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Post by trees on Nov 14, 2020 8:58:09 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Geoffrey Elgar Satchwell U74101 MMWKR RNZAF 31 August 1949 to 15 January 1974. 17 October 1928 - 12 November 2020. Passed away suddenly at the Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Hastings. Loved Husband for 68yrs of Ruth. Father of John and Tofina (Wellington), Susan and Terry (Australia), Joanne (Auckland). Treasured Grandad of Alister, Ashley, Nathan, Tayla, Jenny and Great Granddaughter Charlie. A private cremation has been held.
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Post by trees on Nov 17, 2020 9:17:05 GMT 12
SGT ? Robert Thomas (Bob) McConnell NZ428004 WOP/BA/AG RNZAF 1942 TO 1945. Passed away peacefully on November 15th 2020, aged 97 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Joy. Much loved father and father in law of Lea and Charlie Forward, Robert and Sue, Warwick and Bev, Shelley and Mike Jolley. Loved poppa of his 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at the Rotorua Crematorium Chapel, Sala Street, Rotorua on Friday November 20th at 1pm. Published in The Rotorua Daily Post on Nov. 16, 2020
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 18, 2020 20:35:49 GMT 12
MASLEN, Frederick Desmond (Des): (Reg. No 3055330, Sgt, RAF). Peacefully at home on Thursday, November 12, 2020, aged 94 years. Dearly loved husband of Ros Birnie, much loved Dad and father-in-law of Jeff and Angelika, Nicole and Stephen Hill, Bruce and Cara (Sydney). Loved 'Gramp' of Allegra, and Selina; James and Savannah, and Mitchell; Evie, Lucianna, and Laila. Sincere thanks to Dr Paul O'Gorman of Halswell Health for his great support, and his wonderful care of Des over many years. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Des Maslen, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. The Service to Celebrate Des' life will be held in our Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Tomorrow (Thursday) at 2.00pm. Private cremation thereafter.
SATCHWELL, Geoffrey Elgar. 17 October 1928 - 12 November 2020 74101. Warrant Officer New Zealand Air Force. Passed away suddenly at the Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Hastings. Loved Husband for 68yrs of Ruth. Father of John and Tofina (Wellington), Susan and Terry (Australia), Joanne (Auckland). Treasured Grandad of Alister, Ashley, Nathan, Tayla, Jenny and Great Granddaughter Charlie. A private cremation has been held.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 20, 2020 12:11:50 GMT 12
I have just learned from Michelle Sim at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand that the wonderful Philip Stewart, a WWII RNZAF Spitfire pilot, has passed away aged 103. Philip gave us a terrific talk about his experiences at our 2018 Wigram WONZ Forum Meet. Here's the recording. cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2018/07/philip-stewart/
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 30, 2020 13:23:19 GMT 12
Well known airline and aviation figure Malcolm Campbell died on Friday. He is remembered as the man who founded Eagle Air, as well as the Eagle Flying School and Eagle Aviation at Hamilton Airport. Mum was good friends with Malcolm and his wife Joan.
CAMPBELL, Malcolm Graham. Passed away on 27 November 2020 peacefully at Hilda Ross Hospital. Beloved and loving husband of Joan, dearly loved Father and Father In-Law of David, Craig (deceased) and Tania, Janmarie and Shane. Cherished Poppa of Kimberley, Max, Lisa, Brooke and Paige. Taken flight on the wings of love. A service for Malcolm will be held at The Cathedral Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Grey Street, Hamilton on Tuesday, 1 December 2020 at 1.30pm. All communications to the Campbell family C/- PO Box 5523, Frankton, Hamilton, 3242.
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Post by trees on Nov 30, 2020 18:06:09 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) William Henry (Bill) Buckle S38104 SGSI (Ex NZ ARMY) RNZAF 3 February 1966 to 18 December 1975.
