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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 7, 2013 12:08:16 GMT 12
LATHAM, John Rex. Regmtl No: 4212209 RNZAF WWII. In his 89th year. On January 4, 2013 peacefully at Parkhaven Hospital. So dearly loved husband of Norma, and loved father and father-in-law of Ian and Heather, Bud and Margaret, Grant and Angela, and Jill. Poppa John to Andrew, Summer, and Matt. Great-grand-poppa of Mila. A Service for John will be held in the Chapel of Howick Funeral Home, 35 Wellington Street, Howick, Auckland on Wednesday January 9, 2013 at 11am to be followed by private cremation. The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional and loving care given by the staff of Parkhaven Hospital to John during these past 3 years. All communications to: PO Box 38954, Howick. Howick Funeral Home 35 Wellington St Howick
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 7, 2013 12:09:41 GMT 12
Another veteran who I have met and talked with has passed away. Merv was a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner in the Pacific. BROWN, Mervin Francis (Merv) J.P. Service No. NZ413735, Flt. Lt. RNZAF. On 4 January, 2013, suddenly but peacefully at home, aged 92 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Jill. Much loved father and father in law of Jocelyn and Martin Langridge, Clive, David and Prue. Loved Grandad and Grandpa of Kirstin and Josh, Anthea, Stephanie, Kevin and Amber, Sarah and Helen. Loved brother and brother in law of Eva and Colin McLean. A service will be held at the North Shore Memorial Park Chapel, 235 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, on Friday 11 January at 11:30 a.m. followed by interment in the Services Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Rotary Club of Takapuna, PO Box 33088, Takapuna, 0740, would be appreciated. Mark Rowley Funeral Services www.rowleyfunerals.co.nz
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 7, 2013 15:32:34 GMT 12
Another veteran who I have met and talked with has passed away. Merv was a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner in the Pacific. BROWN, Mervin Francis (Merv) J.P. Service No. NZ413735, Flt. Lt. RNZAF. On 4 January, 2013, suddenly but peacefully at home, aged 92 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Jill. Much loved father and father in law of Jocelyn and Martin Langridge, Clive, David and Prue. Loved Grandad and Grandpa of Kirstin and Josh, Anthea, Stephanie, Kevin and Amber, Sarah and Helen. Loved brother and brother in law of Eva and Colin McLean. A service will be held at the North Shore Memorial Park Chapel, 235 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, on Friday 11 January at 11:30 a.m. followed by interment in the Services Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Rotary Club of Takapuna, PO Box 33088, Takapuna, 0740, would be appreciated. Mark Rowley Funeral Services www.rowleyfunerals.co.nzFrom Colin Hanson’s 'By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999' : BROWN, Flight Lieutenant Mervin Francis, (cvsa). NZ413735; Born Rangataua, 28 Dec 1920; RNZAF 6 Jul 1941 to 9 May 1947; Wireless Operator-Air Gunner. Citation King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (KB1947): Not available. Awarded for service as Signals Leader of 41 and 40 Sqns RNZAF (Lodestar/Dakota) Sep 1944-May 1947. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 11, 2013 0:25:58 GMT 12
I'm sad to see another of my favourite veterans has passed away. Merv Davies was a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner in Hudsons, and was one of the first two veterans i contactd when I started my General Reconnaissance Squadron project. He was a big help to me and we loosely kept in touch, and he was always willing to help. Thanks for everything Merv! DAVIES, Mervyn James . (NZ 412987, Flying Officer, RNZAF, WWII). Passed away peacefully on January 9, 2013 at Forrest Hill Retirement Home. Loved father and father in law of Peter and Mary, and Lyndsay and Geoff. Cherished grandad of Jennifer, Naomi, Bronwyn; Claire, Emma and their partners, and great grandad of 11. Close friend of Nan Dawson. A service will be held at the Romaleigh Funeral Home, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote on Tuesday January 15, at 11am. Special thanks to all the staff of Forrest Hill Retirement Home for their care of Dad. H Morris Funeral Services This photo was taken at the last GR Squadron reunion in May 2008, at Hobsonville. Both Merv Brown who's notice is above, and Merv Davies were there. From left to right are Arthur Hoffman, Merv Brown (Air Gunner on Hudsons), Arthur Strother, Merv Davies (Air Gunner on Hudsons), Sam Pratt and Robbie Robinson. A great bunch
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Post by ZacYates on Jan 11, 2013 9:39:51 GMT 12
I can only imagine the feeling Dave. My thoughts are well and truly with family, friends and comrades of the deceased.
