|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Jun 27, 2016 12:26:14 GMT 12
CPL (RTD) John Robert BERRY U81093 SSUPLR RNZAF 8 January 1963 to 6 November 1969 (Bud, J.B., Hey Bud, Jock, Graham and Grandpa) Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on 21 June 2016; aged 70. Loving husband of Kristine for 43 years. Loved father of Rhianon and Christian, Gareth and Odile, Cameron and Heather and Liam. Loved Grandpa to Nicholas and Sebastian Montoya Berry and Chloe and Ethan Berry. A service to celebrate John's life will be held at Central Park Chapel of Davis Funerals, 150 Central Park Drive, Henderson on Saturday 25 June at 1.30pm. All communications to PO Box 56013, Dominion Rd, Auckland 1446. Very likely he is related to this man? From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : BERRY, Warrant Officer John Robert, DFM. NZ404049; Born Kurrikurri, NSW, Australia, 14 Feb 1911; NZ Army/TF 1938 to 1940; RNZAF 27 Oct 1940 to 12 May 1945; Wireless Operator-Air Gunner. Citation Distinguished Flying Medal (6 Jan 1944): [284 Sqn RAF (Walrus)] In September, 1943, this airman was a member of a crew of an aircraft engaged in an air/sea rescue operation. During the effort the aircraft was attacked by two fighters and was hit by cannon shells below the water line. Displaying commendable resource Flight Sergeant Berry covered the holes with his hands so that a take-off from the sea could be effected before the aircraft became swamped. This airman has invariably displayed great keenness and determination.
Official History records that in one six week period F/S Berry’s crew rescued eight crew members, all from positions dangerously close to the enemy coast. On one sortie from Sicily his Walrus picked up two fighter pilots near Cape Spartivento in the toe of Italy - one of them was only a few hundred yards from the shore and the aircraft was being fired on when it landed and took off again. On another occasion W/O Berry’s aircraft was sent to search for the leader of a Spitfire wing. As the Walrus alighted alongside the pilot’s dinghy, its Spitfire escort was attacked by two Me 109s and one was shot down. The Walrus was also attacked as it sat on the water and was damaged in the hull below the waterline. W/O Berry covered two holes near the tail with his hands and with the inrush of water thus reduced the Walrus was able to take off and fly back to its base in Sicily. One day, later in the Italian campaign, W/O Berry and his crew made two sorties lasting nearly seven hours from Pomigliano, near Naples, and rescued seven American airmen. He flew with 283, 284 and 293 Sqns RAF on air-sea rescue duties in the Mediterranean. Errol |
|
|
|
Post by angelsonefive on Jun 27, 2016 21:36:38 GMT 12
"On another occasion W/O Berry’s aircraft was sent to search for the leader of a Spitfire wing. As the Walrus alighted alongside the pilot’s dinghy, its Spitfire escort was attacked by two Me 109s and one was shot down. The Walrus was also attacked as it sat on the water and was damaged in the hull below the waterline. W/O Berry covered two holes near the tail with his hands and with the inrush of water thus reduced the Walrus was able to take off and fly back to its base in Sicily."
The incident occurred on the 2nd of September, 1943, just one day before the Allied forces landed on mainland Italy.
Wing Commander Wilfred Duncan Smith, Wing Leader 244 Wing RAF, was on a free-lance recco. mission accompanied only by a wingman. Flying his personal Spitfire, a near-new Mark VIII, he looked over two German airfields in the area of Catanzaro and Crotone from 22,000 feet, before turning west to head back to base at Lentini on Sicily.
They were barely over the sea when the Wing Leader went to change his engine's fuel supply from the auxiliary tank, now almost empty, to the main. He pulled on the lever connected to the fuel tap and found the the lever was extremely stiff to operate. He gave it a harder pull and the lever came away in his hand, the Bowden cable having snapped leaving him no way to shift the main fuel tap. In moments the Merlin engine began sputtering and finally cut out altogether.
Deciding against turning back to the land and probably being taken prisoner the Wing Leader opted to continue towards Sicily before baling out, which he did at 2,000 feet above the sea.
After splashing down he located his parachute harness which he had released just above the water as per the drill, to find that the dinghy pack had somehow become disconnected and could not be found.
