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Post by errolmartyn on Jun 28, 2013 12:13:12 GMT 12
Thia may also be an RNZAF service number? DAMPNEY, Edward Hartree. Service No 432410 WW2 On Tuesday 25th June 2013 at Hillview Resthome, Te Kuiti. Aged 93 years. Dearly loved wife of Pat for 61 years. Loved father and father-in- law of John and Louise (Te Awamutu), Jill and Gary Shattles (Australia), Peter and Marcel ( Australia), Paul and Gillian (Otorohanga). Much loved Grandpa of Tyler, Amber, Christopher, Joel, Jessica, Sam and Francesca, Robb and Danielle, Gus, Gemma and Sam, Briar, and Lucas. Loved Great Grandpa of Rylee and Camilla. Hartree's funeral service will be held at V J Williams and Sons Chapel, King Street West, Te Kuiti on Friday 28th June at 1.00 pm followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to Te Kuiti St John maybe left at the Chapel. All communications, 8 St Lukes Cres, Te Kuiti 3910. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons FDANZ Dave, Not an air force man, it seems, as no one by name of Dampney served in the RNZAF during the war. Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Jun 28, 2013 12:15:29 GMT 12
BLICK, Desmond William (Des). [Serv No. NZ433232, RNZAF, Warrant Officer] passed away peacefully at home in Te Awamutu on 24th June 2013. Dearly loved husband and best friend of the late Jean. Loved father of David (Edmonton, Canada), and William and Wendy (Lower Hutt). Loving grandad of Mark, Elizabeth, Daniel and Rainier; Richard and James, and great grandad of Lleyton, Isabella and Aanika. A Service for Des will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu on Monday 1st July at 1.00 pm followed by a private family committal in Wanganui. In lieu of flowers donations to the Neurological Foundation would be appreciated and may be left at the service. All communications to the Blick Family, c/- PO Box 137, Te Awamutu please.Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ quote] Enlisted 19 Mar 43 but had also served earlier as an ATC cadet. Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Jun 28, 2013 12:21:12 GMT 12
BUCHANAN, Roy Currie (JP Retired) (412199 W/Cdr. DFC, US AM, RNZAF) - Died peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2013. Much loved husband of the late Alison, father, father-in-law and friend of Susan and John Vercoe, Malcolm and Margaret, Nigel and Lisa. Grandpa of Anna and Colin, Erin and Pete, Laura and Chris, Amelia, Philip, George, Claire, Nina, Chester and Louis, and great-grandpa of Renee, Max, Mila and Sienna. A small Service will be held at his home on Tucker Beach Road on Friday, June 28, at 2.00 p.m. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999: BUCHANAN, Wing Commander Roy Currie, DFC, Air Medal(US). NZ412199 & 133368; Born Mataura, 15 May 1921; RNZAF 13 Apr 1941 to 27 Jan 1946, Res. to 15 May 1976; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (Imm) (12 Apr 1943): [682(PR)Sqn RAF (Spitfire)] This officer has flown several long range reconnaissance missions into enemy territory, including sorties on Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven, Cologne, Essen, Bremen, Norway and Tunisia. He has descended to within one hundred feet in order to obtain photographs in bad weather. His eagerness to fly on operations is a magnificent example to the rest of the Squadron. Citation Air Medal (US) (1 Jun 1943): Flight Lieutenant Roy Currie Buchanan, RNZAF, distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight in North Africa during the period 1 December 1942 to 1 March 1943. In the execution of numerous combat missions, Flight Lieutenant Buchanan contributed immeasurably to the success of Allied aerial operations. The technical skill, courage, and resourcefulness which he displayed in the performance of a dangerous and difficult assignment reflect credit upon himself, his organisation, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. [Sgd] Harry Truman, THE WHITE HOUSE. This was the first US Air Medal awarded to a British officer in the Middle East theatre; the award being made for service with 4 PRU/682 Sqn RAF, Maison Blanche, Algiers, 13 Nov 1942 to 6 Jun 1943. In Jan 1994, Wg Cdr Buchanan recalled that during the war the time from his