We will remember them.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 11, 2013 10:29:20 GMT 12
I'm sad to see another of my favourite veterans has passed away. Merv Davies was a Wireless Operator-Air Gunner in Hudsons, and was one of the first two veterans i contactd when I started my General Reconnaissance Squadron project. He was a big help to me and we loosely kept in touch, and he was always willing to help. Thanks for everything Merv! DAVIES, Mervyn James . (NZ 412987, Flying Officer, RNZAF, WWII). Passed away peacefully on January 9, 2013 at Forrest Hill Retirement Home. Loved father and father in law of Peter and Mary, and Lyndsay and Geoff. Cherished grandad of Jennifer, Naomi, Bronwyn; Claire, Emma and their partners, and great grandad of 11. Close friend of Nan Dawson. A service will be held at the Romaleigh Funeral Home, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote on Tuesday January 15, at 11am. Special thanks to all the staff of Forrest Hill Retirement Home for their care of Dad. H Morris Funeral Services This photo was taken at the last GR Squadron reunion in May 2008, at Hobsonville. Both Merv Brown who's notice is above, and Merv Davies were there. From left to right are Arthur Hoffman, Merv Brown (Air Gunner on Hudsons), Arthur Strother, Merv Davies (Air Gunner on Hudsons), Sam Pratt and Robbie Robinson. A great bunch From Colin Hanson’s 'By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999' : DAVIES, Flying Officer Mervyn James, (cvsa).NZ412978 & 132789; Born Ngakawau, 21 Mar 1920; RNZAF 30 May 1941 to 8 May 1947, Res. to 5 Sep 1958; Wireless Operator-Air Gunner. Citation King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (30 Jan 1947): This experienced and most reliable radio operator has completed three tours of operations against the enemy in the Pacific and for the past year has been engaged as a radio operator in an RNZAF Transport Squadron. At all times he has carried out his duties with conspicuous success and has, by his loyalty and judgement, set a fine example to all who are associated with him. Prior to his transport duties, Fg Off Davies flew with the following RNZAF Sqns - 1 and 7 (Vincent/Vildebeest), and 3 (Hudson) and 6 (Catalina) in New Zealand and the S & SWPAs. NB: Note first service number. Errol
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Post by shorty on Jan 14, 2013 8:05:42 GMT 12
F/S (RTD) Bruce Vernon COLBECK E77215 Aircraft Technician RNZAF 20 Jan 54 to 7 Jul 78 passed away 11 Jan 13 at Beachhaven Hospital Auckland.
A service will be held at Romaleigh Funeral Home, 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote, Auckland on Wednesday 16 Jan 13 at 1100 hours.
No address for messages.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 16, 2013 16:24:45 GMT 12
PARRY, Norman Lloyd (Buster). DFC 413116 RNZAF WWII Flt Lt. Passed away peacefully on Monday 14th January 2013 at Maygrove Village Hospital, Orewa, in his 93rd year. Dearly loved husband of the late Shirley and much loved and respected father and father in law of Glyn and Judy, Lee and Allan, and Lloyd. A wonderful and cherished grandad to Alex, Kylie, Joshua and Shannon. Many thanks to all the staff at Maygrove for their loving care and attention to dad these past two years. In accordance with Dad's wishes a private family service and cremation will be held. A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Norman's life will be held at 205 Pukapuka Road, Mahurangi West on Saturday 19th January 2013 at 1.00pm. All correspondence to Lee MacDonald, 205 Pukapuka Road, RD3, Warkworth 0983.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 16, 2013 18:37:41 GMT 12
PARRY, Norman Lloyd (Buster). DFC 413116 RNZAF WWII Flt Lt. Passed away peacefully on Monday 14th January 2013 at Maygrove Village Hospital, Orewa, in his 93rd year. Dearly loved husband of the late Shirley and much loved and respected father and father in law of Glyn and Judy, Lee and Allan, and Lloyd. A wonderful and cherished grandad to Alex, Kylie, Joshua and Shannon. Many thanks to all the staff at Maygrove for their loving care and attention to dad these past two years. In accordance with Dad's wishes a private family service and cremation will be held. A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Norman's life will be held at 205 Pukapuka Road, Mahurangi West on Saturday 19th January 2013 at 1.00pm. All correspondence to Lee MacDonald, 205 Pukapuka Road, RD3, Warkworth 