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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 21, 2014 12:09:41 GMT 12
VERY SAD NEWS for the New Zealand historical aviation community, the well known aviation historian (and forum member) Arthur "Digger" Arculus has passed away. ARCULUS, Arthur William (Digger). On July 19, 2014 at Metlifecare Highlands, in his 88th year, Dearly loved husband of Barbara for 65 years and much loved Dad of Lisa and David. Barbara and family invite friends to attend a service of Remembrance for Arthur which will be held at Manukau Memorial Gardens Crematorium Chapel, 357 Puhunui Road, Papatoetoe on Wednesday July 23rd at 11 am. Messages to PO Box 54 074, The Marina, 2144 Auckland. Howick Funeral Home 35 Wellington St, Howick. Ph 09-534-7300
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 21, 2014 15:37:30 GMT 12
WHITTON, Donald Corbett (Corb) RNZAF 445100. On Friday 18 July 2014, aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of June for 59 and a half years. Loved father and father in law of June and Murray Baird, Kasey and Chris (deceased) Podjursky, and Doug Ashford. Treasured Granddad of Michael, Emma-Jane, Glen, Amy, Natalie, Megan, Matthew and partners. Great granddad of Kymani and Kaia. A funeral service for Corb will be held in the Hiona St Stephens Anglican Church, Church Street, Opotiki on Tuesday 22nd July at 11am followed by burial in the Woodlands Cemetery, Dip Road, Opotiki. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to either, St John Ambulance PO Box 551 Opotiki, or Coastguard Opotiki, PO Box 498 Opotiki, or may be left at the service. Messages to the Whitton family C/- PO Box 2070, Whakatane.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2014 9:38:04 GMT 12
JOHNSTON, Clive Cecil RNZAF T80034 Sqn Leader, Retired. On 19 July 2014 at North Shore Hospital, in his 72nd year. Dearly loved husband of Kitty. Loved and respected father of Angela and Carol. Much loved poppy of Sophia, Selena and Saarah. Loved son of the late George and Helen Johnston. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Clio and Alan, Glennis and Ken, Selwyn and Alison. Forever in our hearts A service will be held at the North Harbour Chapel of Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Thursday 24 July at 12.30pm, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cancer Society Auckland, PO Box 1724, Shortland Street, 1140.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 23, 2014 11:47:35 GMT 12
Wilson, Patrick. NZ429584, WOAG, FLTLT, Aged 93 years. No. 75(NZ) Squadron, RAF Mepal, April to July 1945. Of Christchurch, New Zealand. Died today 23 July 2014.
McKENZIE, Robert Clifford Douglas (Douglas) Squadron Leader, Bomber Command, RAF. WW2 - On July 16, 2014, at his home, in his 98th year. Dearly loved and most precious husband of Mildred. Much loved and respected father and friend to Sue, Jane, and Simon and Julie. A cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, and friend to their partners, James (Canada), Molly and Will, Sophia and Robin, and Tom and Amanda (UK). Loved great-grandad to Oscar, Mason, Freya and George. At Douglas' request, a private family farewell was held on Saturday, July 19.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 23, 2014 13:07:02 GMT 12
McKENZIE, Robert Clifford Douglas (Douglas) Squadron Leader, Bomber Command, RAF. WW2 - On July 16, 2014, at his home, in his 98th year. Dearly loved and most precious husband of Mildred. Much loved and respected father and friend to Sue, Jane, and Simon and Julie. A cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, and friend to their partners, James (Canada), Molly and Will, Sophia and Robin, and Tom and Amanda (UK). Loved great-grandad to Oscar, Mason, Freya and George. At Douglas' request, a private family farewell was held on Saturday, July 19. Christchurch-born McKenzie was selected locally for a short service commission in the RAF. Entering the RAF in January 1938 (Official Number 40405) he was posted to 82 Squadron in November that year but was made PoW when his Blenheim was shot down over France on 8 June 1940. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 23, 2014 13:38:03 GMT 12
Gosh, that really is early in the war to become a POW, a long time behind the wire.
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Sarge
Flight Sergeant
ex Grocer and living Museum exhibit
Posts: 25
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Post by Sarge on Jul 23, 2014 14:36:08 GMT 12
Hard pressed to beat Laurie Edwards though who was shot down and captured on 4th September 1939
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 23, 2014 15:04:30 GMT 12
Hard pressed to beat Laurie Edwards though who was shot down and captured on 4th September 1939 As some may already be aware, Edwards was not only the first New Zealander to be made PoW in WWII but also the first British officer to be captured, though I'm sure it's not the sort of 'first' that he was keen on acquring at the time! He finally got back to England (via Sweden) five years and two weeks after being shot down. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 23, 2014 15:05:50 GMT 12
Was that via a repatriation? Or an escape?