first solo at Taieri to his first operational flight in the UK was one year. His sorties, while serving with 1 and 4 PRU and 542 Sqn, from RAF Benson on Spitfire aircraft, were as far afield as Marseille and Toulon, and taking up to 5½ hours. Targets were airfields, industrial areas, ports and marshalling yards. Bomber command targets were usually followed-up the next day for damage assessment. Other flights, from northern Scotland, covered Trondheim to keep an eye on the German navy and to monitor activity on Norwegian airfields and coastal shipping. Navigation on these long flights was by dead reckoning only. From Nov 1942 he operated in North Africa, again covering airfields and ports, this time in support of the First US Army with additional targets in Tunisia, Sardinia, Sicily and Italy. Later, when based in Italy, targets included the south of France, Germany and the Balkans. On one occasion when searching for bases in Germany from which the Me 262 jet aircraft were operating, he was chased by one and it was only by diving to ground level, and following the valley of the Rhine, that he was able to shake off his pursuer as he flew through a pass in the Alps. A Wg Cdr at the age of 23 years, he commanded 336(PR)Wing, comprising, two squadrons of Spitfires, two squadrons of Mosquitoes, plus a large Headquarters element with photographic, intelligence, administrative sections, photographic interpreters, etc. He flew at least 141 sorties. CO 682(PR)Sqn RAF (Spitfire) Jul 1944-Mar 1945. CO 336(PR)Wing Mar-Jul 1945. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 28, 2013 12:28:59 GMT 12
W/C Roy Buchanan sounds like an interesting chap, quite a career.
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Post by suthg on Jun 28, 2013 19:34:00 GMT 12
Gee - 141 dangerous sorties... quite an achievement. Wing Commander at 23yo...
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 2, 2013 19:41:16 GMT 12
NORRIS, Phyllis Ilma (nee Nield). Regtl No. W4524, WAL WAAF RNZAF WWII. On 30 June 2013 peacefully at Dargaville Hospital. In her 90th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Ken Aukett and the late Dick Norris. Beloved mother of Graham and Sue, Robert, Maurice, Patrick and Elaine (England). Loved Nana of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also other mum, friend and Nana of all the Norris family. Her funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Hokianga Road, Dargaville on Wednesday 3 July 2013 at 1pm followed by interment at Mt Wesley Returned Services Cemetery, Dargaville. All communications to 22 Dundas Road, Riverside, Whangarei 0110.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 2, 2013 19:42:11 GMT 12
NORRIS, Phyllis Ilma (nee Nield). Regtl No. W4524, WAL WAAF RNZAF WWII. On 30 June 2013 peacefully at Dargaville Hospital. In her 90th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Ken Aukett and the late Dick Norris. Beloved mother of Graham and Sue, Robert, Maurice, Patrick and Elaine (England). Loved Nana of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also other mum, friend and Nana of all the Norris family. Her funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Hokianga Road, Dargaville on Wednesday 3 July 2013 at 1pm followed by interment at Mt Wesley Returned Services Cemetery, Dargaville. All communications to 22 Dundas Road, Riverside, Whangarei 0110.
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Post by davidd on Jul 3, 2013 12:27:42 GMT 12
Critical information taken from the funeral card rather then the newpaper published version. Birthdate differs from that in RNZAF records by one year and one month for reasons unknown! However Erle was the family historian, and he also corrected his own birth record which was also registered incorrectly (by his own father who registered the birth; he was not too hot with his spelling either, which explains odd spelling of Erle's name as well as that of his one and only big sister, Leila Mary.
Erle Knox Duxbury, 11 January 1925 to 22 June 2013 (born and died in Christchurch). Predeceased by his wife Bernadette Mary (nee Bohan), also known as Gaye; survived by their only child, Wendy Susan (now Wendy White, living in Australia with husband Max and their two girls).
