|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 20, 2014 21:45:51 GMT 12
Oh no, Bob was a great guy, we met up several times and many here will recall he came and gave a hilarious talk at our 2011 Forum Meet in Cambridge. Another hero gone. RIP Bob!
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 20, 2014 22:51:10 GMT 12
GLADING, Robert Henry (Bob). Fleet Air Arm RNZVS Corsair Pilot. Distinguished Service Cross. NZ Order of Merit. On August 19 2014 peacefully at his residence, Mayfair Village Northcross. Aged 94. Dearly loved husband of the late Margaret. Much loved dad and father in law of Barry and Rosemary (Florida USA), Robyn and Dick Pardy, Michael and Lynley. Loved Granddad of Amy and Mike, Shane and Elizabeth; Nicole and Zac, Natalie and Tim; Lauren, Michelle and Sarah. Ganga to Lukas and Nate, Callum, Rio and Kyan, Skye and Blake. Also loved by Anita, Gary, Sarah, Hamish and children. Special thanks to the staff at Mayfair Village. According to Bob's wish, a private cremation will be held. A service to celebrate Bob will tee off at the North Shore Golf Club, 51 Appleby Rd, Albany on Tuesday 26 August at 3pm
RATCLIFFE, Ernest John (Jim). 45635, Aircraftsman II, RNZAF, WWII. On 17 August 2014peacefully at Waikato Hospital aged 90 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Lottie. Loved father and father-in-law of Stefan, Owen and Maria, Gloria and Pat. Loved poppa to Darrin, Clinton, Antoinette, Amanda, David, Leigh. Loved great grandfather of 7. A service for Jim will be held at Seddon Park Funeral Home Chapel, Cnr Seddon Road and Somerset Street, Hamilton, on Friday, 22 August 2014at 1.30pm followed by private cremation. All communications to the Ratcliffe family PO Box 5523 Frankton, Hamilton, 3242. Seddon Park Funeral Home
CHRISTENSEN, Stanley David (Stan) RNZAF WW2 (4310786). Passed away peacefully on 15 August 2014 aged 89 years. Loving husband and best friend of the late Val. Loved father of Basil and father-in-law of Julie and beloved grandfather of Olivia. A service for Stan will be at St George's Anglican Church, 1 Church Street, Gate Pa, Tauranga, on Friday 22nd August, at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to St. George's Church, Gate Pa may be left at the service. Communications to the Christensen Family, c/- PO Box 3136 Greerton, Tauranga 3142.
BUCKLAND, Leslie Victor (Les). RNZAF Regt No. 404207. - Of Palmerston North, formerly of Wellington. On Saturday 16th August 2014 peacefully at Brightwater Home. In his 95th year. Devoted husband of the late Joyce for 66 years. Much loved Dad of Bruce and Johanna. Loving Grandad to Christopher, Eliza, and James. Respected brother in law of Leon (deceased) and Thelma Fowler. The family wish to thank the staff at Brightwater and Peppertree Rest Homes. Messages to the Buckland family, c/- PO Box 5191, Palmerston North 4441. As per Les' wishes a private family service has been held.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 23, 2014 12:26:25 GMT 12
PALMER, Clifford Harry (Cliff) On August 21, 2014, peacefully at Anthony Wilding Retirement Village, Christchurch, aged 92. Air Gunner Liberator Squadron 1941 - 1946. RNZAF 1952 - 1973. Dearly loved husband of the late Olive, loved father of Carole Sandford, Kathy and Roly Frost, and Andrew and Chris. Loved grandfather of Paul, Lisa, Aaron, Nicki, Amy, Kirsten, Rachel and Harrison. Loved great-grandad to his 10 great-grandchildren. In accordance with Cliff's wishes, his body has been donated to the Otago Medical School. Special thanks to the staff of Ward 27 at Christchurch Hospital and the staff of Anthony Wilding Retirement Village. Messages to the family of the late 'Cliff Palmer', C/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. A Memorial Service will be held at the Brevet Club, Wigram Museum, Christchurch, at a date to be advised.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 26, 2014 10:27:33 GMT 12
BRIGHT, Athol James RNZAF 4310981 L.A.F. WW2. Passed away peacefully at Middlemore Hospital on Saturday 23 August 2014, aged 91. Dearly loved husband and companion of Grace. Much loved dad of John and Lyn (Cairns); Helen and Geoff Hyland; Debbie and Mike Clifton (Mirangi Bay). Precious poppa of Sharon and Severin, Carly and Andrew; Tania and Simon, Jason and Lisa, and Cody; Shayna, and Daniel; and great poppa to 10 great grand children. A farewell service for Athol will be held at the St Andrews Centre, 85 Queen Street Waiuku, on Wednesday 27 August at 1.30pm, followed by burial at Waiuku Cemetery.
