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Post by Peter Lewis on Jul 14, 2020 18:22:28 GMT 12
In the Herald this morning, death notice for famous (infamous?) rotorcraft enthusiast Sid Lane of Taupo, passed away 12th July.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 16, 2020 15:59:23 GMT 12
A message from Andrew Porrelli of the No. 514 Squadron page:
"If you are not already aware, I'm very sad to inform you of the passing of 514 Squadron RAF NZ WW2 Lancaster MK-II pilot Bruce Cunningham last evening. He was the last member of 514 Squadron from New Zealand and my dear personal friend. He will be very sadly missed."
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Post by davidd on Jul 16, 2020 16:05:59 GMT 12
Cannot have been too many RNZAF personnel on the Hercules Lancs, perhaps more than we might think? David D
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Post by planewriting on Jul 17, 2020 9:53:19 GMT 12
I am saddened by Bruce Cunningham's passing. A 100 year life well lived. Although not a pilot, he was Treasurer of the New Zealand gliding movement from 1966 until 2010. He finally retired from his Accountancy practice at the age of 94! A remarkable man. Jacinda Ardern rang him on VE Day and thanked him, among other things, for selling poppies for 64 years outside his business in Wellington.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 17, 2020 10:33:50 GMT 12
LE Grice, Lawrence Ernest (Laurie). Regtl No: NZ40406 Cpl. RNZAF WWll On 15th July 2020 in his 101st year. Much loved father and father in law of Bob and Lesley, Steve and Deb, Dave and Chris. Loved Grandad/Poppa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In accordance with Laurie's wishes, a private cremation has been held. All communications to the "Le Grice" families c/- PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei, 0145.
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Post by planewriting on Jul 17, 2020 14:11:28 GMT 12
That's two on the same day, 15th July 2020, in their 101st year.
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Post by trees on Jul 17, 2020 19:29:47 GMT 12
Cpl (RTD RNZAF) Melvin Philip (Mel) Chandler PFI RNZAF SFRMN / NA Army.
Died peacefully at home with family on 7th July 2020, aged 83. Much loved husband of Diane and father of Tracey and Dean, father-in-law of Rachael and stepfather of Damen. Loved and cherished grandad of Todd, Jarrod and Alana, Tarryn and Ethan, Taylor, Garrett, Katee, Karli, Luke and Kat, Brooke, Blake, and great-grandad of Elijah, Edward, Maia, Levi and Kiara.
A private cremation has been held but please join us for a celebration of Mel's life on Monday 20th July, 10.30am, at Murrayfield
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Post by trees on Jul 18, 2020 8:57:02 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) John Henry Arkwright DFC USA Commendation Medal NZ1067 RNZAF. On Thursday, July 16, 2020, in Taupo, aged 100 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Dorothy (Tommy). Beloved father and father-in-law of Bev and Paul Studholme and Robert and Julie Arkwright. Adored Pops of Rachael and Warrick, Fiona and Simon, Odette and Robert, Daniel and Bridget, Melissa and Sam, Richard and Amanda, and Vanessa, also his great-grandchildren, Georgie, Pippa, Sienna, Alys, Megan, Ruby, Claudia, George, Liam, Mark, Matthew and Nathan. A service for John will be held at St Andrews Anglican Church, Titiraupenga Street, Taupo, on Thursday, July 23, at 1.30pm. Followed by a private Cremation. Messages to Bev Studholme, Limestone Hills, 7 RD Waimate 7977. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 18, 2020 9:42:35 GMT 12
Oh that's sad. He was a lovely man. I thought he'd already died. He has to have been the very last of our P-40 combat pilots! He also led a P-40 squadron! And was then deputy in charge of the Air Wing in the Solomons under a US general.
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Post by trees on Jul 18, 2020 9:47:50 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Arthur John HEMPSTALK Y71230 SSuplr RNZAF 26 April 1946 to 7 April 1971 Passed away peacefully on 17th July 2020, after a short illness. Dearly loved husband to Joy for 63 years. Only son of John and Olive Hempstalk (deceased), brother of Thelma Cleaver (deceased). Much loved Uncle to Patrick and Cathy Cleaver. In accordance with Arthur's wishes, a private cremation has been held. "Until we meet again".
