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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 4, 2013 21:39:11 GMT 12
HILL, Arthur Edwin (Reg. No. 435130, 18th Fld Regt., L/Sgt, RNZAF, LAC, WWII) - On August 31, 2013, at The Princess Margaret Hospital, aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Esme, much loved father and father-in-law of Gabrielle and the late Murray Walls; Jeremy and Carol Hill; Simon and Jane Hill. Loved grandad of Philip Walls and Lesleigh Mather, and Tristan and Ian Hill. Flowers respectfully declined. Messages to the Hill family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. The Funeral Service will be held at the Academy Funeral Chapel, 65 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton, This Day (Wednesday) at 3.30 p.m. His RNZAF service number was NZ4213351. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 5, 2013 17:35:57 GMT 12
Sad news, I have just been informed that Reg Mitchell passed away today, aged 91. He was a night fighter Mosquito pilot with No. 488 (NZ) Squadron, and a terrific bloke. He was one of the veterans who attended the Mosquito airshow and Honour Dinner last year. Another hero gone.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2013 12:48:14 GMT 12
Dear Josie Miller has passed away. She was a Cambridge girl who joined the WAAF. I met and interviewed her last year and I thoroughly enjoyed her company, so full of life and such wonderfully funny stories. Others I met who knew her had nothing but great things to say about her too, she was a very popular WAAF. Really sad. MILLER, Edith Josephine (Josie). (Service no. W2460, Women's Auxilary Leader, RNZAF WAAF). On 5th September 2013, peacefully at Selwyn Park Village, Whangarei; aged 91. Beloved wife of the late Mac. Loved mother of Ian, Bruce, and Bob, grandmother of Alex, Rebecca, Emma, and Stacey, and Lorraine's soulmate. In accordance with Josie's wishes, a private family service has been arranged. Special thanks to the staff of Selwyn Park Village. Communications to 'The Miller Family', c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei 0145 - See more at: notices.nzherald.co.nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/obituary.aspx?n=edith-josephine-miller&pid=166823805#fbLoggedOut
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 7, 2013 14:48:59 GMT 12
Dear Josie Miller has passed away. She was a Cambridge girl who joined the WAAF. I met and interviewed her last year and I thoroughly enjoyed her company, so full of life and such wonderfully funny stories. Others I met who knew her had nothing but great things to say about her too, she was a very popular WAAF. Really sad. MILLER, Edith Josephine (Josie). (Service no. W2460, Women's Auxilary Leader, RNZAF WAAF). On 5th September 2013, peacefully at Selwyn Park Village, Whangarei; aged 91. Beloved wife of the late Mac. Loved mother of Ian, Bruce, and Bob, grandmother of Alex, Rebecca, Emma, and Stacey, and Lorraine's soulmate. In accordance with Josie's wishes, a private family service has been arranged. Special thanks to the staff of Selwyn Park Village. Communications to 'The Miller Family', c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei 0145 - See more at: notices.nzherald.co.nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/obituary.aspx?n=edith-josephine-miller&pid=166823805#fbLoggedOutEnlisted Hobsonville 1 Jan 42 as W2460 Miss Edith Josephine McGovern. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2013 15:00:54 GMT 12
Yes, Josie was a driver in the WAAF. Her first driving job was the day after she joined, in a huge truck into the centre of Auckland to the RNZAF Depot. She was from little old Cambridge and didn't know anything about central Auckland. Her story of that trip was hilarious. But she made it in the end.
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Post by ngatimozart on Sept 7, 2013 16:13:24 GMT 12
RIP Josie and clear skies. Was she one of the first WAAFs Dave as her number is quite low?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2013 16:25:29 GMT 12
The first batch of WAAF's joined at Wigram on the 16th of January 1941, although there had been a few women working for the RNZAF in 1940 in admin roles. By the time Japan entered the war on 8th of December 1941 there were 1269 WAAF's in the RNZAF.
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 7, 2013 17:52:06 GMT 12
The first batch of WAAF's joined at Wigram on the 16th of January 1941, although there had been a few women working for the RNZAF in 1940 in admin roles. By the time Japan entered the war on 8th of December 1941 there were 1269 WAAF's in the RNZAF. Some years ago the late Colin Hanson and me did some work on WAAF enlistments. The first to be enlisted were: W1100 Mrs Elsie Naomi Carlyon, 28 Jan 41, enlisted at AHQ W1211 Mrs May Catherine Middleton, 7 Mar 41, enlisted at Rongotai (some of her records show the number 1111 overwritten to 1211, but strictly speaking she should have been W1101) W1101 Mrs Frances Ida Kain, 18 Mar 41, enlisted at AHQ W1102 Miss Doreen Florence Ahern through to W1170 Mrs Betty Wright, 19 Apr 41, were all enlisted at Rongotai. Wigram didn't get its first WAAFs until 28 Jun 41 (after Harewood in May). Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2013 17:55:06 GMT 12
Very interesting, thanks Errol.