MUDFORD, Neville James. (RNZAF NZ 4213337). Peacefully on 25th August, 2014 at Matamata Country Lodge. In his 94th year. Loved husband of the late Margaret (Maggie) and much loved father and father-in-law of Maurice and Jenny, Christine and Rex De Lille, Wayne and Brenda, Lyal and Fiona and Harvey and Lyn. Loved and cherished granddad of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A special thanks to the staff at Matamata Country Lodge for all their care and kindness. Will be loved and remembered always. A service will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Meura Street, Matamata on Friday 29th August at 11.0am, followed by interment in the RSA Section, Matamata Cemetery. Communications for the family c/- Broadway Funeral Home, Short Street, Matamata, 3400. FDANZ.
|
|
|
Post by camtech on Aug 27, 2014 14:31:16 GMT 12
This in yesterday off Trees Forests' email.
F/S (RTD) R.J Ellingford C78984 I FIT RNZAF 6 June 1957 to 6 September 1977.
Sadly I have been asked by Marlene, Bob Ellingford’s wife to notify his much treasured ex AirForce friends that Bob (RJ Ellingford) passed away peacefully this morning in the Hervey Bay hospital. As most would know Bob was not in the best of health over these last couple of years, but he was in good humour right to the end as you knew Bob would be.
Marlene said there is going to be a private family funeral next week. Bob expressed the wish that he did not want any ‘fuss’ with his passing.
Marlene’s address:-13 Caringa Street, Urangan, Hervey Bay, Queensland 4655, Australia. I will certainly miss Bob, we had many laughs and great times together.
Regards to you all Ross Marfell
Bob was an instructor at 2TTS - Instrument School, and a hell of a nice guy, with a great sense of humour.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 27, 2014 18:39:37 GMT 12
GIBLIN, Alex Guy, formerly of West Avenue, Richmond. Flt Sgt RNZAF WW11, 436608. Loved husband of the late Doreen (Bloss). Father and father-in-law of Gary and Jan (Nelson), and Julie and Colin (Queensland). Grandfather of Belinda and Kevin, and Rebecca (Queensland), Scott and Jacqui, Nick and Kate. Great-grandfather of Jaydah and Darcy (Queensland). Wonderful 2nd Dad to Annie (Mapua). "Rest Peacefully Dad". A private cremation for Alex was held on Monday, August 25, 2014. Respectfully cared for by SHONE AND SHIRLEY FUNERAL DIRECTORS F.D.A.N.Z.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 30, 2014 9:54:40 GMT 12
AVERY, Stuart Gowler. (W327494 RNZAF). On 28 August 2014, peacefully at Tauranga Hospital, aged 82 years. Darling honeybunch to Joyce, father of Bruce, and the late Daryl, father-in-law of Trish, and their families. Loving Stuart to Paull, Michelle, Linda and their families. Grateful thanks to the medical staff of Tauranga Hospital for their love and care. A service to celebrate Stuart's life will be held at Classic Flyers Museum, Jean Batten Drive Mount Maunganui, on Thursday 4 September at 1pm, followed by private cremation. Communication to the Stuart Avery Family, c/o P.O Box 3136 Greerton, Tauranga 3142.
SUTHERLAND, Cedric Raymond. RNZAF No 441837. Passed away peacefully in Tauranga on the 29th of August 2014 in his 91st year. Much loved father of Andrea, Brian, Janet, Richard, Grant, Vicki. Proud grandfather of Sian, Laura, Grace, Alex, Isadora, Blake. A service to celebrate Cedrics life will be on Monday 1pm TYPBC. In lieu of flowers donations to Salvation Army Tauranga.
