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Post by shorty on Mar 24, 2015 12:11:25 GMT 12
Geoffrey Nicholas ROWE 442249 RNZAF
Peacefully at Woodrow Grove Hospital on Thursday 19 March 2015, aged 89 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Barbara. Special friend of Lorna. Loved Dad of Steven and Puti, Raewyn and John Anderson, Jennifer, Geoffrey and Vicki. Loved Grand-dad of his 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. All messages to the Rowe Family c/- Eagars Funeral Services, P.O. Box 75, Stratford 4352. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice Taranaki would be appreciated and may be left at the service. A service for Geoff will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, cnr Regan and Juliet Street, Stratford on Tuesday 24 March 2015 at 1.00pm, followed by his burial at Kopuatama Cemetery.
Patricia (nee Reith) Gamble W/362193 WRAC and Cpl RNZAF.
Aged 85 at Middlepark Rest Home, Christchurch 21 March. Wife of Eric Gamble Mother of Max Mark and Kim.
Private funeral.
Roderick Maclennan THOMSON, JP 429393 RNZAF
of 'Auchtercairn', Culverden, and Amberley. On Friday, March 20, 2015, peacefully at Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village, Christchurch, in his 95th year. Dearly loved husband of the late Chriss, loved father of Rod, and Sarah, loved father-in-law of Sarah Rodie, and Simon Whiteley, and loved grandad of George, Henry, and Elizabeth. Messages may be addressed to the family of the late Roderick Thomson, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. Garden flowers only, please. A service to celebrate Roddy's life will be held in St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Culverden on Wednesday, March 25, at 2.00pm. Private thereafter
Patrick (Pat) Thomas John GOULD 614404 NZ Army, 452742 RNZAF
Of Aroha Life Care, Palmerston North. On 17th March 2015 peacefully at Arohanui Hospice aged 92 years. Loved husband of the Late Gwen (Gwendlyn) Dearly loved father and father in law of Paulette and Kevin Shailer (Ashhurst) Sharon and John Mathews (Tauranga) Raymond (deceased) Kerry and Chris Wingate (Palmerston North) much loved Grandad of his 13 Grandchildren and his 15 Greatgrandchildren. In accordance with Pat's wishes a private service has been held. Communications c/o P.O. Box 5495, Palmerston North.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 28, 2015 11:34:08 GMT 12
McWILLIAM, Peter Jack: (RNZAF, Flight Lieutenant, 489 Squadron, No. 429927). Peter passed away peacefully with family at his side on March 27, 2015, at The Princess Margaret Hospital, in his 92nd year. Loved son of the late Bruce and Winifred, and brother of Irene and the late Alan and Alex. Dearly loved husband of Jenny, friend and former husband of June, and loved father and father-in-law of Paul and Serena, Tony, Mary and David, and Annette and Gavin. Special Grandad of Kate and Sarah, Cynan, Tasha and Zinnia, Sarah and Jess, Gareth and Nick, and Great-Grandad of Casper and Caden, Kade, Sahra and Ky, Amelia, and Connor. A very special thank you for the dedication and friendship of the medical professionals who have cared for Peter at home and in hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson's Association would be appreciated and may be made at the service. Messages may be sent to the family of the late Peter McWilliam to C/- 19 London Street, Richmond, Christchurch 8013. The service for Peter will be held in the John Rhind Lounge Chapel, entry from London Street only, Christchurch, on Monday, March 30, at 2.00pm. DAVIDSON, Alan Lloyd (RNZAF 411864 Bomber Command 75 Squadron). Died 19th March 2015. Adored father of Gaye and father-in-law of Tony Sandlant. A "Legend" to Duncan and Cathy, Nicholas and Emma, and great grand "Poppa" to Sophia, Patrick, Amelia and Harriet. A private service has been held. Communication to the Davidson family c/- PO Box 3136 Greerton, Tauranga 3142. BLAZEY, Edward Raymond (Ray): WWII R.N.Z.A.F. 4314351 Passed away peacefully at Palm Grove Rest Home, on Monday, March 23, 2015, aged 91 years. Beloved husband of Margaret. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Brett and Robyn, Deb and Piet. Loved granddad of Michael, Gregory, Cameron and Kate, David and Rachael, Chris and Steph. Great-granddad of Max. Much loved brother of Mary, Irene, Anne, Brian, Joan, and the late Maurice, Betty and Michael. Many thanks to the staff at The Princess Margaret Hospital, Palm Grove and all who cared for Ray. Messages to the Blazey family, c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013, or www.heavenaddress.co.nz In lieu of flowers donations to the Red Cross Vanuatu appeal would be appreciated and may be made at the Mass. A Requiem Mass for Ray will be celebrated at St Gregory's Church, 26 Cotswold Avenue, Bishopdale, This Day (Friday), at 1.30pm. KNOX, Malcolm Barry Russell. Ex U79598 F/S RNZAF Medical Technician and Retired Probation Officer On March 20, 2015 at Hastings. Dearly loved husband of the late Lesley Anne Knox and proud father of his five sons and one daughter and daughters-in-law, David and Jenny, Russell, Philip and Suzanne, Raewyn Tricia (deceased 1965), Andrew and Kelly, Steven and Rhonda. Doting grandad of his 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. At Malcolms request a private cremation was held at the Hastings Crematorium. Gone to join his one true love A donation in lieu of flowers to the Cranford Hospice, 300 Knight Street, Hastings 4122.