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Post by ngatimozart on Sept 7, 2013 18:30:20 GMT 12
Thanks guys. Much appreciated. I was in when the WRNZAF was disbanded and the women formally integrated within the RNZAF proper. They dropped the (W) from the airwoman & SNCO ranks and the officers become Fg Off, Flt Lt etc., instead of Section Off, Flight Off etc. Think it was around 1977 -78. Good thing too. Mind you the Queen Bee still ruled supreme in the Waafry for quite some time there after.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2013 19:25:13 GMT 12
From John Forrest, via Norm Empson:
I regret to advise that Ex W/O (RTD) David Alistair James BRUNT F80183 SSUPLR RNZAF 3 May 1960 to 22 Sep 1992 and Civilian Camp Pack Up Storeperson and Coordinator 26 Apr 1995 to 6 Sep 2013 passed away suddenly today 7 Sep 13 aged 70. Further details will be advised in due course
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 8, 2013 10:15:00 GMT 12
Here is Reg's death notice:
MITCHELL, Reginald Walter. (Reg) NZ416812 Flying Officer, 488 RNZAF Night Fighter Squadron. Reg slipped away peaceful at his home in Auckland surrounded by family in the early hours on Thursday 5 September 2013. Loved husband of the late Margaret (Peg), former husband of Kathleen (Kit) and special friend of Lorna. Treasured father of John and Anne, Judy and the late John, David and the late Chris and loved step father of Helen and Ray, Roger and Noles and Mike and Liz. A special granddad and neddy to his 17 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. A celebration of Reg's life will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, at 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany at 10.30am on Tuesday 10 September 2013. All communications to the Mitchell family c/o Dil's 302 524 North Harbour 0751.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 9, 2013 10:13:26 GMT 12
BLACK, Alexander John (Sandy) Service number 401370 Second War Contingent RNZAF died 07 September 2013 aged 96. Dearly loved husband of Ann, nee Lethbridge (deceased). Loved and respected uncle of Annabel and Nick, great uncle of Antonia and Charles, and great-great uncle of Max, Charlotte and Frederick. Many thanks to the staff of Auckland City Hospital for the care and kindness shown to Sandy over the last few weeks. A fine gentleman admired by all who knew him. At Sandy's request there will be no service.
McNAB, Charles Stuart Farquharson (Sandy) Ex N.Z. Scottish Regiment and RNZAF No. 436702. Loved husband of the late Patty. Loved father and father-in-law of Andrew and Becket (USA); Sally and Bob de Fluiter; David and Lesley. Grandfather of Ben, Anna and Simon, Andrew, Claire and John (USA). Proud great grandfather of Samara. A celebration of Stuart's life is to be held at St George's Presbyterian Church, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna on Thursday 12 September 2013 at 1:00 pm
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Post by errolmartyn on Sept 9, 2013 11:40:45 GMT 12
BLACK, Alexander John (Sandy) Service number 401370 Second War Contingent RNZAF died 07 September 2013 aged 96. Dearly loved husband of Ann, nee Lethbridge (deceased). Loved and respected uncle of Annabel and Nick, great uncle of Antonia and Charles, and great-great uncle of Max, Charlotte and Frederick. Many thanks to the staff of Auckland City Hospital for the care and kindness shown to Sandy over the last few weeks. A fine gentleman admired by all who knew him. At Sandy's request there will be no service. Black spent a large part of the war as a PoW. His was one of four 610 Sqn Spitfires shot down on 21 Aug 41. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 10, 2013 19:56:28 GMT 12
I have just had an email from WWII Corsair veteran and forum member Andy Cook who says his fellow No. 16 Squadron member Stan Smith passed away on Sunday 8/9/13 in Southland hospital. Stan's funeral is tomorrow.
This is not the Stan Smith of classic aircraft fame at North Shore Aerodrome by the way.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 11, 2013 9:41:40 GMT 12
LAIDLAW, Francis Cyril (Cyril) RNZAF 75186 NZ.186C.A.A - Much loved youngest son of the late James and Lillian Laidlaw. Loved brother of the late Ian (HMNZS Leander) and Betty, and greatly respected uncle of John. Cyril passed away peacefully at his home in Tasmania on the August 27, 2013. A Memorial Service has been held.