On November 20, 2020, peacefully at Christchurch Hospital, aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Gwenda, loved father and father-in-law of Ian and Sharon, Robert and Jo, and Catherine, treasured granddad of Keegen, and Alex; Ryan, and Kate, loved brother and brother-in-law of the late Rose and Harry Macklin, the late Ann and Ron Watts, Ellen and the late Derek Clairmonte, the late Kathleen, Hilda and the late Ron Scott, Bert and the late Jean Bradshaw, and the late Valerie Boreham, loved brother-in-law of the late John Clarke, and George (deceased) and Betty Clarke, beloved uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Special thanks to all the wonderful staff at Christchurch Hospital for the love and care given to Bill. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Bill Buckle, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. In accordance with Bill's wishes, a private cremation has been held.
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Post by trees on Nov 30, 2020 18:59:58 GMT 12
F/S (RTD) William John (John) Price BEM M81546 EFIT RNZAF 7 January 1964 to 3 July 1985.
Born 4 November 1947 passed away after a long illness on 28 November 2020.
A funeral service will be held at 1330 hours at the St Johns Presbyterian Church in Matamata on Wednesday 2nd December 2020.
John is survived by his wife Jill and three children.
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Post by trees on Dec 3, 2020 8:40:03 GMT 12
FLT LT (RTD) Glenn Christopher (Glenn) Beaman F92488 ENGR RNZAF 13 Jan 1987 to 1 Feb 2001.
Born July 24, 1968. Passed away tragically on Friday 27 November 2020 at Middlemore Hospital, treasured partner of Natalie and dearest father of Tiah and Jentah, loved son of Arthur, brother of Shane and Jarrod, loved father of Fynn and Ava, nephew of Spencer. We remember the good times and have many happy memories. The troubled times experienced these past years have been a burden that we wish we could have shared. Fondly remembered by his dad Arthur, stepmother Doreen, Shane, Carleen and children Chelsea and Tyler. Jarrod, Sarah and children, Rafe, Keir, Matz and Torr. Rest In Peace.
A private funeral will be held. Published in The New Zealand Herald on Dec. 3, 2020
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Post by denysjones on Dec 8, 2020 14:35:52 GMT 12
On Nov 29th John Goddard died, details of his career here nzcivair.blogspot.com/John was involved at Ferrymead but not in aviation matters rather camera gear, but nonetheless he strolled over for a yarn every now and then.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 8, 2020 17:04:09 GMT 12
MEYER, Hotorua Arnel Dean (Arnie). DFC, PFF 75 Sqn RAF (NZ). 14 Sqn 'J Force' WW2 Passed away peacefully on Sunday 6 December at Radius Matua, Tauranga. Devoted husband to the late Gloria Rose. Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Gary, David, Lorraine, Theresa, William and Kathy. Adored Grandfather of Nick, Aaron, Joel, Sam and Lee, cherished Great Grandad of Jacob and Kayla. A real hero to both his country and his family. You will be in our hearts forever and very sadly missed. Rest in Peace. Special thanks to all the team at Radius Matua for all their love and care shown to both Mum and Dad. A service to celebrate Arnie's life will be held at Tauranga Park, 383 Pyes Pa Road Tauranga, Wednesday 9 December at 2:30pm. Communications to the Meyer Family c/- PO Box 3136 Tauranga 3142.