NAISBITT, Robert Brian (Brian) aged 85 passed away peacefully at Matua Lifecare, Tauranga 24 August, 2014. Brian served in the RAF after WWII and was a member of the Tauranga RSA. Loving father and father in law of Russell and Nadine, Joanne, Fiona, Michael and Raewyn. Cherished Grandad of Anita, Georgia, Anthony, Jasmine, John, Joshua and Josiah. Great-Grandfather of Alexis and former husband of Gail. Our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Matua Lifecare. The family will hold a private service.
|
|
|
Post by suthg on Sept 1, 2014 18:04:47 GMT 12
SUTHERLAND, Hylda Mabel; nee Callender. Reg No. 71 WREN, WRNZNS (Irirangi 1942-1945) WWII. 20th January 1924 – 14th August 2014 Peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2014, aged 90 years. Devoted wife of the late Ian Gilbert Sutherland DFC, NZ 421251, RNZAF, and loving mother and mother-in-law of Kay and John Ross, Hugh and Penny, and Neil and Marg. Beloved grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. A Service for Hylda was held at Rosewood, 415 Queen Street, Masterton on Friday 22nd August at 1.30pm Ian was my only Uncle on my Dad's side (Ross) - just one brother, no sisters and were only 20 miles from our farm in Sth Wairarapa so we got to see them as Uncle and Aunt quite frequently. They moved to Wairoa to dairy for 15 years or so and retired back in Masterton in about 1981 on First St. Living there and creating some front flats for income over the next 20 yrs or so. My next brother Andy, was very close to Ian in his fishing expeditions for whitebait at Lake Ferry nad more adventurous fishing out at Ngawhi and of the rocks at Shag Point. Andy had quite some stories to tell at Ian's funeral on behalf of the family as Ian and Hylda's two sons (Hugh and Neil) and daughter (eldest - Kay) moved a distance away around NZ from them, while Andy was always close and they had some good laughs together including of the earlier days of post war love affairs and motorbikes!! And recounted a story of Hylda working at Irirangi and using the aerials - usually two at 90deg to pick up a coded message from a Japanese sub in NZ waters and was able to indicate the direction the signal came from. Quite an important bit of "spying" and detection for our home safety! There was a good showing of RSA and WRNZ at Hylda's funeral - a great occasion.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 3, 2014 12:07:23 GMT 12
GREENWOOD, Graham Richard VNZ 452668 Sqn Ldr RNZAF Staff Officer Education, Staff Sgt Div Sigs 2NZEF and AK179 Z Special Force - On August 30, 2014, aged 92 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Olive, loved father and father-in-law of Peter and Lyndsey (Perth) and Andrew and Julie, cherished grandfather of David, Jamie and Jesse; Alicia and Jeremy, Rebekah and Andrew, Jeremy and Candice, and great-grandfather of Xavier; Archie, Felix, Rupert, and Lottie; Josiah; Harvey and Makayla. Messages to the Greenwood Family, c/- PO Box 31-300 Christchurch. A celebration of Graham's life will be held in South City Christian Centre, corner of Colombo Street and Moorhouse Avenue, This Day (Wednesday) at 1.00pm.
SIMPSON, Henry Hardey (Harry). (Service No. 4311530, LAC, RNZAF, WWII). Peacefully but unexpectedly at Waikato Hospital (with his family at his side), on 1st September, 2014; aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Gwen, loved precious Father of Jane and Ron Rawson and Stuart. Much loved Pop and Mentor of Dean, Teresa, Simon, and Patrea. The best 'Poppa Harry' of Ava, Kaley, Ruby, and special friend of Eva. 'You will be sadly missed by your loving family. Rest in peace Pop we love you.' A celebration of Harry's life will be held at the Mercury Bay Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga, on Friday 5th September, at 11am, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to the Westpac Helicopter Trust would be appreciated and may be left at the service or posted to PO Box 2252, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140. Messages to: PO Box 158, Whitianga.