Five hours later, floating in his Mae West life jacket with darkness approaching and with his teeth chattering uncontrollably from the cold, the Wing Leader was contemplating his limited future when he heard the sound of a Spitfire engine and he attempted to fire an emergency rocket. The rocket failed to ignite, so WDS resorted to flailing with arms and legs to attract the attention of the Spitfire's pilot. It worked, and after flying right overhead the plane turned back to circle over him.
Twenty minutes later a Walrus amphibian touched down and Wilfred Duncan Smith was being hauled aboard when he heard several loud explosions. Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica fighters had arrived and a strafing run was made on the Walrus by an Me.109, with a cannon shell grazing the Wing Leader's neck and slamming into the Walrus along with several other shells. As well, a dogfight had broken out between other enemy fighters and the Spitfires that were escorting the amphibian.
In the melee an Me.109 was shot down as well as a Spitfire of No. 1 (SAAF) Squadron.
Wilfred Duncan Smith was landed safely at Milazzo where his neck injury was treated at an American field hospital. The wound was not serious and he was able to fly a borrowed Spitfire back to Lentini, where he presented a bottle of whiskey to the 145 Sqdn pilot, a Rhodesian named Shand, who had found him almost by accident.
The above information from ' Spitfire Into Battle ' by Group Captain W.G.G. Duncan Smith DSO, DFC published by John Murray ( Publishers ) Ltd, 1981.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 28, 2016 12:16:01 GMT 12
AYSON, Peter Douglas Giffen. NZ 432172 F/O, RNZAF.WW2. 6th Chief Clan Ayson of NZ Society. Peacefully at Gore Hospital, on Saturday, June 25, 2016, with family by his side, aged 92 years. Dearly beloved husband of Mary, much loved and respected father and father-in-law of Mark and Liz (Northam W.A.), Philip (Ballidu W.A./Gore), Jeanne and Magnus (Napier), Trevor and Marie (Brno, Czech Republic). Much loved grandfather of Renee, Robin, Rebecca, Emma and Sebastian. Special poppa to Lyn. Loved uncle of his many Ayson and Hodge nieces and nephews. "One of nature's true gentlemen." A celebration of Peter's life will be held in Calvin Community Church, Robertson Street, Gore on Wednesday, June 29, at 1-30 pm., with committal to follow at Riversdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to Gore St John Ambulance please. Messages to 67 Coutts Road, Gore 9710. Southern Funeral Home, Gore, FDANZ
GRANT, William Joseph. 04.01.34 - 25.06.16 RNZAF 797226 Aged 82, peacefully passed away at Gracelands Rest Home, Hastings on Saturday, June 25. Much loved brother of the late Garry and Jan and survived by Rosalie. Very much loved dad of Jamie, Joe and Adele, Larisa and Steve, Colleen and Pete, Logan and Dawn. Cherished Poppa and Grandad to so many!! They all have their own special memories of him. Also big thanks to Gracelands for taking such good care of dad. For information of service please contact Gentle Touch, Hastings.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 29, 2016 14:09:12 GMT 12
BOND, Ian Stephen Balfour. RNZAF. 46 Sqn P/O WWII RAF Digby Lincolnshire UK. July 11 1917 - June 25 2016. Passed away peacefully 16 days before his 99th birthday. Devoted husband of Joyce (deceased). Beloved father and father in law of Andrea and David (deceased). Loved and respected grandad of Graham and Kate (Rarotonga), Fiona and Wayne (England), Stephen and Marie (England) and loving great grandad of Lukas, Joshua, Bayley, Millie, Tyler and Finley. Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed. Dad died a happy man, joyfully looking forward to be reunited with his beloved Joyce. God has you in His keeping, we hold you in our hearts.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 29, 2016 14:19:33 GMT 12
Wow, if Ian Bond was at RAF Digby with No. 46 Squadron, it seems he may have served there during the Battle of Britain? He was old enough to have taken part. The squadron was there from the outbreak of war till May 1940 when they went to Norway, and then they returned to Digby in June 1940 and served there till May 1941. Several kiwis were on that squadron, including the famous ace Jamie Jamieson, and the less well known ace Dereck "Bill" Kain.