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Post by errolmartyn on Dec 8, 2020 20:16:58 GMT 12
MEYER, Hotorua Arnel Dean (Arnie). DFC, PFF 75 Sqn RAF (NZ). 14 Sqn 'J Force' WW2 Passed away peacefully on Sunday 6 December at Radius Matua, Tauranga. Devoted husband to the late Gloria Rose. Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Gary, David, Lorraine, Theresa, William and Kathy. Adored Grandfather of Nick, Aaron, Joel, Sam and Lee, cherished Great Grandad of Jacob and Kayla. A real hero to both his country and his family. You will be in our hearts forever and very sadly missed. Rest in Peace. Special thanks to all the team at Radius Matua for all their love and care shown to both Mum and Dad. A service to celebrate Arnie's life will be held at Tauranga Park, 383 Pyes Pa Road Tauranga, Wednesday 9 December at 2:30pm. Communications to the Meyer Family c/- PO Box 3136 Tauranga 3142. From Colin Hanson’s B y Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : MEYER, Flight Lieutenant Hoturoa Arnel Dean, DFC, (pff). NZ416968 & 70182; Born Frankton Junction, 23 Dec 1922; RNZAF 20 Dec 1941 to 25 Dec 1945 & 19 Sep 1947 to 6 Oct 1956, Res. to 5 Oct 1960; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (12 Dec 1944): [75(NZ)Sqn RAF (Lancaster)] This officer has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty. Flt Lt Meyer’s Pathfinder service was with 7(PFF)Sqn RAF (Lancaster). His crew included - Navigator Fg Off J D Mercier, DFC, RNZAF (qv); Bomb Aimer Fg Off E S Snowden, DFC, RNZAF (qv); Air Gunners Sgts W Brown, DFM and G Paine, DFM - both RAFVR. They ‘crewed-up’ at 11 OTU RAF Westcott on 14 Dec 1943 and stayed together for the remainder of the war, completing a tour of 30 sorties with 75(NZ)Sqn and then, without a break, a further tour of 25 sorties with 7(PFF)Sqn. During 1948 he served in Japan with British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. Note misspelling of Hotorua in Coliln's entry. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 10, 2020 7:39:18 GMT 12
This just arrived by email from the RAeS Hamilton Branch:
"To all my aviation colleagues and friends. Just received word that Murray Dreyer ex Ansett, ex Pacific Aviation, Ex Pacific Aerospace, Ex Alpha Aviation and more recently Avparts NZ has passed away. I understand a private funeral has been arranged but information may be posted in the future about memorial. RIP Murray"
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 10, 2020 11:51:19 GMT 12
Very sad to see Arnel go , he was one of the last WWII 75 squadron still with us.
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Post by trees on Dec 11, 2020 0:36:11 GMT 12
SQN LDR (RTD) Sydney Arthur (Tony) Williams NZC451944/NZ48152/72253 RNZAF Pilot/Nav 18 Apr 1945 to end 1945 and 4 march 1948 to 12 March 1965 when he was posted to RAFO.
passed away 10 December 2020 in Waikato Hostpital.
Enlisted as NZC451944 Sydney Arthur Williams as Aircrew u/t, 18 Apr 45 and Re-enlisted as NZ48152 as Navigator u/t, 4 May 48 and was Renumbered as 72253, Jan 1949
He joined the RNZAF in 1945 and flew ten hours in Tiger Moths before the war ended and he was demobbed.
However he re-joined the Air Force in 1948 as a Navigator trainee and completed training as a Navigator-Wireless Operator in Avro Ansons at the Air Navigation School (ANS) at Wigram. He was then posted to No. 14 Squadron at Ohakea to continue operational training in the Airspeed Oxfords.
In February 1950 Tony was posted to No. 75 Squadron where he would become a Navigator-Wireless Operator on the de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bombers.
Tony remained with the squadron through till February 1952, when he then underwent an instructor’s course at the Air Navigation School at Wigram. He began instructing at that school in May 1952.
In July 1952 he joined the Devon Ferry Unit, who went to Britain to ferry one of the new de Havilland Devons to New Zealand for the RNZAF. He and F/O Innes ferried Devon NZ1806 From Hatfield in England to New Zealand. This took up July through to September 1952.
More instructing at the ANS followed and then Tony returned to England for his second Devon Ferry, this time he and F/Lt Jeffs ferried NZ1813 to New Zealand. That took in January to April 1953.
Following a brief return to ANS, Tony then got his original wish to return to training as a pilot.
He was posted to the Grading School at RNZAF Station Taieri to fly Tiger Moths, and then the Flying Training School at Wigram on Harvards. On completing his flying training Tony was selected to become a flying instructor so did a Central Flying School instructing course, and then from July 1954 he was instructing at the Flying Training School.