JIMPSON, William John (Bill). No.1290722 RAF. SGT. WWII Peacefully on 31 August, 2014. Aged 95. Dearly loved husband of Gwenda (formerly Richards nee Norton). Loved step- father of Pam and Ken Sutton and Raymond Richards. Loved Grandfather of Philip and Eden, Lance and Sarah, Emily and Timothy. Great Grandfather of Deo and Erlinda. A service for Bill will be held on Thursday 4th September at 1.00p.m. at White Rose Chapel, 74 Cook Street, Hamilton East. Private Cremation. All communications to Pellows, 138 Grey Street, Hamilton.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 4, 2014 14:48:34 GMT 12
KELLY, Raymond Cyril (Ray) Service No. RNZAF 42885/70741. Peacefully on 1 September 2014, in his 92nd year. Loved husband of the late Marion for over 65 years. Loved father and father-in-law of David and Beryl, Peter and Wendy, and John. Treasured grandad of Tracy, Andrea, Ricard and Erin. Thanks to the staff at Lexall Care, Sunnyvale, for their loving care of Ray in his last days. Dad has quietly slipped his mooring lines from the braby and departed on his final flight. A service for Ray will be held in the Main Chapel of the Morrison Funeral Home, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson on Thursday 11 September 2014 at 12:30pm
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 5, 2014 21:59:26 GMT 12
GUILLARD, Cyril Arthur. (RNZAF 77391). Peacefully on Thursday 4 September 2014, aged 78 years. Most dearly loved husband of Noeleen (nee Boyd) for fifty four years and best friend and mate for sixty years. He was the loved eldest son of the late Eva and Les Guillard and much loved son in-law of the late Nora and Fred Minus and the late Rae and Ces Boyd. Loved big brother of Harold, Katy, Morrie, Allie and the late Lou and Leslie. Very dearly loved brother in-law of Sonia and George Butcher (Pukekohe) and Judy and Brian Small (Omokoroa). Loved uncle of his many nieces and nephews. Cyril had led a busy and enjoyable life. He was diagnosed with cancer January 2013 but continued to lead a good life until five weeks ago when he contracted shingles which caused him to suffer much pain. For most of his adult life he was involved with volunteer work such a Legion of Frontiersmen, A Squadron Auckland; Sea Scouts Auckland; Coastguard Waihi Beach and Waihi St John Committee. His passions included sailing, ballroom and square dancing and gardening especially fuchsias. Thank you to the dedicated and caring staff at Tauranga Cancer Centre, Waipuna Hospice, Waihi Beach Medical Centre, Waihi Beach Chemist and Athenree Rest Home for the support given to both Cyril and myself. Thanks also to our friendly neighbours. Sleep peacefully my darling free from all pain until we meet again some sunny day. A celebration of Cyril's life will be held at the Waihi Beach RSA on Monday 8 September at 2pm followed by private cremation. All communications to C/- PO Box 108, Waihi 3641. No flowers but at Cyril's request donations may be made to Waihi St. John Ambulance, PO Box 159, Waihi or the Cancer Society, PO Box 134, Hamilton. Waihi Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ. LEWIS, Anthony Hubert Dowden (Tony) Born 12 December 1919. Passed away on 1 September 2014. Flight Lieutenant RNZAF Service No 416725 MTS&O Fighter Wing Pacific #1 & 2 Servicing Units. Passed away on September 1st 2014 aged 94. Cherished husband of Nola. Loved Husband of Ruth (Deceased). Treasured father of Leigh and Ian, Evan and Kae, Martin. Loved Step-Father of Brian and Sharna, Pauline and Gary. Inspirational Grandfather of Yolande and Andre, Gary and Katherine, Craig and Mikaela. Loving Great-grandfather of Rio, Atawhai, Ella, Reuben and Ethan. Special Poppa Tony of Hannah and Mark, Jennie, James, Lauren and Erin. Funeral: Scots Presbyterian Hamilton Wednesday 10th September at 11am. Memorial: St John the Baptist Church Te Puke September 12th at 1pm. Many thanks to the caring people at Waikato Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations to Waikato Hospice in Tony's name would be appreciated and can be left at the church. All communications c/- PO Box 9526 WMC. In his life he was always looking for ways to make life better for everyone. He has left the world a better place. It's time for this true gentleman to rest.