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Post by praxis on Apr 5, 2015 16:32:00 GMT 12
Hawkes Bay Today Saturday April 4, 2015 BRUNTON Eric Richard (Dick), WWII, RNZAF, Flight Lieutenant, 226 Squadron, Service No. 415237. On April 1, 2015 at the Hawkes Bay Hospital. Dearly loved husband of Yvonne. Loved father and father-in-law of Richard and Nicole, June and Michael Hall, and Neville and Sally. Grandad of Richard. Brother-in-law of Katheryn Truscott.
After training in NZ and Canada Dick was posted to RAF Station Swanton Morley in Sep 1943where he joined 226 Squadron 2nd Tactical Air Force and flew B25 Mitchell bombers on medium altitude day missions over enemy-occupied Europe. The flak was often so heavy on these missions that the crew wore goggles and tin hats over their helmets to protect against shrapnel. After a tour of 31 missions he was he was posted to RAF Experimental Station Boscombe Down as a test pilot flying the new Bristol Buckingham - an aircraft with twin 2550 hp engines that never became operational. He was then transferred back to Swanton Morely to join 2 Group Support Unit flying supplies backwards and forwards to the squadrons which were by this time following close behind the Army in Europe completing his second tour of duty. In 2003 Dick published his book "My War 1939-1945 The Memoirs of a World War II Bomber Pilot". He was aged 93.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 6, 2015 9:15:29 GMT 12
Sad to hear, that is an interesting career.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 8, 2015 13:48:56 GMT 12
BROWN, Leslie Frederick: Reg. No. NZ 433428, RNZAF, A.C.1, WWII. On March 30, 2015, at Essie Summers Retirement Village. Dearly loved husband of the late Betty, much loved and adored father and father-in-law of Paulette and Mark Lange, and treasured Pop Pop of Kerri and David, and great-granddad of Paris, Cameron, and Jeyda. At Rest. 'Death leaves us a heartache no one can heal, love leaves us a memory no one can steal' Messages to the Brown family, c/- PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. At Les' request, a private service has taken place.
DAVIES, Owen George (Service No:436040 RNZAF LAC WWII) On 5th April, 2015 (peacefully) at St. Margarets Hospital, Te Atatu aged 90 years. Dearly beloved husband of Joy, much loved dad of Dilys and Glynis, much respected father-in-law of Denis, treasured granddad of Alan. Finally at peace. A service for Owen will be held in the Te Atatu Union Church, corner Te Atatu and Taikata Roads, Te Atatu Peninsula on Wednesday, 8th April, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations to St. John Ambulance Association, Private Bag 14-902, Panmure, Auckland, 1741 would be appreciated.
HARVEY, Peter Raymond RNZAF, WW2, Peacefully on 2 April 2015 in his 102nd year. Dearly loved husband of the late Joyce and partner of the late Blanche. Loved father and father-in-law of Peter and Linda, Graeme and Jennifer, and Allison and Bruce Martin. Treasured grandfather of Michele, Stephanie, Natalie, Jonathon, Nicola and Karen and great grandfather to 10 great grandchildren. A service for Peter will be held at the Mount Harbour Chapel, cnr Maunganui Rd and Matai Street, Mt Maunganui on Wednesday 8 April at 1.30pm thereafter private cremation. All communications to the Harvey Family C/- P O Box 650, Tauranga 3140.