|
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Jun 29, 2016 15:04:37 GMT 12
Wow, if Ian Bond was at RAF Digby with No. 46 Squadron, it seems he may have served there during the Battle of Britain? He was old enough to have taken part. The squadron was there from the outbreak of war till May 1940 when they went to Norway, and then they returned to Digby in June 1940 and served there till May 1941. Several kiwis were on that squadron, including the famous ace Jamie Jamieson, and the less well known ace Dereck "Bill" Kain. NZ422359 Ian Stephen Balfour Bond enlisted at Rongotai on 27 Mar 42, so could not have been with 46 Sqn when it was at Digby. Also he was not commissioned while with the RNZAF during the war. Errol |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 29, 2016 15:46:39 GMT 12
Hmm, OK, thanks Errol.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 30, 2016 9:24:46 GMT 12
WATTS, David Ian (Dave): Reg. No. 4314177 RNZAF WW11. Late of Foxton Beach. Passed away peacefully at Julia Wallace Home, Palmerston North on 28 June 2016. Aged 91 years. Loved husband of the late June. Loving dad of Barbara and Peter Neale (Feilding), Gary and Lynley (Christchurch), Alexa and the late John (Auckland), Jeffrey and Gaylene (Dannevirke), Kerry-Anne and Rick (Auckland). Loved grandad of Stacey, Royce, Katherine, Abigail, Brandon, and Alexa Rose, and great grandad to Jade, Curtis and Daniel. A service for Dave will be held at the Masonic Court Main Street, Foxton on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 11am followed by interment at the Foxton cemetery.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 30, 2016 11:03:31 GMT 12
RIP No. 75 (NZ) Squadron navigator Trevor Dill, who has passed away on his 95th birthday  DILL, Trevor Gordon. Service No NZ 42292 Flight Lieutenant, DFM, mid, 75 NZ sqdn UK, 7 PFF sqdn UK. WWII. Passed away peacefully 28th June 2016 at home on his 95th birthday. Dearly loved husband of Jessie (war bride, England) who walked with me for 69 years. "I cannot bear to part from you, We've been so long together. You've travelled with me on life's road, no matter what the weather. You've never gave me cause for pain, Though days were sad and rough. Just walking with you, seemed to be enough.Together we've climbed hills and mountains And paddled in the sea, But you, my loved and trusted mate, Were always true to me. We've both grown old and shabby, But you I'll hate to lose, You've grown a part of me." Much loved father and father- in-law of Malcolm, Janice and Brian, Denise and Robin, Jeanette and Henk, Richard and Debbie. Dad you leave us with lasting memories of hiking, camping and world travel adventures. An active and 'loads of fun' Poppa for the grandchildren. Phillipa, Alice and Fred, Sean and Liam, Eva and Daniel, Daniel, Morgan and Kyran. The best story-teller for the great-grandchildren. Regan, Mariska, Carlos, and Dominic, Hannah and Sarah, Luca, Kaylin. A celebration of Trevor's life will be held at Ranfurly Hall, Kaipara Flats Road, Kaipara Flats on Monday 4th July at 1:00 pm followed by private cremation. |
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Jun 30, 2016 12:02:18 GMT 12
RIP No. 75 (NZ) Squadron navigator Trevor Dill, who has passed away on his 95th birthday DILL, Trevor Gordon. Service No NZ 42292 Flight Lieutenant, DFM, mid, 75 NZ sqdn UK, 7 PFF sqdn UK. WWII. Passed away peacefully 28th June 2016 at home on his 95th birthday. Dearly loved husband of Jessie (war bride, England) who walked with me for 69 years. "I cannot bear to part from you, We've been so long together. You've travelled with me on life's road, no matter what the weather. You've never gave me cause for pain, Though days were sad and rough. Just walking with you, seemed to be enough.Together we've climbed hills and mountains And paddled in the sea, But you, my loved and trusted mate, Were always true to me. We've both grown old and shabby, But you I'll hate to lose, You've grown a part of me." Much loved father and father- in-law of Malcolm, Janice and Brian, Denise and Robin, Jeanette and Henk, Richard and Debbie. Dad you leave us with lasting memories of hiking, camping and world travel adventures. An active and 'loads of fun' Poppa for the grandchildren. Phillipa, Alice and Fred, Sean and Liam, Eva and Daniel, Daniel, Morgan and Kyran. The best story-teller for the great-grandchildren. Regan, Mariska, Carlos, and Dominic, Hannah and Sarah, Luca, Kaylin. A celebration of Trevor's life will be held at Ranfurly Hall, Kaipara Flats Road, Kaipara Flats on Monday 4th July at 1:00 pm followed by private cremation. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : DILL, Flight Lieutenant Trevor Gordon, DFM, mid, (pff). NZ42292; Born Auckland, 28 Jun 1921; RNZAF 25 Jan 1942 to 4 Feb 1946; Navigator. Citation Distinguished Flying Medal (7 Dec 1943): [75(NZ)Sqn RAF (Stirling)] This airman has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.