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Sept 5, 2014 23:31:56 GMT 12
[quote author=" Dave Homewood" source="/post/216079/thread" timestamp="1409911166 LEWIS, Anthony Hubert Dowden (Tony) Born 12 December 1919. Passed away on 1 September 2014. Flight Lieutenant RNZAF Service No 416725 MTS&O Fighter Wing Pacific #1 & 2 Servicing Units. Passed away on September 1st 2014 aged 94. Cherished husband of Nola. Loved Husband of Ruth (Deceased). Treasured father of Leigh and Ian, Evan and Kae, Martin. Loved Step-Father of Brian and Sharna, Pauline and Gary. Inspirational Grandfather of Yolande and Andre, Gary and Katherine, Craig and Mikaela. Loving Great-grandfather of Rio, Atawhai, Ella, Reuben and Ethan. Special Poppa Tony of Hannah and Mark, Jennie, James, Lauren and Erin. Funeral: Scots Presbyterian Hamilton Wednesday 10th September at 11am. Memorial: St John the Baptist Church Te Puke September 12th at 1pm. Many thanks to the caring people at Waikato Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations to Waikato Hospice in Tony's name would be appreciated and can be left at the church. All communications c/- PO Box 9526 WMC. In his life he was always looking for ways to make life better for everyone. He has left the world a better place. It's time for this true gentleman to rest. [/quote] On 29 May 1949 Lewis was appointed to a commission as a pilot officer in the Air Training Corps. Errol
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 7, 2014 15:28:22 GMT 12
Laurene (nee Drayton) TAYLOR WRNZAF 16.1.1922 - 29.8.2014 Passed away peacefully on the Gold Coast, Australia. She was much loved by her daughter Wendy, son-in-law Paul, sisters Dora Schou and June Chetwin and brother-in-law Bob, along with their families and will be greatly missed by them and all who had the privilege of knowing he
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Sept 7, 2014 22:16:59 GMT 12
Laurene (nee Drayton) TAYLOR WRNZAF 16.1.1922 - 29.8.2014 Passed away peacefully on the Gold Coast, Australia. She was much loved by her daughter Wendy, son-in-law Paul, sisters Dora Schou and June Chetwin and brother-in-law Bob, along with their families and will be greatly missed by them and all who had the privilege of knowing he Enlisted in the WAAFs 2 Jan 42 as W2440 Miss Dorothea Laureen Drayton Errol
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 12, 2014 14:31:04 GMT 12
SGT (RTD) Reginald Frank (Known as Reg) STANTON L77681 SDRVR RNZAF 24 July 1954 to 23 July 1978 passed away peacefully over night 11 September in the Marlborough Hospice after a long illness with cancer. Contact address for the family is; C/- Ritchie Fallen, 15A Fyfe Street, Blenheim Tele 03 5782379 or Mob 0275782379. GAZE, Charles Spencer (Charlie) (ex RNZAF Reg. No. P87413) - On September 7, 2014, suddenly and unexpectedly at home, aged 56 years. Beloved husband of Lynda, much loved father and father-in-law of Kathryn, Robert, Danielle, Samantha and Ayii Tutu-Monikura, loved brother of William, and Owen. Very special thanks to St John Ambulanceand Emergency Services. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Charlie Gaze, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. In lieu of flowers, donations to St John Ambulance would be appreciated, and may be made at the service. The Service for Charlie will be held in our Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, on Monday, September 15, at 10.00am. WEBB, Derek Edgar Skottow. Flight Officer R.N.Z.A.F. 438802 EB WW11. Died peacefully on 7th September, 2014 at North Shore Hospital after a long and happy life, aged 93 years. Beloved husband of Sheila and the late Rae. Loved father and father-in-law of Boyd and Liz and Jill and John. Loved stepfather of John, Rose and Stan, and Chris and Belinda. Loved grandfather of Hugo, Olivia and Michael and step-grandfather of Andrew, Jane and Alice, Max, Nici and Jackson. We wish to thank the doctors and nursing staff of Auckland City Hospital, North Shore Hospital, Fairview Care and St. Johns Ambulance for their kindness and attention to Derek. He will be remembered with much love and his ability to tell a great yarn and make people laugh. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by his family and many friends. He was very special. In accordance with his wishes, Derek was cremated and a family service has been held. And an interesting In Memorium: JENKINSON, Wilfred. (RAF). Died September 10, 1944, aged 31 years, in a Japanese POW Camp. Always remembered by those who loved him. - See more at: notices.nzherald.co.nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/obituary.aspx?n=wilfred-jenkinson-raf&pid=172404019#sthash.BRnrYTKk.dpuf
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Sept 12, 2014 20:58:03 GMT 12
WEBB, Derek Edgar Skottow. Flight Officer R.N.Z.A.F. 438802 EB WW11. Died peacefully on 7th September, 2014 at North Shore Hospital after a long and happy life, aged 93 years. Beloved husband of Sheila and the late Rae. Loved father and father-in-law of Boyd and Liz and Jill and John. Loved stepfather of John, Rose and Stan, and Chris and Belinda. Loved grandfather of Hugo, Olivia and Michael and step-grandfather of Andrew, Jane and Alice, Max, Nici and Jackson. We wish to thank the doctors and nursing staff of Auckland City Hospital, North Shore Hospital, Fairview Care and St. Johns Ambulance for their kindness and attention to Derek. He will be remembered with much love and his ability to tell a great yarn and make people laugh. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by his family and many friends. He was very special. In accordance with his wishes, Derek was cremated and a family service has been held. Webb was an officer transferee from the Army. NZ438802 was a temporary number allotted to him while undergoing pilot training. Upon graduation as a pilot he was commissioned in the RNZAF and allotted number NZ2198. Had he not graduated he would have been returned to the Army. Errol
|
|
merv
Flying Officer
Posts: 60
|
Post by merv on Sept 13, 2014 16:51:21 GMT 12
I am looking for an old family friend. His details are scant. We knew him as "Mickey Walker". So what his Christian name or initials were I have no idea. He grew up in Woodlands (Southland) and went to Southland Boys High School 1930-32. He was to become either a Wing Commander or Squadron Leader. After the war he instructed with the Territorial Air Force, at Taieri Aerodrome on Harvard's. I am sure I read of his obituary on this page some years ago but now can't find it. Can any body help me? Thanking you.