In April 1955 Tony was posted back to the Central Flying School, now as an instructor, to train pilots how to instruct others. During his time there he was sent to Australia to undergo a course at the RAAF’s School of Air/Land Warfare.
In May 1957 Tony was posted to the Fighter Operational Conversion Unit at Ohakea to undergo a course on flying the Vampire fighter jet.
The following month he joined No. 75 Squadron on the same station, now flying Vampires operationally. He became a part time member of the FOCU staff too, training other pilots in between his regular squadron duties.
In January 1958 Tony became one of the first two RNZAF pilots selected to fly the English Electric Canberra bomber.
They travelled to England and underwent conversion at No. 231 Bomber Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Coningsby. Once he was trained up on the type Tony began the ferry flight of leased Canberra T.4 WD963 from the UK out to Tengah, Singapore, where with No. 75 Squadron RNZAF he was involved in the Malayan Emergency conflict.
In January 1961 Tony became the new commanding officer at the Central Flying School in Wigram.
When it looked like he would eventually end up in a desk job, he decided to leave the RNZAF where he moved to Air New Zealand where Tony flew the Lockheed Electras, and the Douglas DC-8's
Passed away at Waikato Hospital on 10 December 2020. Much loved and loving husband of Margaret for 69 years. Loving father and father-in-law of Sandra, Stephen and Freya, Scott and Julie. Adored Grandad of Max, Hillary, Peter, Oskar and Luca. A Celebration of Tonys's life will be held at Henley Hotel, 151 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge on Wednesday 16 December at 11:00am.
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Post by errolmartyn on Dec 11, 2020 5:16:40 GMT 12
Tony Williams passed away 10 December 2020 in Waikato Hostpital. He joined the RNZAF in 1945 and flew ten hours in Tiger Moths before the war ended and he was demobbed. However he re-joined the Air Force in 1948 as a Navigator trainee and completed training as a Navigator-Wireless Operator in Avro Ansons at the Air Navigation School (ANS) at Wigram. He was then posted to No. 14 Squadron at Ohakea to continue operational training in the Airspeed Oxfords. In February 1950 Tony was posted to No. 75 Squadron where he would become a Navigator-Wireless Operator on the de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bombers. Tony remained with the squadron through till February 1952, when he then underwent an instructor’s course at the Air Navigation School at Wigram. He began instructing at that school in May 1952. In July 1952 he joined the Devon Ferry Unit, who went to Britain to ferry one of the new de Havilland Devons to New Zealand for the RNZAF. He and F/O Innes ferried Devon NZ1806 From Hatfield in England to New Zealand. This took up July through to September 1952. More instructing at the ANS followed and then Tony returned to England for his second Devon Ferry, this time he and F/Lt Jeffs ferried NZ1813 to New Zealand. That took in January to April 1953. Following a brief return to ANS, Tony then got his original wish to return to training as a pilot. He was posted to the Grading School at RNZAF Station Taieri to fly Tiger Moths, and then the Flying Training School at Wigram on Harvards. On completing his flying training Tony was selected to become a flying instructor so did a Central Flying School instructing course, and then from July 1954 he was instructing at the Flying Training School. In April 1955 Tony was posted back to the Central Flying School, now as an instructor, to train pilots how to instruct others. During his time there he was sent to Australia to undergo a course at the RAAF’s School of Air/Land Warfare. In May 1957 Tony was posted to the Fighter Operational Conversion Unit at Ohakea to undergo a course on flying the Vampire fighter jet. The following month he joined No. 75 Squadron on the same station, now flying Vampires operationally. He became a part time member of the FOCU staff too, training other pilots in between his regular squadron duties. In January 1958 Tony became one of the first two RNZAF pilots selected to fly the English Electric Canberra bomber. They travelled to England and underwent conversion at No. 231 Bomber Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Coningsby. Once he was trained up on the type Tony began the ferry flight of leased Canberra T.4 WD963 from the UK out to Tengah, Singapore, where with No. 75 Squadron RNZAF he was involved in the Malayan Emergency conflict. In January 1961 Tony became the new commanding officer at the Central Flying School in Wigram. When it looked like he would eventually end up in a desk job, he decided to leave the RNZAF where he moved to Air New Zealand where Tony flew the Lockheed Electras, and the Douglas DC-8's Further information, including his service description will be posted when known. Enlisted as NZC451944 Sydney Arthur Williams as Aircrew u/t, 18 Apr 45 Re-enlisted as NZ48152 as Navigator u/t, 4 May 48 Renumbered as 72253, Jan 1949 Errol
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Post by trees on Dec 11, 2020 7:16:49 GMT 12
FLT LT (RTD) Aubrey Albert Donald (Aub) Bills RNZAF 1941-45 and 1949-53.