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 18, 2020 13:52:42 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Arthur John HEMPSTALK Y71230 SSuplr RNZAF 26 April 1946 to 7 April 1971 Passed away peacefully on 17th July 2020, after a short illness. Dearly loved husband to Joy for 63 years. Only son of John and Olive Hempstalk (deceased), brother of Thelma Cleaver (deceased). Much loved Uncle to Patrick and Cathy Cleaver. In accordance with Arthur's wishes, a private cremation has been held. "Until we meet again". Enlisted as NZ46709 Arthur John Hempstalk on 26 Apr 46. Renumbered as 71230 in January 1949. Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 18, 2020 14:02:11 GMT 12
WG CDR (RTD) John Henry Arkwright DFC USA Commendation Medal NZ1067 RNZAF. On Thursday, July 16, 2020, in Taupo, aged 100 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Dorothy (Tommy). Beloved father and father-in-law of Bev and Paul Studholme and Robert and Julie Arkwright. Adored Pops of Rachael and Warrick, Fiona and Simon, Odette and Robert, Daniel and Bridget, Melissa and Sam, Richard and Amanda, and Vanessa, also his great-grandchildren, Georgie, Pippa, Sienna, Alys, Megan, Ruby, Claudia, George, Liam, Mark, Matthew and Nathan. A service for John will be held at St Andrews Anglican Church, Titiraupenga Street, Taupo, on Thursday, July 23, at 1.30pm. Followed by a private Cremation. Messages to Bev Studholme, Limestone Hills, 7 RD Waimate 7977. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd From Colin Hanson’s B y Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : ARKWRIGHT, Wing Commander John Henry, DFC. NZ1067 & 133555; Born Marton, 27 Jan 1920; RNZAF 3 Apr 1939 to 9 Nov 1945; RAF 20 Sep 1947 to 20 Oct 1951, 59614; RNZAF Res. to 17 Oct 1955; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (22 Feb 1944): [15 & 16 Sqns RNZAF (Kittyhawk)] For conspicuous service in operations against the Japanese. Squadron Leader Arkwright has completed two tours of duty with Nos 15 and 16 Sqns in April and July respectively. His duties have included repeated strafing missions on Kahili in the face of heavy and intense fire from the ground and strong enemy fighter opposition. On two occasions both his own and another aircraft in his Section were severely damaged. Squadron Leader Arkwright has natural ability as a pilot, and set an example in his Squadron for qualities of leadership, discipline and steadiness on air operations. He has displayed tireless and cheerful devotion to duty, and given splendid support to his Squadron Commander. United States Commendation (20 Apr 1944): From - Commanding General, Headquarters Commander Aircraft Solomon Islands. To - Air Officer Commanding 1 (Islands) Group, RNZAF. Commendation - Wing Commander John Henry ARKWRIGHT, RNZAF. 1. The subject-named officer has served under this Command from 15 Mar to 20 Apr 1944 as operations officer. 2. Wing Commander Arkwright has displayed a complete understanding of all phases of fighter operations. Due to his very pleasant personality he has been immediately and whole-heartedly accepted by all echelons with whom he has had to deal. He has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and attention to duty. 3. His assignment as a member of this staff has aided materially the progress of operations. It is hoped that the future may renew the association with Wing Commander Arkwright which has been so pleasant and productive for the past six weeks. [Sgd] H R Harmon, Commanding General, Major General US Army, Commanding.Acting Plt Off Arkwright commenced his training for RAF service, at Wigram in Apr 1939. In Sep 1939, whilst on final leave prior to departure for England, he was retained by the RNZAF, trained as a flying instructor and served as an instructor at Wigram and Ohakea until Mar 1942. In 1947 he was invited by the RAF to take-up his long delayed RAF commission which he did for a period of four years, serving as a Station Commander and later as a Staff Officer at RAF Home Command. Credited with the destruction of two Japanese aircraft whilst serving with 16 Sqn RNZAF. He also flew operationally with 15 Sqn RNZAF and served on the staff of COMAIRSOLS, Bougainville. CO 16 Sqn RNZAF (Kittyhawk) Oct 1943-Jan 1944. Errol
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Post by pjw4118 on Jul 18, 2020 15:52:35 GMT 12
Cunningham Bruce NZ424433 on July 15 in Wellington . Bruce trained as a pilot in NZ and was posted directly to UK where he served on 514 squadron. His Lancaster II was shot down ( by friendly fire now assumed ) on 11/12 May . He spent the rest of the war mainly at Sagan POW camp. A great person to be with and co incidentally wrote a feature for the upcoming NZBCA newsletter. Another sadly missed . Our WWII vet roster now just reaches 30 , twenty five years ago it was 520 , the grim reaper has been busy.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 18, 2020 16:41:40 GMT 12
Sadly I have been informed by his niece that former WONZ Forum member Ian Hunter (FlyCookie) passed away suddenly in New York this week, aged 52.
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Post by baz62 on Jul 18, 2020 17:52:28 GMT 12
Sad news. Wow 52 that's young.