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Sept 13, 2014 17:58:38 GMT 12
I am looking for an old family friend. His details are scant. We knew him as "Mickey Walker". So what his Christian name or initials were I have no idea. He grew up in Woodlands (Southland) and went to Southland Boys High School 1930-32. He was to become either a Wing Commander or Squadron Leader. After the war he instructed with the Territorial Air Force, at Taieri Aerodrome on Harvard's. I am sure I read of his obituary on this page some years ago but now can't find it. Can any body help me? Thanking you. Merv, This be he: From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: WALKER, Group Captain Robert Keith, AFC, mid, (cvsa). NZ40248 & 70077; Born Invercargill, 23 Feb 1917; RNZAF 14 Jan 1940 to 7 Mar 1967; Pilot. Citation Mention in Despatches (NY1943): For meritorious service. For his service with 214 Sqn RAF (Wellington) Mar-Oct 1941, and particularly his participation in the first two ‘1000’ bomber raids (Cologne 31 May/1 Jun 1942 and Essen 1/2 Jun) during his 12 months ‘rest’ tour as an instructor with 23 OTU RAF (Wellington), Oct 1941-Nov 1942. Following a tour of 32 sorties with 214 Sqn, Flt Lt Walker attended the Empire Central Flying School before returning to NZ in 1943 for service as a flying instructor. Citation King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (KB1946): Not available. Awarded for service as a flying instructor at the CFS, Tauranga, as CGI at CFS, Woodbourne and as CFI at CFS, Wigram in the period Jun 1943-Sep 1945. Citation Air Force Cross (NY1949): Since the cessation of hostilities until recently this officer has been Officer Commanding, Central Flying School and despite the extreme difficulties experienced through shortage of staff and equipment Flight Lieutenant Walker has kept alive the basic organisation and traditions of the Central Flying School thus maintaining a high standard of flying, not only in the RNZAF but in the Civil Aero Clubs. Flight Lieutenant Walker’s professional skill and ability coupled with his inspiring leadership and splendid enthusiasm has resulted in him constituting an example and making an outstanding contribution to the standard of flying efficiency and reputation of the Service. By his devotion to duty this officer has lived up to the highest traditions of the RNZAF. This officer has now completed 2,974 hours flying of which 106 hours have been flown within the last 6 months.
CO 6 Sqn RNZAF (Sunderland) Jan-Apr 1954. CO 5 Sqn RNZAF (Sunderland) Apr 1954-Oct 1956. Died Auckland, 14 Nov 1991. Errol
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Sept 13, 2014 18:03:40 GMT 12
I am looking for an old family friend. His details are scant. We knew him as "Mickey Walker". So what his Christian name or initials were I have no idea. He grew up in Woodlands (Southland) and went to Southland Boys High School 1930-32. He was to become either a Wing Commander or Squadron Leader. After the war he instructed with the Territorial Air Force, at Taieri Aerodrome on Harvard's. I am sure I read of his obituary on this page some years ago but now can't find it. Can any body help me? Thanking you. And from The Southland Times, 12 January 1940: Mr R. K. Walker, of Woodlands, and formerly of the New Zealand Railways, Invercargill, who has been accepted for training as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, will leave this morning for the Weraroa training station. Mr Walker was formerly a member of the Civil Reserve of Pilots. Errol
|
|
merv
Flying Officer
Posts: 60
|
Post by merv on Sept 13, 2014 19:11:16 GMT 12
Thank you Errol. That certainly was the man. Cheers Merv
|
|