Air Gunner R.J.V. Malcolm

[Dave Homewood]

Does anyone here know details of an Air Gunner named R.J.V. Malcolm (or possibly R.J.Y. Malcolm)?

He was an Air Gunner with No. 6 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at RNZAF Milson in 1942, and then was posted to No. 21 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at RNZAF Ohakea. Later he served at No. 1 (B) OTU on Oxfords, and then Catalinas on the Detached Flight from No. 6 (Flying Boat) Squadron at the Treasury Islands.

His logbook was auctioned on Trademe quite some time ago. I saved the photos that were on the auction listing but did not bid on the logbook. It was these photos I got the details above from. The logbook first page says he qualified as an Observer/2nd Pilot in 1944, which seems a bit odd.

Did anyone here purchase the logbook? Does anyone know his full name and service number?

[errolmartyn]

NZ424992 Ronald Jack Vivian Malcolm
Born 13 Feb 18
First attended West End New Plymouth School (1923-)
Enlisted RNZAF as WOp/AG u/t 15 May 42
According to Routine Orders was awarded his Air Gunners Badge 8 Nov 42 (but also later listed as awarded 30 Apr 43!)
Appears to have died in retirement at Westport in 1988 (or possibly 1987). Probate was filed with the Greymouth court in 1988.

Errol

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Errol. I have spoken with a couple of those No. 6 (AC) Squadron Air Gunners in the past and they went straight from ITW to the squadron where they did on the job training as air gunners in the Hinds. Later whenthe AC squadrons disbanded they all had to do a course at Gisborne's Gunnery Training School to bring them up to speed on other types of guns and turrets as they were all destined then for Venturas. So that might explain why there are two dates for receiving the badge.