Passed away 9 December 2020 after a short illness. An incredibly special and irreplaceably unique man. Gifted to our world 99 years ago on 25 November 1921. Loving husband and fiercely loyal mate of Win for 40 wonderful years. Loved and respected dad of Diane and Barry (Christchurch), Neale and Suzanne (Kerikeri), Jan and John (Auckland). Proud Pop to his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Special friend of Linda (UK) and Sharon (USA) and their families.
Following Aub's wishes a private cremation has been held and there will be a celebration of a life well lived in January. Aubrey had a mischievous wit and sharp intelligence that never faded, even as he did. Grab that joystick Aub and fly high.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 11, 2020 8:15:35 GMT 12
Oh no, both Tony Williams and Aubrey Bills lived here in Cambridge. I have met and interviewed both, they were great guys. So sad to see they have both died.
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Post by errolmartyn on Dec 11, 2020 12:38:26 GMT 12
FLT LT (RTD) Aubrey Albert Donald (Aub) Bills RNZAF 1941-45 and 1949-53. Passed away 9 December 2020 after a short illness. An incredibly special and irreplaceably unique man. Gifted to our world 99 years ago on 25 November 1921. Loving husband and fiercely loyal mate of Win for 40 wonderful years. Loved and respected dad of Diane and Barry (Christchurch), Neale and Suzanne (Kerikeri), Jan and John (Auckland). Proud Pop to his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Special friend of Linda (UK) and Sharon (USA) and their families. Following Aub's wishes a private cremation has been held and there will be a celebration of a life well lived in January. Aubrey had a mischievous wit and sharp intelligence that never faded, even as he did. Grab that joystick Aub and fly high. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : BILLS, Flight Lieutenant Aubrey Albert Donald, (Qcbc). NZ416192 & 130120; Born Dunedin, 25 Nov 1921; RNZAF 9 Nov 1941 to 3 Oct 1945, TAF 1 Dec 1948 to 7 Jul 1952, RNZAF 8 Jul 1952 to 24 Jul 1954; Pilot. Citation Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct (QB1953): Not available. On 17 Jan 1953 a Harvard aircraft of 4 (Otago) Sqn, TAF was engaged in a search for two trampers missing on Mt Aspiring. The aircraft flown by Flt Lt Bills, with the Sqn Commanding Officer, Sqn Ldr G C N Johnson, as co-pilot, crashed on the side of the mountain at about 0800 hrs and Sqn Ldr Johnson was seriously injured. Flt Lt Bills made his co-pilot as comfortable as possible and set out for Aspiring hut, several miles away. Official Records note - “His was a gallant effort, suffering from severe shock and with an injured leg he negotiated the steep rocky faces on Mt Aspiring and forced his way through tangled bush in a two-hour dash for aid. On arrival at the hut preparations were immediately made to assist Sqn Ldr Johnson but it was not until 1700 hrs that they arrived back at the crash site to find that he had died.” For his gallant efforts under most difficult circumstances Flt Lt Bills was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. Errol
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Post by Peter Lewis on Dec 11, 2020 16:06:02 GMT 12
Harvard Mk.IIA NZ1042
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Post by NZ1009 on Dec 11, 2020 19:08:42 GMT 12
1042 by Difficult terrain for the walk out.
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