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Post by errolmartyn on Jun 10, 2023 14:36:50 GMT 12
HUGHES, Walter Graham: OBE RNZAF (Rtd) 433290 and 72007. Peacefully passed away at Summerset on the Landing Kenepuru on Saturday 3rd June 2023, aged 98 years. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Vera and the late Poppy. Much loved dad of Joanne and Richard Small (Hamilton). Admired and loved Pop of Jamie and Hai Sue, Bevan and Jodie, and Darya. Special great-granddad of Lachlan. Eldest brother of June Guilford, Kathleen Alvis, Trevor and Barbara and Barbara Bishop (all of New Plymouth.) A service for Wally will be held in Gee and Hickton's Guardian Chapel, Auty Lane, Porirua, on Thursday 8th June at 11.00am, followed by a private cremation. Please phone 04 2375332 for livestream information. A special thank you to Summerset on the Landing nurses and carers for their loving care of Wally. It was very much appreciated. Gee & Hickton - Porirua From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 :HUGHES, Group Captain Walter Graham, OBE, (cvsa). NZ433290 & S72007; Born New Plymouth, 3 Oct 1924; RNZAF 19 Mar 1943 to 27 Feb 1946 & 3 Dec 1947 to 3 Oct 1979; Navigator/Bomb Aimer. Hon Aide-de-Camp to HE the Governor-General 9 Nov 1966 to 8 Nov 1967. Citation Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (NY1956): Extract - particularly for service with No 5 Sqn RNZAF (Catalina/Sunderland), RNZAF Lauthala Bay, Fiji. As Squadron Navigation Officer Flight Lieutenant Hughes was responsible for the navigation planning of many successful exercises and missions. Served as Navigation Leader 5 Sqn from Apr 1953 to Oct 1955. Citation Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (NY1973): Group Captain Hughes joined the RNZAF in March 1943, and was commissioned in June 1944. After training as a navigator under the Empire Training Scheme in Canada and the United Kingdom, he saw World War II service in West Africa, Ceylon and Hong Kong. He at present fills the appointment of Director of Organisation and Staff Duties in the Air Staff, Defence HQ. Post World War II Group Captain Hughes served as a navigation instructor before being appointed the Navigation Leader on No 5 (Catalina) Sqn at Lauthala Bay, Fiji, early in 1953. In 1954 he was selected to proceed to the United Kingdom for participation in the ferrying to New Zealand of the Sunderland flying boats purchased by the RNZAF that year. After the Sunderland ferrying programme was completed he continued as Navigation Leader of the re-equipped No 5 (Sunderland) Sqn at Lauthala Bay, until in October 1955 he was appointed to the Personnel Staff in RNZAF HQ. In 1959 he graduated from the RAF Staff College and subsequently served on the Air Staff Planning Directorate of RNZAF HQ. In 1964, he was appointed the NZ Defence Liaison Officer in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Returning to NZ in April 1966 he was appointed the first Senior Administrative Staff Officer in the newly formed RNZAF Training Group HQ, before being promoted to Group Captain and appointed to his present post in March 1969. Shortly after taking up his present appointment Group Captain Hughes became responsible for the detailed and extensive RNZAF administrative planning required to implement the Government’s decision to reorganise the structure of the Ministry of Defence. Again, he was primarily responsible for the demanding task of directing and co-ordinating administrative planning for the complex changes in the organisation of the RNZAF which were implemented on 1st June 1972. The successful way in which these two organisation changes were planned and executed was largely the result of the professional competence of this officer; that these changes took place without impediment to his Service’s capacity to meet its operational commitments is a measure of the value of his contribution. Group Captain Hughes’ service has been characterised by loyal, conscientious and enthusiastic application to the task in hand. He has, by dedication and personal example, made an outstanding contribution to the operational effectiveness of his Service to a degree which sets him apart from his fellows.Served with 490 Sqn RNZAF (Sunderland) in West Africa during WWII, then 209 Sqn RAF (Sunderland). Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 10, 2023 14:39:19 GMT 12
Oh goodness, I had thought that Stan Walker has been the last member of No. 490 (NZ) Squadron and he died a couple of years ago. I wonder if Walter Hughes was the very last.
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Post by ZacYates on Jun 11, 2023 9:47:21 GMT 12
Johannes Cornelis (John) Verleun 15 August 1932 - 06 June 2023, aged 90. Funeral Service held at Dil's Funeral Services Jun 12 2023 - 2:30 PM. Livestream will be available here.
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Post by chinapilot on Jun 12, 2023 0:01:31 GMT 12
Johannes Cornelis (John) Verleun 15 August 1932 - 06 June 2023, aged 90. Funeral Service held at Dil's Funeral Services Jun 12 2023 - 2:30 PM. Livestream will be available here.Thanks Zac for putting that up. I had heard last week that he passed away. A larger-than-life individual - he was a well known NAC/AirNZ pilot who also ferried Fletchers overseas at one time. After retirement owned a few light aircraft and was Patron of the North Shore Aero Club. A life well lived in NZ aviation.