RNZAF 22 September 1944 to 12 February 1947, served in NZ and Fiji, as photographer and then wireless mechanic. Service number NZ444685. His period of service included interim service after April 1946. Whole postwar professional life was in banking, with CBA, etc, mostly served in Christchurch apart from a period when they lived in Stokes Valley, Wellington in early 1950s. Also "served again" under the colours, with RNZAF Museum during 1980s/90s as an enthusiastic guide, usually present on Saturdays, and known popularly by his workmates as "The Dux". Whilst a musum guide was also known as "The Duke". Erle was the last surviving of his siblings, of which all three males served in the wartime RNZAF in New Zealand and the South Pacific.
David Duxbury
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 3, 2013 16:00:59 GMT 12
My condolences David.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 3, 2013 16:08:43 GMT 12
I have just heard the sad news that Ray Richards passed away in the early hours of Monday 1st of July.
Ray was a Fleet Air Arm fighter pilot in WWII, flying Corsairs in action and responsible for the destruction of three Japanese aircraft (two of these were shared kills, from memory). Ray was also very well known in publishing, working before and after WWII for Reeds Publishing, and later running his own company, Richards Literary Agency, which was responsible for many books on our shelves. One that he was very involved with as publisher and helping the author complete the text was Dave Allison's book Flying Navy.
Ray was in his 93rd year, and as well as being my friend he was also a Cambridge Airman, having lived in Cambridge for a year in the 1930's. Ray’s funeral will be held at the Navy Chapel, HMNZS Philomel, Queens Parade, Devonport on Friday, 5 July, at 1pm. Family are advising people to arrive early as parking will be difficult. You will need to show your driver’s license as ID as you enter the gate.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 3, 2013 16:12:00 GMT 12
Here is Ray's death notice RICHARDS, Ray (James Harray) ONZM, DSC. On 1 July 2013, in his 93rd year. Man of books, publisher, literary agent. Fleet Air Arm fighter pilot WWII. So dearly loved husband of Barbara for 64 years and inspirational father to Bron (Seattle), Meredith (deceased) and Nicola (Auckland). Adored Papa to Aimee and James and baby Spencer (Seattle), Aaron and daughter Brooklyn (Chicago) and son-in-law Jay (Seattle). Treasured Papa and constant friend of grandsons Andrew and Alistair Wallace (Auckland). A service to celebrate Ray's life will be held at the Naval Memorial Chapel of St Christopher, HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Queens Parade, Devonport on Friday 5 July at 1.00 pm followed by private cremation. Please note: ID is required for access to the Base. Parking facilities are limited, so please consider alternative transport if appropriate.
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Post by Andy Wright on Jul 4, 2013 11:08:11 GMT 12
A wonderful legacy. Sad news indeed. RIP.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 10, 2013 12:19:04 GMT 12
GAGER, Raynor Charles. 31 October 1919 to 5 July 2013 NZ404657, 488 Squadron RNZAF WW2. A big hearted man to whom family was everything. Sorely missed by his wife Roberta, Alastair, Vinnie, Michelle, Simon and his Scottish family. A celebration of Raynor's life will be held at All Souls Chapel, Purewa Crematorium, 100 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, on Friday 12th July at 1.00pm.
HOWARD, William Tildesley (Bill) (Service No. 421718 RNZAF). On 4 July 2013, peacefully at Althorp Hospital. Beloved husband of the late Grace, dearly loved dad of Clayton and Colleen (Ashburton), Susan and John (Tauranga), Ted and Carol (Palmerston North), Peter and Suzanne (Wellington), loving grandfather of 13 and great grandfather of nine. "Gone to be with his Lord, and his wife Grace". A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at Tauranga Park, 383 Pyes Pa Rd Tauranga, on Tuesday 9 July at 1pm, followed by private cremation. Special thanks to the staff at Althorp Hospital for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Bill would be appreciated to Althorp Hospital Trust Fund, P.O. Box 9595 Tauranga. Communication to the Bill Howard Family c/o P.O Box 3136 Tauranga 3142.
