Post by melbeams on Jul 10, 2014 7:18:32 GMT 12
Hello. I live near what used to be RAF Cottesmore in Rutland, England and have recently discovered that 3 RNZAF personnel are buried there. They were part of 14 OTU and they are Sgt Pilot Vincent Herbert Griffiths, Sgt Pilot Jack Edward Wall and Sgt Pilot Wilford John Collins. I understand from reading a UK forum that Sgts Griffiths and Wall were killed in the same night-time collision on 12th September 1941 and Sgt Collins died on 6th December 1942. I haven't been able to find out anything more about how he died and wondered if anyone had any additional information. I have been in contact with Errol Martyn and he very kindly sent me the information he had included in his book about the 3 men. My interest stems from the fact that we lived in NZ for a couple of years and I would like to find out a little more about these men who are so far from home. I understand that Sgt Wall was 19 yrs when he died and came from Harihari. Sgt Griffiths' family lived in Parnell and he had a sister, Marjorie. Sgt Collins was from Remuera (having looked at Paperspast) and he had a brother and sister, Ted and Eunice as well as a wife, Zena Florrie. I'd very grateful for any extra information. Many thanks for your help.