4 SQN aircrew at Emirau

[Deleted]

I love this photo (copyright Archives New Zealand) of N⁰ 4 squadron aircrew getting ready to depart Emirau in early February 1945 having just completed their tour during which time their CO W/C Norman Lecher disappeared on a flight to Torokina to pick up overdue Christmas mail. I note the turtle shell in the possession of F/O Ashley Faulkner. I wonder if this is the “large tortoise shell” referred to in Alex Horn’s book Wings over the Pacific (Random Century). On page 176 Horn documents that “It is worth noting here that at the end of the tour, and by unanimous vote, it was resolved that Mrs Lecher should have the squadron mascot. This took the form of a large tortoise shell which had been acquired in Fiji. The squadron had entrusted it to an Indian craftsman who had polished it then engraved and inlaid with gold leaf the name of every member of the squadron, arranged in cruise. It was a magnificent example of craftsmanship.”

[davidd]

Interesting photo medicus. I was in correspondence with D W A (Ashley) Faulkner quite a few years ago, but eventually this stopped after I sent him a bundle of historical stuff, so presumed he may have died or otherwise become incapacitated in some way. I take it that the word "cruise" in last line should read "crews"? Seems as though keeping comfortable at Emirau was way more important than any dress regulations!
David D

[Dave Homewood]

Ashley sadly fell victim to dementia and after a few years with that he died about two years back. Top bloke. And that's a brilliant photo medicus. Thanks!

[Deleted]

Thanks Dave, sorry to read that the dreaded dementia caught up with this fine airman. Davidd thanks for picking up to typo, I use voice recognition software for word docs so fastidious poof reading is required otherwise the programme algorithm takes a guess  and usually gets it wrong -i.e. crews gets changed for cruise. I'll try harder with my next post.

[clint]

Great photo, my great uncles squadron.

[Deleted]

Hi Clint

The image below (copywrite Archives New Zealand) is a group photo from 4 SQN's Emirau tour of late 44/early 45. Is that your great uncle in the front row?

[clint]

4th from right, front row? Believe that's him.