DACOMBE, Maurice David (Morrie) Reg No. 4311395 RNZAF - On July 7, 2013, passed away, peacefully, at Hospice Marlborough Blenheim, after a short illness. In his 89th year. Dearly loved husband of Joy and the late Daphne, loved father and father-in-law of David and Pam (Rangiora), John and Christine (Australia), Glenys and Warren Core (Australia), Sonya (Christchurch), Robert and Liz Dann (Auckland), Penny (Robyn) Dann (Auckland), and the late Keith. A dearly loved Grandad and Great-Grandad. Messages to 2 Green Street, Rangiora 7400. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be left at the service or sent to PO Box 411, Blenheim 7240. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of both Wairau Hospital and Hospice Marlborough. A service for Maurice (Morrie) will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, corner Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim, at 11.00 a.m., on Saturday, July 13, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.
WHITEHEAD, Walter Donald. DFM (Don) NZ 416565 Pilot 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF WWII. On 9 July 2013 at Edmund Hillary Village in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy, dearly loved father of Judy and father-in-law and friend for 43 years to Gray Cameron. Proud and loving Grandfather of Tim and Andrew Cameron, and 'Great- Grandpa' to Tessa, Caitlin and Alexis. Remembered with affection by Kathy and Carolyn. The wonderful support of Don's circle of friends and of the staff at Edmund Hillary Village is most gratefully acknowledged. A service for Don will be held at All Saints Chapel, Purewa, 100 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank on Friday 12 July 2013 at 10.30am. "Turn her into the wind, and take me home" - Don
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 10, 2013 12:22:34 GMT 12
BAKE, John Alfred. - Service No. 441759 L.A.C. RNZAF 1943 – 1946 Guadal Canal Solomon Islands. John died peacefully at Chalmers Home, New Plymouth on Wednesday, 3 July 2013. In his 90th year. Loved husband of Margaret for 51 years. Loved father of Chris Bake (New Plymouth) and father and father-in-law of Sue and Ross Topping (Ratapiko). Grandfather of Joseph and Samuel. Only brother of Margaret Watson (deceased), uncle of Barbara Watson and Anne Anderson. Also great uncle of Joshua, Ben and Karyn (Melbourne and Sydney Australia). Messages to 89 Dorset Avenue, New Plymouth. A service for John will be held at Vospers Chapel, 257 Devon Street East, New Plymouth on Friday, 5 July 2013, at 2pm followed by a private cremation.
MORROW, Samuel John (Sub-Lieutenant A RNZNVR Fleet Air Arm) - Suddenly on June 21, 2013 while checking stock during the storm. In his 90th year. Dearly loved husband of Elva, loved and admired father of Jenny, John, Camilla, Michael, and their partners and families. Dear Pop to his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A private family farewell will be held.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 10, 2013 12:34:33 GMT 12
MORROW, Samuel John (Sub-Lieutenant A RNZNVR Fleet Air Arm) - Suddenly on June 21, 2013 while checking stock during the storm. In his 90th year. Dearly loved husband of Elva, loved and admired father of Jenny, John, Camilla, Michael, and their partners and families. Dear Pop to his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A private family farewell will be held. Served in RNZAF as NZ4216742 before transferring to RNZNVR/FAA in February 1945. Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 10, 2013 12:42:49 GMT 12
WHITEHEAD, Walter Donald. DFM (Don) NZ 416565 Pilot 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF WWII. On 9 July 2013 at Edmund Hillary Village in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy, dearly loved father of Judy and father-in-law and friend for 43 years to Gray Cameron. Proud and loving Grandfather of Tim and Andrew Cameron, and 'Great- Grandpa' to Tessa, Caitlin and Alexis. Remembered with affection by Kathy and Carolyn. The wonderful support of Don's circle of friends and of the staff at Edmund Hillary Village is most gratefully acknowledged. A service for Don will be held at All Saints Chapel, Purewa, 100 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank on Friday 12 July 2013 at 10.30am. "Turn her into the wind, and take me home" - Don From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999: WHITEHEAD, Flying Officer Walter Donald, DFM. NZ416565 & 132548; Born Matamata, 5 May 1922; RNZAF 30 Nov 1941 to 15 Oct 1945, Res. to 7 Feb 1957; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Medal (9 Oct 1943): [75(NZ)Sqn RAF (Stirling)] Flight Sergeant Whitehead has completed many successful sorties, including attacks on such targets as Berlin, Hamburg and areas of the Ruhr. He has displayed determination and devotion to duty and on more the one occasion his great skill has been largely responsible for the safe return of his aircraft. Flight Sergeant Whitehead is a fine captain, whose example has proved most inspiring.