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 23, 2014 16:15:37 GMT 12
Was that via a repatriation? Or an escape? Repatriation - he was one of a group suffering from ill health or injuries at the time that was exchanged with a similar group of Germans held PoW by the British. I'm not sure exactly how this squares with comments from a fellow Kriegie, Flt Lt Morris Sinclair (an Australian in the RAF?), recorded on file in 1949: 'Flt Lt Edwards was cheerful at all times, and after recovery from his burns, kept himself so fit that he was able to play rugby for the R.A.F. on his release from Prison Camp. After a while "behind the wire" persons usually became despondent but Edward's cheerful behaviour helped to dispel this in his camp. He, who had been there so long himself, was able to keep up the morale which is so essential for members of a fighting force.' I see now that it was actually five years and three weeks before he got back to England. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 24, 2014 9:05:46 GMT 12
Thanks Errol.
McKENZIE, Robert Clifford Douglas (Douglas) Squadron Leader, Bomber Command, RAF. WW2 - On July 16, 2014, at his home, in his 98th year. Dearly loved and most precious husband of Mildred. Much loved and respected father and friend to Sue, Jane, and Simon and Julie. A cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, and friend to their partners, James (Canada), Molly and Will, Sophia and Robin, and Tom and Amanda (UK). Loved great-grandad to Oscar, Mason, Freya and George. At Douglas' request, a private family farewell was held on Saturday, July 19.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 26, 2014 11:50:09 GMT 12
ADAM, Barry Alexander. Serv. No.72300, Sergeant Pilot, RNZAF; Serv. No.429676521, Captain, Canadian Forces. On July 24, 2014 peacefully at the North Shore Hospital. Aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Rayna. Loved father and father in law of Karen and George, Denyse and her partner Neil. Loved grandad of Georgia, Madison, Austen, Alexandra and Margot. A Service for Barry will be held at the Chapel of Faithfull Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Rd, Hibiscus Coast on Monday, the 28th of July 2014 at 2:00 pm followed by a private cremation. Our grateful thanks to the staff of North Shore Hospital, Takapuna for their loving care. All communications to ph 09 424-2826.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 26, 2014 13:21:49 GMT 12
ADAM, Barry Alexander. Serv. No.72300, Sergeant Pilot, RNZAF; Serv. No.429676521, Captain, Canadian Forces. On July 24, 2014 peacefully at the North Shore Hospital. Aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Rayna. Loved father and father in law of Karen and George, Denyse and her partner Neil. Loved grandad of Georgia, Madison, Austen, Alexandra and Margot. A Service for Barry will be held at the Chapel of Faithfull Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Rd, Hibiscus Coast on Monday, the 28th of July 2014 at 2:00 pm followed by a private cremation. Our grateful thanks to the staff of North Shore Hospital, Takapuna for their loving care. All communications to ph 09 424-2826. Prior to being renumbered as 72300 in January 1949 he had enlisted as NZ48134, on 4 May 48, as a Cadet Pilot u/t (the first postwar aircrew course). He may also be the same man as the Barry Alexander Adam who joined Union Airways Ltd on 18 Sep 44? Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 28, 2014 12:20:53 GMT 12
MORPHET, Alan JP. Of Levin. RAF Sergeant, President of the Captain Cook Club. Passed away on Friday July 25, 2014 at Palmerston North Hospital. Dearly loved husband of the late Martha. Much loved father of Rosa and loved grandfather of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Tangi will be held at Te Aroha Marae, Mangakahia Road, Parakao with a service to be held on Tuesday July 29, 2014 at 11.00am. Messages C/- 547 Queen St. East, Levin 5510 I.C. Mark Ltd Levin & Otaki
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 28, 2014 14:37:26 GMT 12
Air Marshal Sir Richard Bruce Bolt KBE, CB, DFC, AFC, has passed away aged 91.
The son of aviation pioneer George Bolt, Sir Richard served with No. 35 Squadron Pathfinder Force in Lancasters and No. 51 Squadron on Halifax bombers, then coming home to New Zealand and continuing to serve with No. 2 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron RNZAF before it was re-designated No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. He flew de Havilland Mosquitoes with No. 75 Squadron in 1946.
