Ralph Court DFC, ADC, RIP

[Dave Homewood]

I just read that the RNZAF Kittyhawk fighter pilot James Ralph Court DFC, ADC, who was known as Ralph, has sadly passed away last Wednesday.

This is from the Herald:
COURT James Ralph. DFC ADC RNZAF (Ret). Peacefully on June 2, 2010. Dearly loved husband of Ruth. and loved father of Lindy, Phillip, and Elizabeth, fatherinlaw of John, Susan, and Barry. Special Grandfather of Tony, Richard, Simon, Emily, and Grant, and all his greatgrandchildren. A family service has been held.

Only last Thursday i was talking to a friend of his, fellow fighter pilot Frank Culliford, and I mentioned how I'd like to interview Ralph but Frank said he was very unwell. Little did either of us know that Ralph had died the day before.

RIP

[Andy Wright]

Sad news, Dave. I am ashamed to admit I had never heard of him till now. He surely was a fine man. RIP.

Sorry to hear you did not get the chance to record some of his experiences. Here's hoping Mr Court or someone else did.

[Dave Homewood]

James Ralph Court NZ401754 was one of the original members of No. 15 (Fighter) Squadron from memory, and was certainly involved in the thick of the air to air combat in the Pacific.

I don't think there are many RNZAF P-40 pilots left nowadays who actually experienced air to air combat. I have only managed to track down and interview three of them. Frank Culliford (who's brother was the famous George Culliford DFC by the way) told me Ralph had developed dementia so I wouldn't have had a show of interviewing him even if I had approached him, but I'm sure he would have had some interesting stories if circumstances were different.

For the record, By Such Deeds by Colin Hanson records that Ralph Court was born in Auckland on the 14th of April 1920. He joined the RNZAF on the 2nd of July 1940 and served till the 3rd of October 1945. He flew P-40's in combat with No. 15 Squadron for two tours and the same type for a tour on No. 19 Squadron, and was mentioned in despatches after 75 sorties. His fourth and final tour was flying Corsairs with No. 22 Squadron as the CO. . He completed 408 operational hours. His DFC was awarded in December 1945.

He rejoined as a TAF pilot in 1952, and served till 1955, the last year of that service as Aide de Camp to the Governor General.

[smithy]

Thanks for posting that Dave. It's a shame some of these blokes' deeds have faded from the majority of memories.

But that's one of the great things about your site, you keep these memories alive.

Once again good job posting that.

[angelsonefive]

This, I believe, is the same Ralph Court who was so prominent in the NZ gliding scene for many years.

[thomarse]

I'm 99% sure it's the same one............