0983. From Colin Hanson’s 'By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999' : PARRY, Flight Lieutenant Norman Lloyd, DFC. NZ413116; Born Auckland, 10 Apr 1920; RNZAF 25 May 1941 to 25 May 1945; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (19 May 1944): [681(PR)Sqn RAF (Spitfire)] Flight Lieutenant Parry has completed numerous operational photographic reconnaissance sorties in single-engined aircraft and has invariably displayed great determination to achieve success, flying in adverse weather throughout the monsoon period. At all times this officer has set a fine example of keenness and devotion to duty. Prior to his tour of duty in Burma Flt Lt Parry flew six sorties with 543(PR)Sqn RAF (Spitfire) from England, operating over Europe, and then at least 50 with 681 Sqn in the Far East. Errol
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Post by oj on Jan 20, 2013 20:15:20 GMT 12
In Saturday's Waikato Times there is a notice for Alf Coleman, founder of Aero Engine Services and later NZAIL who died on 15 January in Australia. I expect we will see quite a bit about this in the aviation press in the near future.
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Post by McFly on Jan 21, 2013 17:04:00 GMT 12
LEE, Kenneth Charles. SQNLDR (rtd) RNZAF 75419 WWII. Passed away peacefully at Auckland Hospital on 18 January 2013. Beloved husband for 70 years of Marjorie. Dearly loved and loving dad and father-in-law of Rosemary and Des, "Ken sweetheart" and dearest Grandpa of Aimee and Claire. A Service will be held at the All Souls Chapel, Purewa Crematorium, Meadowbank on Thursday 24th January at 1.00pm.Ken Lee was one of the last surviving members of No. 485 (NZ) Sqn and a real gentleman too. He attended every reunion he could and was particularly thrilled to be a part of the Sqn reunions the Air Force (No 485 Wing) hosted over the last few years. Following the war, Ken rejoined the RNZAF in the 50's as an Engineering Officer and later joined Auckland University in teaching engineering students. Ken was immortalised in the 'then and now' photo referenced below and was thrilled to be 'up close' again with his favourite aircraft on each occasion. His flying logs books bear testament to an extensive and varied flying career including multiple aircraft types (including Mosquito..!). He also wrote an interesting excerpt for the NZ Fighter Pilots Association (NZFPA) and a snippet included below. Having learnt to fly with the Auckland Aero Club in 1938 under the civil reserve scheme I was called up for service with the RNZAF in October 1939 after war with Germany was declared. I underwent training at various stations as a member of No 1 war course finally finishing at No 2 F.T.S. Woodbourne in April 1940. Five of us from this course were retained in New Zealand for flying instructor duties and after a course at C.F.S. Hobsonville I was employed as such until August 1942 when I was given a transfer to U.K. for operational duties, where I served with No. 485 NZ Spitfire Squadron until late 1944. The other four from my course who were employed as instructors were all killed during the war, three as instructors and the other on 14 Squadron in the Pacific. Among all that has been written about flying during World War 2 very little has emerged from the flying training sector. F/L Ken Lee – RNZAF Whenuapai 2010 and RAF Biggin Hill 1943. Ken Lee opens the 'Johnny Pattison' room at the HQ 485 Wing. Ken Lee (RH) with members of "Blue" flight, 485 (NZ) Squadron at Selsey Bill (Church Norton) base, Sussex - the nearest point to Normandy, in the days before D-Day - 1944. Harvey Sweetman, Jim Robinson, Ken Lee and Owen Hardy at the 2012 - 485 (NZ) Sqn reunion.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 21, 2013 18:34:10 GMT 12
LEE, Kenneth Charles. SQNLDR (rtd) RNZAF 75419 WWII. Passed away peacefully at Auckland Hospital on 18 January 2013. Beloved husband for 70 years of Marjorie. Dearly loved and loving dad and father-in-law of Rosemary and Des, "Ken sweetheart" and dearest Grandpa of Aimee and Claire. A Service will be held at the All Souls Chapel, Purewa Crematorium, Meadowbank on Thursday 24th January at 1.00pm. An early warbird: NZ39924 Kenneth Charles Lee Enlisted 26 Oct 1939 Had earlier been granted 'A' Licence No 1516 on 10 Mar 1939 with the Auckland Aero Club. Embarked on the Matsonia for the UK/attachment to RAF on 2 Oct 1942. Was appointed officer in charge of the draft. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 21, 2013 19:04:25 GMT 12