WATKINS, John Galletly (Service No: 77611 Flight Sergeant RNZAF, Ex RN, W W II) On 10th September, 2013 (peacefully) at Waitakere Hospital, aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Jill. Loved father and father-in-law of Nigel, Andy and Linda, Phil and Lynette, Stephen and Michelle, Craig and Lauren. Doting grandad of Matthew, Jennifer and Aaron, Jason, Sam, Ashleigh, Stephanie, Cameron, Heath, and Amber, and proud great grandad of Olivia and her baby brother. Will be sadly missed. The entire service for John will be held in the Main Chapel of the Morrison Funeral Home, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson on Friday 13th September, 2013 at 12.30 p.m. All communications to the Watkins family C/- the above Funeral Home.
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Post by camtech on Sept 12, 2013 12:15:29 GMT 12
Sad to see John Watkins gone. I worked with both John and Nigel in the ASW bay at Whenuapai (mumble) years ago.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 12, 2013 14:51:53 GMT 12
STEED, Lorna Mavis Pauline (nee Hood). WWII RNZAF W2187 W.A.L Driver, WAAF. Passed away peacefully a Waikato Hospital on 10th September 2013 in her 92nd year. Loved wife of the late Fred (Steedie) and loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother of Fred and Avis, Bob and Anne and Robin. Paula and Thomas, Barry and Gen, Lindsay, Jack and Kaye, Helen and Ryhs, Nathan, Spencer and Aaron, Charlotte and Alfe, Katherine and Sam, Paige and Quinn, Cameron and Caitlyn. A Service will be held on Saturday 14th September at 1.30pm at the White Rose Chapel, 75 Cook Street Hamilton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society PO Box 134, Hamilton 3240 or left in the Chapel foyer. All communications to the Steed Family c/- 138 Grey Street, Hamilton 3216. Pellows Funeral Directors and Advisors
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Post by davidd on Sept 15, 2013 11:18:33 GMT 12
SMITH, Stanley Edward, NZC436003. Born Mataura, Southland 1924. Trained as pilot with Course 48B, Woodbourne, then Fighter OTU cse No. 4 with 4 OTU, served with 16 Sqdn (their 5th tour, but did not go overseas), then with 20 Sqdn (their 3rd and 4th tours). Attained rank of F/Sgt. David D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 15, 2013 11:24:38 GMT 12
BISH, John Rex (Jack) RNZAF 451037 Passed away peacefully on September 3rd 2013 at North Shore Hospital aged 88. Devoted husband of Pat Bish, and the late Jewel Bish; loved father of Nick and Kris Sturm, Shirley and Rosie Dryden and the late Elaine Bish; adoring grandfather of Ashley, Tana and Morgan; and treasured father-in-law of Kerry, Michael and Justine. In accordance with Jack's wishes a private family service was held Friday 6 September 2013. "Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together".
LEVER, James Henry (Jim). RNZAF 424973 . 22 May 1922 - 12 September 2013. Passed away peacefully. Dearly loved husband of Jose, respected brother of Donald, cherished father and father-in- law of Peter and Eva, Brian and Debra, Judy, Tony. Loved Poppa of Cherie, Donna-Marie and Louise; Rochelle, Sonja and Daniel; Katrina and Jenni, great-grandfather of Oliver and Saskia; and Rosie-May. Special thanks to the staff at Maygrove Village and Hospital for their loving care. A Service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at The Chapel of Faithfull Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Rd, Hibiscus Coast on Tuesday, the 17th of September 2013 at 2:00 PM followed by a private cremation.In lieu of flowers a donation to the SPCA would be appreciated and may be left at the service. All communications to "The Lever Family" P O Box 305, Whangaparaoa, Auckland 0943.
ROWAN, John - Kings Own Scottish Boarderers British Army Scottish Division. RNZAF Warrant Officer K76783 Suddenly but peacefully on September 12, 2013; aged 84 years. Loved father of Doug and Lesley. Loved grandfather of Jolene and Scott, Tracey, Gavin and Sarah, Mandy and Rod. Loved great-grandad of Ethan, Toby, Marshall, Seth, Jacob and Nathan. Best mate to Murphy and Norman. A Funeral service will be held at the Lychgate Funeral Home, 7 Johnsonville Road, Wellington, on Tuesday, September 17 at 11.00 a.m., followed by a private cremation. Donations to the Wellington Free Ambulance would be appreciated and can be left at the service. Messages to the family can be sent c/- the Lychgate Funeral Home.
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