He later was commander of No. 40 (Transport) Squadron in 1954-55 during the Handley Page Hastings era, and then spent two years as CO of No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron Royal Air Force. In September 1974 he was appointed the Chief of Air Staff of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and later promoted to the position of Chief of Defence Staff.
Sir Richard’s funeral will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington at 2.30pm on Friday 1st of August 2014, with full military honours
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 28, 2014 14:48:54 GMT 12
From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds - Honours and Awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999:
BOLT, Air Marshal Sir Richard Bruce, KBE, CB, DFC, AFC, (pff). NZ4210079 & R70119; Born Auckland, 16 Jul 1923; RNZAF 3 Sep 1942 to 16 Apr 1980; Pilot. Chief of Air Staff, Sep 1974 to Oct 1976. Chief of Defence Staff, Oct 1976 to Apr 1980. Hon Aide-de-Camp to HE the Governor-General 9 Nov 1962 to 8 Nov 1963. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (17 Sep 1945): [35(PFF)Sqn RAF (Lancaster)] Acting Flight Lieutenant Bolt, as Pilot, has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty. This was Fg Off Bolt’s second tour; his first was with 51 Sqn RAF (Halifax). Citation Air Force Cross (QB1959): Not available. Sqn Ldr Bolt was posted to 41 Sqn as a flight commander in Sep 1953 becoming CO 40 Sqn in Dec 1954. From Jul 1955 to Jul 1957 he was CO 24 (Commonwealth) Sqn RAF, returning to Whenuapai in Aug 1957 as Transport Wing Training Officer. His skill, leadership and devotion to duty in these flying posts was recognised by the award of the Air Force Cross. Citation Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (QB1973): Not available. In 1963 Wg Cdr Bolt was Deputy Head of Mission, Canberra, returning to NZ in 1966 as a Gp Capt and CO Transport Wing HQ, Auckland. Senior planning posts in Defence HQ followed until Apr 1970, when, as an Air Cdre, he became AOC Operations Group then Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Support) in Sep 1971. His distinguished service in these posts was recognised by the award of the CBE. Citation Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (NY1977): Air Vice-Marshal Bolt joined the RNZAF in 1942 and flew on active service over Europe. Since his return to New Zealand shortly after World War II, he has held many key staff and command appointments and in 1967 he attended the Imperial Defence College. He was promoted Air Commodore and appointed Air Officer Commanding RNZAF Operations Group in 1970 and the following year he assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Support). In September 1974 Air Vice-Marshal Bolt became Chief of Air Staff. In this office and as a member of the Defence Council he has rendered distinguished service and made a significant contribution to the higher policy direction and management of the Ministry of Defence as a whole. Under his very capable direction the RNZAF has responded quickly and effectively to the many and complex demands made upon it over the last two years. Citation Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (QB1979): Not available. For distinguished service as Chief of Defence Staff. CO 40 Sqn RNZAF (Hastings) Dec 1954-Jun 1955. CO 24 (Commonwealth) Sqn RAF Jul 1955-Jul 1957.
Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 28, 2014 23:49:22 GMT 12
VERY SAD NEWS for the New Zealand historical aviation community, the well known aviation historian (and forum member) Arthur "Digger" Arculus has passed away. ARCULUS, Arthur William (Digger). On July 19, 2014 at Metlifecare Highlands, in his 88th year, Dearly loved husband of Barbara for 65 years and much loved Dad of Lisa and David. Barbara and family invite friends to attend a service of Remembrance for Arthur which will be held at Manukau Memorial Gardens Crematorium Chapel, 357 Puhunui Road, Papatoetoe on Wednesday July 23rd at 11 am. Messages to PO Box 54 074, The Marina, 2144 Auckland. Howick Funeral Home 35 Wellington St, Howick. Ph 09-534-7300 The following is an obituary for Arthur that I have written for publication in the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand Journal: Arthur W. (‘Digger’) Arculus (1926-2014) Arthur (‘Digger’) Arculus, a long serving member of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand (AHSNZ) and highly respected researcher of airmen of the Second World War, died at Auckland on 19 July 2014, in his 88th year. Arthur, also called ‘Digger’ in order to identify him from his father who was also named Arthur, was born at Fulham, London on 10 December 1926. His association with aviation began early. His Cockney father worked as a fitter at Hawker Aircraft at Kingston, Brooklands, Langley and Dunsfold from 1929 until 1967 when he moved to New Zealand to be close to Digger’s family. One of his earliest memories was of attending one of the famous Hendon air shows with his father, a highlight being the mammoth Graf Zeppelin flying overhead. Following in his father’s footsteps, the then 14-year old Arthur began his aviation career with Hawkers in January 1941. He was also a member of the Air Training Corps for