I'm sad to see that Ken has passed away, he was a lovely chap. And another friend who has also passed away is my mate Bob Tilsley, who I am sure some of you will have met at our Cambridge Forum Meet in 2011 when we had all the veterans there). He was an air gunner on Venturas and crewed on "Slippery Sam". TILSLEY, Robert John. (NZ 413284, Flying Officer, RNZAF, WWII). Passed away on 15 January 2013 at North Shore Hospital. Loved father of Robert, Barbara and Pete, father-in- law of Rusty (deceased), Lynette and Sue. Cherished Grandad of Tania and Andrew, Paul and Rebecca, Carly and Willem and Van. Special Great-Grandad of Jake, Michael, Hamish, and Daniel. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Friday 18 January at 1pm followed by private cremation. Damn, a sad loss of two mates. Not a nice thing to find out when returning after such a great weekend. I never met Alf Coleman but he too will be a big loss to the aviation community I am sure.
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Post by McFly on Jan 21, 2013 19:31:17 GMT 12
I'm sad to see that Ken has passed away, he was a lovely chap. And another friend who has also passed away is my mate Bob Tilsley, who I am sure some of you will have met at our Cambridge Forum Meet in 2011 when we had all the veterans there). He was an air gunner on Venturas and crewed on "Slippery Sam". TILSLEY, Robert John. (NZ 413284, Flying Officer, RNZAF, WWII). Passed away on 15 January 2013 at North Shore Hospital. Loved father of Robert, Barbara and Pete, father-in- law of Rusty (deceased), Lynette and Sue. Cherished Grandad of Tania and Andrew, Paul and Rebecca, Carly and Willem and Van. Special Great-Grandad of Jake, Michael, Hamish, and Daniel. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Friday 18 January at 1pm followed by private cremation. Damn, a sad loss of two mates. Not a nice thing to find out when returning after such a great weekend. I never met Alf Coleman but he too will be a big loss to the aviation community I am sure. Bob Tilsley is the chap standing behind Ken in the room opening photo. See: rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Postwar&thread=12527&page=2#111628and - rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Wartime&thread=12389&page=1#108887
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 21, 2013 21:53:11 GMT 12
I'm sad to see that Ken has passed away, he was a lovely chap. And another friend who has also passed away is my mate Bob Tilsley, who I am sure some of you will have met at our Cambridge Forum Meet in 2011 when we had all the veterans there). He was an air gunner on Venturas and crewed on "Slippery Sam". TILSLEY, Robert John. (NZ 413284, Flying Officer, RNZAF, WWII). Passed away on 15 January 2013 at North Shore Hospital. Loved father of Robert, Barbara and Pete, father-in- law of Rusty (deceased), Lynette and Sue. Cherished Grandad of Tania and Andrew, Paul and Rebecca, Carly and Willem and Van. Special Great-Grandad of Jake, Michael, Hamish, and Daniel. A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Friday 18 January at 1pm followed by private cremation. Damn, a sad loss of two mates. Not a nice thing to find out when returning after such a great weekend. I never met Alf Coleman but he too will be a big loss to the aviation community I am sure. Tilsley had survived a Ventura take off crash in the Solomons. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999: GUDEYRO, Technician 5th Grade Frank John. #32072649; ‘B’ Battery, 6th Field Artillery, Bn, 37th Division, XIV Corps, USA. Citation Military Medal (Imm): Outstanding courage was displayed by this soldier who was responsible for saving the life of a pilot of the Royal New Zealand Air Force whose aircraft was burning furiously following a crash at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 18th August 1944. Arriving on the scene a few minutes after the crash, Technician Gudeyro, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran toward the aircraft where the pilot was trapped with a broken back and grave head injuries. As he approached he saw the navigator on the ground about four feet from the aircraft, severely injured, and promptly dragged him clear. He then climbed onto the aircraft, leaned into the cockpit, and attempted to pull the pilot out, in spite of the fierce blaze which was rapidly