McNEIL, Robert Stanley (Stan). RNZAF 424048. Dearly loved Brother of Janice and Alan Kennedy. Uncle of Denise and Warren McLean, Stuart Kennedy and Connie Reihana. Special Great Uncle of Jordyn and Shenee McLean and Cody and Miriama Kennedy. Stan will be dearly missed in his 92nd year. Special thanks to the staff at Selwyn Oaks for their loving care. A service for Stan will be held at Fountains Memorial Chapel, Corner Elliot and Wood Streets, Papakura on Wednesday April 8, 2015 at 2:00pm. All Communications to Fountains - Brett Lake (09) 298-2957.
BAXTER, A R (Pat). WWII RAF 456657 LACW Peacefully on 3rd April 2015, after a brief illness, aged 92 years. Wife of the late Lionel (Len). Loved mother of Jonathan, Margaret and Henry, Cathy and Steve, Peter, Terry and Jilly. Nana of Jo, Lou, Julian, and Hannah. Great grandmother of Lavana, Zavier, and Summer. Requiescat In Pace A funeral mass will be celebrated in St Mary's Catholic Church, Seddon Street, Rotorua on Wednesday 8th April at 10.00am. This will be followed by interment in the RSA Section, Te Aroha Cemetery at 1pm. All communications to the Baxter Family C/- P O Box 926 Rotorua.
BEECH, Mary Florence WAAF LAC Passed away peacefully at home 2nd April 2015, aged 88 years. Loving wife of Alwyn Harold Beech. Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Michael and June and Mervin and Marlene. Loved Grandmother of David and Alicia and Great Grandmother of Zarah and sister of Michael. A service for Mary will be held at the Central Park Chapel of Davis Funerals, 150 Central Park Drive, Henderson on Wednesday 8 April at 1.30pm
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 8, 2015 14:18:51 GMT 12
HARVEY, Peter Raymond RNZAF, WW2, Peacefully on 2 April 2015 in his 102nd year. Dearly loved husband of the late Joyce and partner of the late Blanche. Loved father and father-in-law of Peter and Linda, Graeme and Jennifer, and Allison and Bruce Martin. Treasured grandfather of Michele, Stephanie, Natalie, Jonathon, Nicola and Karen and great grandfather to 10 great grandchildren. A service for Peter will be held at the Mount Harbour Chapel, cnr Maunganui Rd and Matai Street, Mt Maunganui on Wednesday 8 April at 1.30pm thereafter private cremation. All communications to the Harvey Family C/- P O Box 650, Tauranga 3140. Service number was NZ423450. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 9, 2015 13:31:43 GMT 12
McLEOD, Daniel Wakefield (Dan) (MBE, SQRLDR, RNZAF). Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 7th April 2015 at Wanganui Hospital. Much loved husband of the late Zelda, Loved Father and father-in-law of Deborah, Michael and Dale, and David and Vivian. Much loved Grandfather of Samuel, Timothy, Calum, Luke, Abraham, Charlotte, Kerie, Regan and Angus, and loved great grandfather of his 8 great grandchildren. All messages to the McLeod Family, C/- 87 Lincoln Road, Wanganui. A service to celebrate Dan's life will be held in the Forrest Lawn Chapel, 208 Guyton Street, Wanganui on Monday 13th April 2015 at 1.30 pm to be followed by private cremation. Dempsey & Forrest (Locally Owned) www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz
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Post by phil82 on Apr 9, 2015 13:41:55 GMT 12
Dan was a medic I believe.
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 9, 2015 14:45:34 GMT 12
McLEOD, Daniel Wakefield (Dan) (MBE, SQRLDR, RNZAF). Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 7th April 2015 at Wanganui Hospital. Much loved husband of the late Zelda, Loved Father and father-in-law of Deborah, Michael and Dale, and David and Vivian. Much loved Grandfather of Samuel, Timothy, Calum, Luke, Abraham, Charlotte, Kerie, Regan and Angus, and loved great grandfather of his 8 great grandchildren. All messages to the McLeod Family, C/- 87 Lincoln Road, Wanganui. A service to celebrate Dan's life will be held in the Forrest Lawn Chapel, 208 Guyton Street, Wanganui on Monday 13th April 2015 at 1.30 pm to be followed by private cremation. Dempsey & Forrest (Locally Owned) www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: McLEOD, Squadron Leader Daniel Wakefield, MBE. S32101; Born Whangarei, 25 Feb 1932; NZ Army (Royal NZ Army Medical Corps) 13 Jul 1948 to 24 Aug 1953; RNZAF 24 Aug 1953 to 1 Aug 1998; Medical Administration. Citation Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (QB1980): After serving in the New Zealand Army for five years, Squadron Leader McLeod transferred to the RNZAF in 1953. He rose to the rank of Sergeant in the Medical Branch and since being commissioned in 1965 has served with distinction in a number of medical and administrative posts both in New Zealand and Overseas. Since 1976 he has served as Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services. Following four years as Medical Quartermaster in RNZAF Headquarters he served for a year with a surgical team in Qui Nhon, South Vietnam where he made an outstanding contribution to the overall reputation and efficiency of the team. During his three year term as Officer Commanding the Defence Medical Store at Trentham his dedication and drive did much to reorganise and improve the efficiency of the unit. Throughout his career Squadron Leader McLeod has shown immense enthusiasm for his work. His unique ability to encourage team-work and his intense concern for the welfare of those working for him and with him has always earned their respect, loyalty and co-operation. During his 31 years service Squadron Leader McLeod has made a significant contribution to sports administration in the New Zealand Armed Services. He has been a player, coach and selector for RNZAF rugby teams and serves as Chairman of the New Zealand Services Rugby Code Committee. Squadron Leader McLeod’s long service has been characterised by enthusiasm and dedication which has been an inspiration to others.