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Post by trees on Jul 19, 2020 17:48:34 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Arthur John (Jack) HEMPSTALK NZ46709/Y71230 SSuplr RNZAF 26 April 1946 to 7 April 1971 Passed away peacefully on 17th July 2020, after a short illness. Dearly loved husband to Joy for 63 years. Only son of John and Olive Hempstalk (deceased), brother of Thelma Cleaver (deceased). Much loved Uncle to Patrick and Cathy Cleaver. In accordance with Arthur's wishes, a private cremation has been held. "Until we meet again". Enlisted as NZ46709 Arthur John Hempstalk on 26 Apr 46. Renumbered as 71230 in January 1949. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2020 10:16:41 GMT 12
WOOD, Desmond Conrad. RNZAF 43904 Passed away peacefully on 17 July 2020 at Fairview Care, Albany, age 97. Dearly loved husband of the late Beryl; loving father of David, and the late Susan. Grandfather to Katie and Strahan, Tony, Kylie and Kevin, and great-grandfather to Mikal, Theo, Finley, Ella and Zavier. A service for Des will be held at North Shore Memorial Park, 235 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Wednesday 22 July 2020 at 1pm
RYDE, Walter Thomas (Wally): MBE. Service Number; Q71728 Royal New Zealand Air Force. On 19th July 2020, passed away at Wellington Hospital, aged 92. Much loved husband of the late Helen, loved father and father-in-law of Karen and Bill Day, Eric and Jane, Robert and Colette, David and Noo. Loved Grandpa of Ben, Sam and Alexander. A service to celebrate Wally's life will be held in Gee and Hickton's Guardian Chapel, 6 Norrie Street, Porirua, at 1.00pm, Thursday 23 July 2020. Followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to Wellington Free Ambulance would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Gee & Hickton - Porirua
TWIST, Peter McKenzie. Passed away on July 19, 2020. At Whangarei after a short illness. Son of the late Margaret and Bob Twist. Loved brother of Stanley (Wally, Greerton), Ken (Bombay), Ngaire Booth (Maungaturoto), Gladys Clements (Mangonui), Dorothy Hunter (Whangarei) Helen Hall (Foxton), Constance Leigh (Rotorua) Malcolm (Katikati) and the late Trevor, Douglas and Graham. Loved by many nieces and nephews. Former member of the 14th Squadron of NZRAF and currently warmly supported by the Men's Shed Whangarei..A service will be held at the Whangarei Crematorium on Friday 24th at 12.30 . Contact. D.Hunter. 6 Old Onerahi Rd 0110
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Post by trees on Jul 22, 2020 11:11:29 GMT 12
LAC Peter McKenzie Twist K77427 RNZAF 26 February 1955 to 11 April 1967 14 SQN. Peter also served on RNZAF 75 Squadron - RAF Canberra B2's at RAF Tengah, Singapore from 1 July 1958 to 9 May 1959.
W/O Walter Thomas (Wally) Ryde MBE Q71728 RDO FIT RNZAF 22 April 46 to 14 August 1972
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 22, 2020 11:48:08 GMT 12
RYDE, Walter Thomas (Wally): MBE. Service Number; Q71728 Royal New Zealand Air Force. On 19th July 2020, passed away at Wellington Hospital, aged 92. Much loved husband of the late Helen, loved father and father-in-law of Karen and Bill Day, Eric and Jane, Robert and Colette, David and Noo. Loved Grandpa of Ben, Sam and Alexander. A service to celebrate Wally's life will be held in Gee and Hickton's Guardian Chapel, 6 Norrie Street, Porirua, at 1.00pm, Thursday 23 July 2020. Followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to Wellington Free Ambulance would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Gee & Hickton - Porirua From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : RYDE, Warrant Officer Walter Thomas, MBE.NZ46214 & Q71728; Born Thames, 5 May 1928; RNZAF 22 Apr 1946 to 14 Aug 1972, Radio Fitter. Citation Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (QB1970): Not available. The record shows that - “Warrant Officer Ryde joined the RNZAF in 1946. During his service with the RNZAF he had wide experience in servicing ground communications radio and automatic telegraphy equipment. As an SNCO he was employed within the Directorate of Radio Engineering on planning and detail design associated with ground radio installations, and their subsequent installation at various RNZAF bases within NZ and at Lauthala Bay, Fiji. W/O Ryde acquired extensive experience in radio test equipment servicing and calibration during a 3-year term from 1964-1967 as NCO i/c Radio Calibration Centre, Woodbourne, during which time he was largely responsible for the re-equipment programme within the Calibration Centre. In 1967 he was promoted to his present rank. He was tasked with the planning and implementation of the Defence Tape Relay Centre, being responsible for the technical management of the programme, the supervision of staff for the project, monitoring of Works Services and liaison with the Post Office. This large and complex task was brought to a successful conclusion mainly as a result of Warrant Officer Ryde’s perseverance and resourcefulness. In recognition of his outstanding performance in the execution of this project Warrant Officer Ryde was awarded the MBE.” Errol
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Post by trees on Jul 22, 2020 17:15:19 GMT 12
W/O Michael de la cour Davies 426264 FLT ENG RNZAF 2 and 6 SQNs WW2 Solomon Islands
25 August 1923 to 21 July 2020. His funeral is on Saturday 25 July at 1300, Howard and Gannon Funerals, Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier.
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