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Post by madmax on Jun 14, 2023 2:59:28 GMT 12
I remember John when I worked for NAC in the mid 1960s he was a DC3 captain in those days and very popular with the air hostesses
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Post by trees on Jun 17, 2023 13:58:00 GMT 12
AC (RTD) Leonard John (Len) Hanson E82919 COMOPR 26 January 1967 to ?? Sadly passed away on Monday, June 12, at Christchurch Hospital, aged 74 years. Beloved husband of Betty, loving father of Desiree, and Aleisha. Grandad of Sienna, and Malia, loving brother of Patsy, Elizabeth, Brenda, and the late Peter. Much loved uncle of all his nephews and nieces. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Len Hanson, 42 Beachvale Drive, Kaiapoi 7630. A Service to celebrate Len's life will be held in our Rangiora Chapel, Wai-mana, 92 Kippenberger Avenue, Rangiora, on Monday, June 19, at 2.30pm.
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Post by trees on Jun 19, 2023 21:13:05 GMT 12
SQN LDR (RTD) James Peter (Jesse) Cherrington V88868 AWO RNZAF 14 October 1978 to 24 December 2007 on 17 June 2023 at Opua. He is survived by his three sons Ben, Ryan and Ollie along with his devoted wife Antoinette . A service for Jesse is to be held Tuesday 20 June 23 at 12:00 pm in the Opua Hall, Beechey Street, Opua Ceremony, and after held at Hall. Jess and close family will continue on for private cremation of Jess at around 4:00 pm
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Post by trees on Jun 21, 2023 9:22:50 GMT 12
William Andrew (Bill) Thompson K77749 RNZAF 1955 to ? Dearest husband of Beryl, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 16, 2023 at Anthony Wilding Hospital, aged 85. A very much loved Dad and respected father-in-law of Susan and Ken (Scotland), Helen and Matt, June and Brian, Scott and Linda. A proud grandad of eight grandchildren and GG Pop to eight great-grandchildren. Bill was a resident of Prebbleton for 63 years. Thanks to the wonderful care from the staff at Anthony Wilding Hospital. A private family funeral has been held and a memorial service for Bill will be held at RSA Rooms, Kirk Road, Templeton, on Saturday, June 24, at 11.00am.
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Post by trees on Jun 21, 2023 18:16:53 GMT 12
AIR CDRE (RTD) Leonard James (Len, Doc) Thompson MBE AE Y920114 Pilot / Medical TAF 13 January 1951 to 13 January 1960,RNZAF 1 February 1960 to 9 October 1982. On retirement was Principal Medical Officer Department of Civil Aviation. Died 18/6/23. A private Cremation has been held at the Maunu Crematory Whangārei. Was in the RNZAF Airborne Rescue team when it was established. He was also Hon. Physician to his EX the GG 24 Aug 1971 to 26 Sept 1972 and Hon Physician to HRH Queen Eliabeth 24 Aug 77 to 25 Aug 80. Len served in Vietnam with the Services Medical Team as SMO and then Director General Medical Services in HQNZDF.
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Post by trees on Jun 23, 2023 12:41:32 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Brian James Richardson NZ433672 RNZAF 1943 to 1945 Passed away peacefully on 21 June 2023, aged 99 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Emmy. Loved and devoted father of Peter, Lynley, Clare, Fay, Danny and their partners. Cherished Grandad of his 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Much loved and respected by all his extended family. A Requiem Mass for Brian will be celebrated at St Patrick's Catholic Church, Alexander St, Te Awamutu, on Thursday 29 June at 11.00am, followed by burial in the RSA Lawn at Te Awamutu Cemetery. Our grateful thanks to the staff at Camellia House for their love and care of dad during his years there and to San Michele for their special care during his final days.
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Post by planewriting on Jun 26, 2023 13:51:08 GMT 12
Brendon (Wal) Wilson of Air New Zealand Retired Staff Club (Central)advises, "Hi all, I am sad to advise that NAC Captain Brian Dunn has passed away, he has been a strong supporter as a club member all these years along with his beloved wife Moira, Brian was a key figure in the airline for all of us while we were working there, and such a friendly involved supporter in his and our retirement. Brian has a special place in the airline's and in New Zealand aviation history. As information is available about a service I will let you know". Brian was for many years Patron of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand.
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Post by trees on Jun 26, 2023 17:42:28 GMT 12
F/S (RTD) Malcolm Garth Norton W83073 COMFIT(A) RNZAF 8 February 1967 to 31 August 1989 on 25 June 2023 in Auckland. A funeral service will be held at Morrisons Funeral Home, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson 1230 on Monday the 3rd July 2023. Messages of condolence may be sent to Leila Norton on Face Book messenger.