Citation Mention in Despatches (14 Jun 1945): For meritorious service with 7(PFF)Sqn. Member of Flt Lt H C Williams’ (qv) crew on 7 Sqn. Also served as an Instructor with 11 OTU RAF. Errol |
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Jun 30, 2016 12:05:36 GMT 12
WATTS, David Ian (Dave): Reg. No. 4314177 RNZAF WW11. Late of Foxton Beach. Passed away peacefully at Julia Wallace Home, Palmerston North on 28 June 2016. Aged 91 years. Loved husband of the late June. Loving dad of Barbara and Peter Neale (Feilding), Gary and Lynley (Christchurch), Alexa and the late John (Auckland), Jeffrey and Gaylene (Dannevirke), Kerry-Anne and Rick (Auckland). Loved grandad of Stacey, Royce, Katherine, Abigail, Brandon, and Alexa Rose, and great grandad to Jade, Curtis and Daniel. A service for Dave will be held at the Masonic Court Main Street, Foxton on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 11am followed by interment at the Foxton cemetery. Later re-enlisted on 23 Jun 46 as NZ461652 then renumbered in January 1949 as 71430. Errol |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 30, 2016 19:15:55 GMT 12
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 2, 2016 16:26:08 GMT 12
GLOVER, Harold (Buster) Vincent. (RNZAF 415090 LAC). On June 30, 2016 at Tauranga Hospital, in his 95th year. Loved husband of the late Grace, treasured dad of Glenis and Edwin Jamieson, Beverley and Christopher Turner, Ray and Bev Glover. Fun loving grandad of Dayne, Vicky, Anna-Marie, Eliot, Andrea, Sarah- Mae and Aaron, great grandad of Hunter, Lauren, Western, Connor and Kiera. A service to celebrate Harold's life, will be held at Tauranga Central Baptist Church, cnr 13th Ave and Cameron Rd Tauranga, on Tuesday July 5 at 1pm, followed by burial. Communication to the Glover Family, c/o PO Box 3136, Greerton, Tauranga 3142.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 2, 2016 16:34:10 GMT 12
MIRFIN, Gordon Neil. Reg. No NZ417226 Unit 233 Sqd RAF Warrant Officer 1 Suddenly on 30 June, 2016 in his 100th year. Dearly loved husband of the late Doris. Much loved father and father in law of Neil and Adrienne, and Alison (the late Keith) and Wayne. Treasured Grandad and Great Grandad. He was a true gentleman who will be sorely missed. Now with his beloved Doris. A celebration of Gordon's life will be held at 1.00pm on Monday 4th July at Discovery Christian Centre, Cnr Insoll Ave and Peachgrove Rd, Fairfield, Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the cancer society. All communications to Mirfin family, c/-PO Box 17 Horotiu 3262
|
|
|
|
Post by shorty on Jul 3, 2016 12:20:51 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Ian Bruce Uffindell A302381 ACFTTECH RNZAF 10 April 1954 to 30 January 1985.
Ian passed away Friday 1st July in Blenheim hospice surrounded by family.
Subject to confirmation, Ian’s funeral service is scheduled to be held in the Clubs of Marlborough main hall on Thursday 7th July 2016 at 1430 hours followed by private cremation.