Other RNZAF members of Fg Off Whitehead’s crew were - Fg Off M E Parker, DFC (Bomb Aimer) (qv); F/S P G Dobson, mid (Navigator) (qv); and Plt Off V R Jamieson, DFC (Rear Gunner) (qv). Official History records that on the night of 23/24 May 1943, having just bombed their target at Dortmund, their aircraft was hit by flak and the port outer engine set on fire. By the time F/S Whitehead had regained control they had lost 5,000 feet of altitude. The burning engine acted as a beacon for a cone of searchlights but fortunately the propeller flew off, the engine stopped, and the flames died away. Nevertheless it was only after prolonged evasive action that F/S Whitehead succeeded in getting clear of the searchlights and the heavy flak. He was then faced with a 300 mile journey home on three engines. Following his tour with 75(NZ)Sqn Fg Off Whitehead served as an instructor on Stirlings and Lancasters in Oct 1943-Feb 1945. Errol
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Post by ngatimozart on Jul 11, 2013 11:40:37 GMT 12
This was posted on the RNZAF Base Wigram Facebook page about an hour ago: Regret to advise that W/O (RTD) John Gordon Ritchie (Ritchie) FRASER R83137 SCHEF RNZAF 8 Feb 1967 to 8 May 1992 passed away Wednesday evening 10 July.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 15, 2013 13:09:51 GMT 12
TORRENS, Peter Bryce. (Service No: 442092, RNZAF, WW2) On Monday July 8th 2013 (peacefully) at Middlemore Hospital, aged 87 years. Loved father and father in law of Anne and Tim; Julia and Maurie. Loved grandad of Kyle and Audrey, Regan and Donna; and great grandad of Beau, Lucy, and Neve. Loved brother of the late Bryce, and Colleen. A private cremation has been held. All communications to: The Torrens Family C/- P.O. Box 72-341 Papakura 2244.
PARK, Alan Archibald (RNZAF, 71090) - Passed away peacefully at Rannerdale Home on Saturday, July 6, 2013. Dearly loved husband of Sharon. Dearly loved father of Graham, Deborah, Carolyn, Kevin, Kirsty, and Stacey, and the late Bruce and Wayne. Dearly loved grandfather and great-grandfather, and dearly loved uncle of all his nephews and nieces. Dearly loved brother of his late sister and brothers. Rest in Peace, Go look after your boys. Donations in memory of Alan to the Rannerdale Veterans Care would be appreciated. A service to celebrate Alan's life has been held, followed by private cremation. In the care of
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 15, 2013 15:51:18 GMT 12
PARK, Alan Archibald (RNZAF, 71090) - Passed away peacefully at Rannerdale Home on Saturday, July 6, 2013. Dearly loved husband of Sharon. Dearly loved father of Graham, Deborah, Carolyn, Kevin, Kirsty, and Stacey, and the late Bruce and Wayne. Dearly loved grandfather and great-grandfather, and dearly loved uncle of all his nephews and nieces. Dearly loved brother of his late sister and brothers. Rest in Peace, Go look after your boys. Donations in memory of Alan to the Rannerdale Veterans Care would be appreciated. A service to celebrate Alan's life has been held, followed by private cremation. In the care of Enlisted as NZ451472 on 29 Mar 45, number changed to 71090 in January 1949. Errol
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Post by kiwibeavers on Jul 15, 2013 21:27:42 GMT 12
Guy Robertson, founder of Robertson Air Services, passed away peacefully at home yesterday. Guyon Moncrieff Robertson, aged 97, a very gentle, kind and loving man, a pioneer of the Ag Industry. My thoughts go out to Elaine and the Robertson family. R.I.P. old mate. Graeme
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