tamavua
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by tamavua on Nov 27, 2017 20:56:55 GMT 12
Wanganui bula
I'm doing some research on the Fiji contingent to the RAF. The Wallace family had strong connections to Fiji at the turn of the last century. He probably went to school and university in NZ but with that side slash we would like to claim him as one of ours.
I'm interested that you wound up with his uniform and therefore might have some further details about him.
I'm new to this board so don't know how to attach an image of the 1st contingent but would like to communicate some more
kind regards
Tamavua
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tamavua
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by tamavua on Nov 27, 2017 20:52:30 GMT 12
"Naval vessels lying off-shore stopped shelling as we came in, and opened up again a few minutes later. Our bombs were dead on the target. As we turned away, we could see the landing craft moving in towards the beaches. It was an easy job, for we encountered no opposition." A great many New Zealanders took part in the air attack. They included Flight Lieutenant R. C. Wallace (Auckland), Warrant Officer P. W Werby (Wairoa), Warrant Officer John McPhee (Christchurch), Flying Officer R. M. Knewstubb (Dunedin), and Flight Sergeant R. J. Iremonger (Wellington).On a wet bank holiday weekend i've found time to read some of the older posts noting a mention to a pilot whose uniform i own, Flt/Lt Robert Cecil Wallace, 118490. The service tunic is RAF badged (wings & buttons) with FIJI national titles. Indeed he is mentioned in the 1946 publication "New Zealand at War" pg 101 as being from Fiji & Epsom NZ. Many years ago i tried to access his service records through NZDF Archives to be told as he wasn't a NZer they didn't hold his records. Great posting Dave to those airmen who served on the Forgotten Front!!
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tamavua
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by tamavua on Nov 27, 2017 20:51:14 GMT 12
"Naval vessels lying off-shore stopped shelling as we came in, and opened up again a few minutes later. Our bombs were dead on the target. As we turned away, we could see the landing craft moving in towards the beaches. It was an easy job, for we encountered no opposition." A great many New Zealanders took part in the air attack. They included Flight Lieutenant R. C. Wallace (Auckland), Warrant Officer P. W Werby (Wairoa), Warrant Officer John McPhee (Christchurch), Flying Officer R. M. Knewstubb (Dunedin), and Flight Sergeant R. J. Iremonger (Wellington).On a wet bank holiday weekend i've found time to read some of the older posts noting a mention to a pilot whose uniform i own, Flt/Lt Robert Cecil Wallace, 118490. The service tunic is RAF badged (wings & buttons) with FIJI national titles. Indeed he is mentioned in the 1946 publication "New Zealand at War" pg 101 as being from Fiji & Epsom NZ. Many years ago i tried to access his service records through NZDF Archives to be told as he wasn't a NZer they didn't hold his records. Great posting Dave to those airmen who served on the Forgotten Front!!
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