsairs with No. 21 Squadron RNZAF. Was originally an Air Training Corps Cadet. Errol
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Post by ZacYates on Mar 18, 2024 10:31:00 GMT 12
Thank you for sharing this very sad news, Dave. I'm glad he got the experience he did at Masterton with NZ5648.
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Post by trees on Mar 19, 2024 12:56:39 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Leon Bremner "Pip" Piper NZ4215704 Pilot RNZAF 5 December 1942 until 4 October 1945. 27 July 1924 until 17 March 2024 at Bupa Retirement Village in Crofton Downs, Wellington. No further details at this stage except that below which I am posting as it is interesting and no offence to Mr Piper is intended. WW2 RNZAF P40 and Corsair Pilot Born Wellington. Enlisted at Levin. He did not make his first flight till 31 May 1943. Flew P40 Kittyhawk fighters and Corsairs with No. 21 Squadron RNZAF during World War Two. Served as flight sergeant and warrant officer in Green Island, Bougainville, and the eastern side of New Britain. POST WAR CAREER natlib.govt.nz/records/22393765Flying Training Course 41B To course at No. 2 (F) OTU 23/11/43 (21 Sqdn PoR 9). Remained Ohakea as staff pilot, with 4 OTU from 4/3/44 Posted to Ohakea 12/7/44 Posted to 1 CD (S&W) 6/9/44 Posted to Ohakea 6/10, finally back on Fighter course (No. 2 OTU, 19 course) 25/11/44 To course at the Corsair Conversion Unit 9/2/45 Aircrew Pool 14/3/45 Posted to No. 21 Squadron, Ardmore, 19/3/45 Pacific tour with 21 Sqn 11/4/45 – 3/7/45) 21 Sqn reformed Ardmore 27/7/45 Transferred to Reserve C & discharged 4/10/45 (PoR 14/45). To Sgt 20/11/43 – Wood/256 To F/Sgt 20/5/44 - 4 OTU/29 To W/O 11/8/45 – 21 Sq/10
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Post by trees on Mar 19, 2024 16:50:30 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Gary Thomas (Perz) Sommerville L76807 AF FIT RNZAF 21 January 1953 until 20 January 1961. Passed away Friday 15th March in Auckland. The family are having a private family funeral. Gary became a Flight Engineer in civil airlines and his story is located here flight-engineers-air-nz.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_3.html
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Post by trees on Mar 26, 2024 14:32:01 GMT 12
FLT LT (RTD) Howard Collins Monk NZ4311563/133576 PILOT RNZAF 1943 to 27 November 1945. Enlisted into Waikato Regiment age 16 as 634530 and transferred to the RNZAF in 1944. Posted to 14 Squadron Los Negros as a Pilot on Corsair aircraft. On 22nd March 2024, peacefully, at his home aged 100 years. Loved husband of the late Margaret (Peg). Loved father and father in law of Vivian and John, Tony and Julie, Mike and Judy. Poppa of his 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren. Rest In Peace. A private family service will be held. Our grateful thanks to both of his carers Kay and Sharon, for their wonderful care and also to the Maygrove family.
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Post by errolmartyn on Mar 26, 2024 16:36:16 GMT 12
FLT LT (RTD) Howard Collins Monk NZ4311563/133576 PILOT RNZAF 1943 to 27 November 1945. Enlisted into Waikato Regiment age 16 as 634530 and transferred to the RNZAF in 1944. Posted to 14 Squadron Los Negros as a Pilot on Corsair aircraft. On 22nd March 2024, peacefully, at his home aged 100 years. Loved husband of the late Margaret (Peg). Loved father and father in law of Vivian and John, Tony and Julie, Mike and Judy. Poppa of his 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren. Rest In Peace. A private family service will be held. Our grateful thanks to both of his carers Kay and Sharon, for their wonderful care and also to the Maygrove family. His '43' number would suggest that he transferred to the RNZAF in 1943 rather than 1944. Errol
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Post by davidd on Mar 26, 2024 18:36:56 GMT 12
Errol would be right of course, he was tfd to RNZAF on 1/9/43 in rank of Sgt (ex Army) at Linton, to ITW 6/3/44, to 1 EFTS (Taieri, but no date), to Tairei Pool 24/6, to Woodbourne (2 SFTS, course No. 53B) 10/7/44, to Wigram (1 SFTS) 4/10/44, to Woodbourne T/S (for NCO Cse) 3/1/45, to OTP (Swanson, commando course) 5/2/45, to Ohakea T/S 3/3/45 (No. 8 Fighter Course @ 4 OTU), to Ardmore (Corsair Conversion) 29/4/45, to Aircrew Pool 4/6/45, to 14 Sqdn (Ardmore) 26/6/45, emb for Forward Area 20/7/45; disemb NZ 16/10/45 (@ PRP), to N/NEP [Cat 8] 8/11/45, tfd to Reserve C 27/11/45, to General Reserve 27/5/52 - 27/5/56.
NB, ITW = Initial Training Wing; T/S = Trainee Strength; OTP = Overseas Training Pool; PRP = Personnel Reception Pool; N/NEP = Northern Non-effective Pool.
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Post by planewriting on Mar 26, 2024 21:54:39 GMT 12
I remember Howard Monk as an air traffic controller at Ardmore in the 1970s. Always very pleasant and welcoming.
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