consuming the machine. Although partially overcome by smoke and heat, and by flames which inflicted burns and singed his face and hair, Technician Gudeyro persisted in his endeavours, and ignoring injuries he himself had suffered, got the pilot partly out of the side window. At this time he was assisted by another American soldier, and they jointly completed the rescue. By his high courage, persistence in face of danger, and utter disregard of his own burns, this soldier saved the pilot and contributed largely to the safety of the navigator. The crew of this 9 Sqn RNZAF Ventura, NZ4526, were - Sqn Ldr J D Paterson (pilot) (qv), Fg Off R J O’Dea (navigator), Fg Offs R J Tilsley and M F Brown (wireless operators-air gunners) and Plt Off M D Burns (one of the Squadron’s operations officers). All were injured when the aircraft crashed on take off for a ferry flight. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 21, 2013 22:11:08 GMT 12
Yes, and that M.F. Brown next to Bob's name was Merv Brown, as seen up the page a little. Lots of little connections here. I interviewed the both about that incident, it'll all be in the books. Bob lost his logbook in the fire (they were shifting bases, coming home, which is why it was onboard). I spent a fair bit of time going through other logbooks and records helping him to piece together his own flights for him, he was most appreciative.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 4, 2013 19:09:38 GMT 12
One last week when I was away....
MANNING, Richard Grove (Dick). Reg No 435983 Flt/Sgt RNZAF WW2. On January 24 2013 (peacefully) surrounded by his loving family, at Taupo (of Taipa). Aged 88 years. Loved by his partner Sue, loved father and father in law of Diane and Johan Hamer (Taupo), Teresse and the late Peter Karaitiana (Taupo), John and Linda (Taupo), Jeanette and John Duncan (Australia), Richard and Margaret (Australia), Patricia and Michael Riedel (Australia), and Grant (Taupo). Loved by his grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends. A service will be held at the Founders Chapel of Remembrance, Rickit Street, Taupo on Tuesday (29 January) at 1.30pm, thereafter to the Taupo Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Taupo St John Ambulance Association would be appreciated and may be left at the service or sent to PO Box 283, Taupo. Communications please to PO Box 12, Taupo 3351. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 5, 2013 9:12:37 GMT 12
ARMSTRONG, Bonnie (nee Gibson)79631 LACW passed away peacefully 3 Feb 2013. Wife of the late Andrew Armstrong etc Funeral will be held at the Foundations Funeral Chapel 36 Maich Rd Manurewa Fri 8 feb at 1pm followed by private cremation. Communications c/- Foundations Funeral Directors PO Box 72341 Papakura
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 5, 2013 10:45:12 GMT 12
CALDWELL, Robert Arden. (Service No NZ 413022, Flt Lieut RNZAF WWII) Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday 3rd February 2013. A wonderful honorable man who touched the hearts of many. Loving and devoted husband of Sheila Frances, dearly loved father of Tony (deceased), Kay, Peter, and Christopher. Much loved father-in-law of Segi, John, and Rhonda. Adored grandfather of Anthony, and Beverley, Kirsten and Matthew, Laura and Amelia. You will forever be in our hearts, sleep peacefully dear Galad. A Service will be held at St Peters Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna at 11 am on Thursday 7th February. In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Shore Hospice Trust, PO Box 331129, Takapuna, Auckland 0748 would be appreciated.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 10, 2013 0:39:47 GMT 12
ANDERSON, George Alister. (RNZAF No 437252 WWII). On February 5, 2013 peacefully at North Shore Hospital surrounded by his loving family, aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Evelyn. Loved father and father-in-law of Kevin, Lynette and Alan Galpin, Alex and Thanporn. Loved Satdy of Phillipa and Fredde, Fiona and Shaun, Sarah and Chris, and Kate. Grandad to James. Loved Great-Grandfather of Georgia, and Ella, Benjamin and Samuel. A service to celebrate George's life will be held at St Matthews Church, 44 Garfield Road, Helensville on Monday February 11 at 1.30pm to be followed by a private cremation. All communications to the Anderson Family, c/- PO Box 90, Helensville.
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