five years, joining when it was formed that same year. In March 1944 Arthur passed through the Aircrew Selection Board at Cardington for Signaller. There being a surplus of signallers, however, he was placed on Deferred Service. In May 1945 this was cancelled and along with many other RAF and Royal Navy personnel he was called up into the Army. From then until demobilisation in 1948 he served with the 4th Air Formation Regiment of the Royal Signals, during which time he was attached to 205 Group, RAF, signal offices on various airfields in Egypt and Palestine. After demobilisation he worked briefly for Vickers-Armstrong at Weybridge as an electrician. Married to Barbara in 1949, he then worked for Allen West Electrical Switchgear at Brighton until 1952, the only time he was away from aircraft work. During 1952 – 1955 the couple lived in Australia, Arthur being employed by Australian National Airways at Melbourne on electrical and instrument line maintenance. In 1955 they returned to England and Arthur rejoined Vickers Armstrong, serving as a test assistant in the electrical testing section until moving with his family to New Zealand in 1966. From then until retirement in 1987, he worked at Mangere as an electrician in Air New Zealand’s Technical Services Department. I first got to know Arthur in 1971 in connection with the compilation of the AHSNZ’s first book – New Zealand Aviation – 100 years. We became firm friends and constantly exchanged information, etc, over the next forty-three years. Along the way he also saved me from many an error during the compilation of the thousands of fate entries for my For Your Tomorrow trilogy. Whenever I was able to return the favour, Arthur, in a favourite phrase of his, would usually respond by generously awarding me ‘a quarter point.’ It was through an English friend of Arthur’s that we also both learned of a new source of information called FOTBOAT. When said friend could not establish the true origin of a particular piece of information he always classified it as FOTBOAT – Fell Off The Back Of A Truck! In particular, Arthur enjoyed the challenge of searching for details about airmen recorded as ‘missing’ on operations during the war. The results were always neatly written up and presented, with a copy being passed on to members of the missing man’s family, who in turn were always most grateful for the time and effort so freely given to bringing this material together for them. Towards the end of his life Arthur gathered together the results of his many years of research and presented them to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for the benefit of future researches and enquirers. Arthur also possessed a dry, self-deprecating sense of humour. In a postscript to one of his letters to me, he wrote that on offering to help (which he knew was sure to be declined) with family preparations for celebration of his birthday – ‘Help refused, except to take out some rubbish – every man to his trade!’ Arthur Arculus always considered himself fortunate to have been engaged in aviation throughout the best of its history-making days. He was one of life’s quiet, unassuming gentlemen who spent much of his life meticulously recording our aviation history and thereby helping those who had lost loved ones during the war find closure. It was a privilege to have known him and call him my friend Arthur is survived by his wife Barbara and daughter Lisa and son David.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 28, 2014 23:59:37 GMT 12
Nicely written Errol. Arthur helped me on many occasions with my research too. Last year I asked him if he would be the subject of a WONZ Show interview about his aviation life and passion, and though very flattered he felt too shy to take part and so sadly he declined. I wish now that I'd had the opportunity to record some of his stories for the show.
Many here will probably recall that a few years back through some amazing research he located and interviewed the captain of the U-boat that was sunk by, and shot down, the Liberator flown by Lloyd Trigg. The captain was the man that recommended Trig for the Victoria Cross. I thought the fact that Arthur managed to find him and record his side of things all those years later was remarkable.
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Post by phil82 on Jul 29, 2014 2:32:26 GMT 12
I used to bump into Dick Bolt fairly regularly in Queensgate, Lower Hutt and the word locally was that he was unwell and in fact had spent some time in Hutt Hospital. A lovely guy always willing to chat, and I recall he was at WoW for the Mosquito display and mentioned that he had flown one of the RNZAF aircraft out from the UK and "managed" to break the speed record for crossing the Tasman on the final leg home.He was a brilliant "off the cuff" speaker with a very dry sense of humour. A sad loss to NZ. It will be one helluva funeral and I'll be there.
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Post by Andy Wright on Jul 29, 2014 9:42:15 GMT 12
Written with, at times, a grin on your face remembering him, Errol. Nicely done and condolences for your, and New Zealand's, loss. A legacy that will take some matching.
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