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Post by chinapilot on Apr 10, 2024 1:22:40 GMT 12
While researching something completely different I came across a reference to this gentleman.
Evidently, he was sent out to NZ by the RAF in early 1940 to help train pilots.
Tragically his wife was drowned on the way to join him when the 'Napier Star' was torpedoed on 18 Dec 1940 near Iceland.
It appears he may have stayed on in NZ post war.
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Post by davidd on Apr 10, 2024 11:08:05 GMT 12
chinapilot,
John Kempton LAWRENCE (RAFVR No. 70388) arrived in NZ January 1941, departed on return to UK approx August 1943. Seems to have served in RNZAF purely as flying instructor. He was posted to Ohakea (presume 3 FTS) 5/1/41, to Hobsonville 12/1/41 - 17/5/42 (Flying Instructors School/Central Flying School), was appointed CFI of this school 18/5/42. Held rank of F/L on arrival. So far as I know, was NOT a New Zealander. Errol Martyn may have further information, but note your note that he may have been in NZ postwar. Very sad about his wife. He may also have instructed at Tauranga (where CFS moved to in August 1941).
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 10, 2024 11:37:38 GMT 12
Squadron leader John Kempton Lawrence embarked on Australia Star at Wellington for return to UK, 11 Oct 43. Disembarked at Liverpool, 27
Nov 43.
A person by this same name first appears on the Auckland electoral roll for 1949, occupation importer. Listed with him at same address is an Eileen Patricia Lawrence, married.
He died in New Zealand on 29 Apr 2003, date of birth (England) 9 Aug 1910.
Wife who was lost at sea with the Napier Star on 18 Dec 40 was Joan Marjorie D'urban Shearing.
Errol
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Post by chinapilot on Apr 11, 2024 16:44:21 GMT 12
Thanks Errol and David,
The info I saw was that he came out to NZ earlier and his wife was joining later. They may have sailed on different ships I guess. The Napier Star didn't look like it was a luxury cruise liner…
His wife was the sister of a pilot who started flying in the 1920s and died in a accident in 1930.
It would be the same person on the electoral roll and he did remarry.
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 11, 2024 18:50:41 GMT 12
Some further info on J K Lawrence (and those who came to New Zealand with him):
The following RAF officers embarked on the Wairangi at Liverpool on 30 Nov 40.
Disembarked New Zealand 5 Jan 41?
Lampen, Francis Trevor (NZer on RAF short service commission since 1938
Mathias, Arthur Edward Vincent (NZer in RAF since 1928)
Gee, Verity Gofton Hutton
O’Brien, Oliver James
Morrison, Thomas Rutherford
Lawrence, John Kempton
Hansen, Claude Alexander (NZer on RAF short service commission since 1937
Johnson, William Alfred Louis
Errol
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