Death of WWII RNZAF pilot Andy Cook

[andycooksdaughter]

Hello to interested parties.
Just a note to advise RNZAF personnel that my father, Andrew (Andy) Cook, 435949 Flight Sergeant RNZAF, 14 Squadron, WWII passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on Sunday Nov 23rd., aged 89yrs (2 weeks short of his 90th birthday.


We, the family, are wondering if he was the last surviving Southland WWII RNZAF pilot- are you aware of any such information?
We have traced an article in the Southland Times in 2011 that said there were only 2 remaining WWII RNZAF fighter pilots left- the other, at that time, was a Stan Smith, aged 87 yrs.


His funeral was held on Friday, with his 25yr old grandson, Sergeant Nicholas Thompson of RAAF 10 Squadron (an Airborne Electronics Analyst- AEA-based in at RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide) representing the “Air Force” in uniform, reciting the Ode of Remembrance. Dad is buried in the RSA section of the Eastern Cemetery.

Mum (Daphne) remains at the family home in Invercargill.

Brenda Thompson (nee Cook)

[Dave Homewood]

My condolences to you and your family, Brenda. Andy's death was noted in our death notice and obituary section a few days back. It's sad to lose not only another WWII pilot but also a respected forum member, as Andy has occasionally contributed to this forum and he used to keep in touch occasionally with me by email.

Andy emailed me last year to let me know that Stan Smith had passed away on the 8th of September 2013. I am actually not sure if there are any other WWII RNZAF pilots alive in Southland now. Not all pilots, aircrew or groundcrew kept in touch with old comrades through the RSA's or other associations, and have become anonymous - so it's possible but if there are there cannot be very many down there. Very sad.

[pjw4118]

Brenda , sad times ,, I have checked the NZBCA records and we have only one Southland member today , a mid upper gunner ,, no pilots.