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Post by trees on Jun 29, 2023 15:39:01 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Leonard Raymond (Len) Svendsen NZ 445317 RNZAF (J Force). Passed away suddenly and peacefully on 15th June 2023 in Perth, Western Australia. Much loved husband of the late Dorothy. Treasured father of Jean, Ray and Vanessha, Rikki (Erika) and Noels. Wonderful Grandad to his 6 grandchildren and 5 Greatgrand children. The service for Dad will be held at Fremantle Cemetery East Chapel, Carrington St, Palmyra, Perth on the 4th July at 2pm. Service to be Live streamed for details please contact Rikki on Rikki.
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Post by planewriting on Jun 29, 2023 21:46:25 GMT 12
Brendon (Wal) Wilson of Air New Zealand Retired Staff Club (Central)advises, "Hi all, I am sad to advise that NAC Captain Brian Dunn has passed away, he has been a strong supporter as a club member all these years along with his beloved wife Moira, Brian was a key figure in the airline for all of us while we were working there, and such a friendly involved supporter in his and our retirement. Brian has a special place in the airline's and in New Zealand aviation history. As information is available about a service I will let you know". Brian was for many years Patron of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand. The service, a funeral mass, for Captain Brian Dunn will be held at St Teresa's Catholic Church, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington at 10:30 am on Monday 3 July, followed by a burial at Makara Cemetery. A video link to Brian's service is vimeo.com/839957638/50cdc1c780
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Post by trees on Jul 1, 2023 9:23:23 GMT 12
AC1 (RTD) Ronald William Allan (Ron) Hildreth NZ4210684 1942 to 1945. 30/10/1923 to 26/6/2023. Beloved husband of the late Dot. Much loved father and father-in-law of Sherryl and Warwick Crawford, and the late Craig. Proud Grandad to Wayne and Tash Shilcock, the late Warwick Shilcock, great grandad of Zachary Reeder, and Hadley Shilcock. All messages to the Hildreth Family c/- PO Box 4449 Hamilton 3247. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Ron's life to be held at The Salvation Army Citadel, 99 London Street Hamilton, on Friday 7 July 2023 at 11.00am. Pellows Funeral Directors FDANZ Published by The New Zealand Herald on Jul. 1, 2023.
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Post by davidd on Jul 1, 2023 13:29:43 GMT 12
I have a copy of this man's (South Pacific) service, in the form of a fairly detailed diary, most interesting too. At least I think he is the man - Hildreth is not a very common name! He definitely went overseas in 1942 (Guadalcanal, E/Santo, etc).
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 1, 2023 14:43:51 GMT 12
I have a copy of this man's (South Pacific) service, in the form of a fairly detailed diary, most interesting too. At least I think he is the man - Hildreth is not a very common name! He definitely went overseas in 1942 (Guadalcanal, E/Santo, etc). David, R W A Hildreth did not enlist until 25 Sep 42, at Rongotai as a Flight Rigger. Would he have had time to get to the Pacific theatre by end of 1942? Errol
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Post by trees on Jul 1, 2023 17:53:37 GMT 12
LAC (RTD) Anthony Gilbert (Tony) Scott R80492 ACNSHR RNZAF 13 June 1961 to 1 August 1969 Died on 25th June 2023 at home in his 79th year. Loved dad of Annabel; son-in-law Mark; grandad to Noah, Eva, and Kit. Loved his Bev. A celebration of Tony's life will be held at Morris and Morris Funeral home, Corner Gladstone/Victoria Street, Dargaville, on Sunday 2nd July 2023 at 11 am. All communication to c/o PO Box 306, Dargaville 0340
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 1, 2023 18:07:18 GMT 12
Ron Hildreth was a good friend. I am sad that he has passed away. He was also a keen reader of this forum till his eyes got too bad to be able to read, and he contributed information on many occasions here over the years when he'd see a question and ring me up to post the answer, or sometimes Id ring him and ask certain queries. He was a really great guy. Of course, I interviewed him and you can listen to his memories on the WONZ Show. He contributed a lot to the RNZAF as a serving airman in WWII, then with 2 TAF, and also as a member of the RNZAF Band. He worked after the war at de Havilland (NZ) Ltd, and then at Hamilton Airport.
RIP Ron.
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Post by trees on Jul 1, 2023 19:27:52 GMT 12
Flight Engineer Albert George Williams (01 March 1938 to 22 June 2023) Alby Williams moved to Mooloolaba when he finished flying in the late 1990’s. Apparently, Alby had been suffering with dementia and had been in care for the past 6 months. No public funeral service
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