Another character departs
Blue Skies, Uff
|
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Jul 3, 2016 12:53:51 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Ian Bruce Uffindell A302381 ACFTTECH RNZAF 10 April 1954 to 30 January 1985. Ian passed away Friday 1st July in Blenheim hospice surrounded by family. Subject to confirmation, Ian’s funeral service is scheduled to be held in the Clubs of Marlborough main hall on Thursday 7th July 2016 at 1430 hours followed by private cremation. Another character departs Blue Skies, Uff From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: (Abbreviated citation for Chief of Air Staff Commendation) UFFINDELL, Flight Sergeant Ian Bruce, A302381, Airframe Fitter. (1974) - for outstanding service to 75 Sqn, especially during the introduction into service of the Skyhawk.
Errol |
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Jul 3, 2016 13:38:05 GMT 12
Uff was at Safe for many years also and as Shorty mentioned he was a true character. Friend to many.
|
|
|
|
Post by bondy007 on Jul 3, 2016 17:21:08 GMT 12
Wow, if Ian Bond was at RAF Digby with No. 46 Squadron, it seems he may have served there during the Battle of Britain? He was old enough to have taken part. The squadron was there from the outbreak of war till May 1940 when they went to Norway, and then they returned to Digby in June 1940 and served there till May 1941. Several kiwis were on that squadron, including the famous ace Jamie Jamieson, and the less well known ace Dereck "Bill" Kain. NZ422359 Ian Stephen Balfour Bond enlisted at Rongotai on 27 Mar 42, so could not have been with 46 Sqn when it was at Digby. Also he was not commissioned while with the RNZAF during the war. Errol You are talking out of a hole in your head. He was there during the war. I have seen his medals. He also met his wife there. So yes kindly take a hike. |
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Jul 3, 2016 18:39:56 GMT 12
NZ422359 Ian Stephen Balfour Bond enlisted at Rongotai on 27 Mar 42, so could not have been with 46 Sqn when it was at Digby. Also he was not commissioned while with the RNZAF during the war. Errol You are talking out of a hole in your head. He was there during the war. I have seen his medals. He also met his wife there. So yes kindly take a hike. Bondy, I'm afraid I won't be taking a hike anywhere, especially when recommended by someone who attacks a person but in cowardly fashion lacks the courage to sign his name. Meanwhile, I've asked moderater Dave to post here an image of evidence that confirms my previous statement. If you should have official documents that contradict this I'm sure we would all like to see them.  Errol |
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Jul 3, 2016 20:43:53 GMT 12
Certainly a strange initial post Bondy. Normally you would be welcomed onboard but it is obvious you seem intent on reacting to comments you have seen here. While we appreciate you will be upset so soon after your great-grandads passing I also think you may not realise what is going on.
Your comments could easily be taken as being nasty, they are certainly ill informed.
I am sure Bondy had many memories of his war record and the family have every right to be proud. What became a distinct possibility of him serving during the Battle of Britain, in late 1940, was under discussion. Given his age and mention of the Base made that a possibility and he may have been one of the last to have served in that particular battle.
What you have stated has no bearing on things there. Errol has a massive library at his fingertips and will have the facts.
This is from the death notice;
and this from Errol's research;
If you read what Errol has said it was that Bondy had not joined up until after that particular battle.
I was with the RNZAF in the UK and have been to Digby. I know the area pretty well and I can recall some of the stories.
There is the one about the Base Commander, I think it was, who took off to intercept a roving night fighter only to close in and discover he hadn't armed his guns.
These were all early in the war.
The Base history has the station being used as a Mosquito airfield after 1942. It was a radio installation during my time but I have to admit the closest I got would have been the Red Lion on a Sunday afternoon. We were at Cranwell just a few miles to the South.
No-one is saying he wasn't in England, served and got medals. His rank as recorded in the official documents is probably different during his wartime service at least. We are all sure he met his wife there.
If you sit back and take a seat I am sure you will either be told more about his wartime service or will learn about how to receive them.
It is great that you are showing an interest and rest assured the guys here will help fill in the gaps of his service. You may even have family memorabilia that you can show in a more appropriate thread here.
Airmen would have had a succession of postings and moves during their service. The records will show a good many of them. Digby is just one airfield and he would have been based at many during his time. The same with Squadrons, he would have served with a number, not just the one.
Out on 99 is a very good score. He had a good innings and I, for one, would like to hear more about him.
|
|