errol
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Post by shorty on Apr 11, 2015 17:09:07 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Raymond Allan F80781 PLNWRT (Planewright) RNZAF 8 Jan 1963 to 5 June 1987. Regret to advise that Raymond passed away on 30 March 2015 in Perth Western Australia. Messages may be sent to Shona Allan at Unit 70, 55 Alexander Drive, Minora 6050 Perth WA. No other details available
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 11, 2015 18:03:35 GMT 12
W/O (RTD) Raymond Allan F80781 PLNWRT (Planewright) RNZAF 8 Jan 1963 to 5 June 1987. Regret to advise that Raymond passed away on 30 March 2015 in Perth Western Australia. Messages may be sent to Shona Allan at Unit 70, 55 Alexander Drive, Minora 6050 Perth WA. No other details available From Colin /hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : ALLAN, Warrant Officer Raymond Durroch, BEM. F80781; Born Napier, 21 Aug 1941; RNZAF 9 Jan 1963 to 5 Jun 1987; Planewright. Citation British Empire Medal (NY1979): Sergeant Allan joined the RNZAF in 1963 and was trained as a Planewright. Since January 1975 he has been NCO-in-Charge of the No 1 Repair Depot Woodwork Section at RNZAF Base, Woodbourne. Over recent years the scope of the RNZAF’s woodworking trades has been expanded into the new technology of Glass Reinforced Plastics. Sergeant Allan has devoted much of his off-duty time in researching the new technology and as a result, has been able to develop repair techniques for aircraft components which previously would have been replaced by new items. The range of such items includes radomes, external fuel tanks, antenna housings and sections of flight control surfaces. Sergeant Allan’s resourcefulness and innovative solutions have resulted in substantial savings being made in expenditure on new components and in maintenance turnaround times. The depth of knowledge and exceptional trade skills which Sergeant Allan has acquired through personal effort were exemplified during the recent refit of two Andovers for the VIP role. Not only did he lead his small woodworking team in the design and manufacture of interior fittings, bulkheads, toilets, galley and cabin furniture, but he was personally responsible for developing vacuum moulded plastic panels; a totally new technology in the RNZAF. The end result was an interior fit in both aircraft which compares more than favourably with the highest quality commercial product. Through outstanding personal leadership, dedication to duty, and development of trade knowledge and skills well beyond that normally expected, Sergeant Allan has significantly extended the capability of the RNZAF, and improved its efficiency. His above average professionalism was recognised by the award of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in Feb 1977 and the BEM in Jan 1979. Chief of Air Staff Commendation (1984): . . .in recognition of his exceptional trade skills, devotion to duty and ability to motivate others, whilst NCO i/c ‘Spitfire’ project, which involved the construction of a full-sized fibreglass replica of the Spitfire aircraft..Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 11, 2015 20:09:52 GMT 12
HUNT, Warren Alfred AE JP BE, Hon Group Captain RNZAF, 7102633. On April 3, 2015. Aged 83 years. Father of Michele, Anna and Brett. Husband of the late beloved Patricia Winifred Hunt. Now re united.
ROBINSON, Philip. Serv. No.42595, LAC, RNZAF, WWII. On April 8, 2015 peacefully at Evelyn Page Rest Home. Aged 94 years. Dearly loved husband for 71 years of Flo. Loved father and father-in law of Bruce, and the late Ian and Jillianne. Much loved poppa of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A service to celebrate Phil's life will be held at the Chapel of Faithfull Funeral Services, 35 Red Beach Rd, Hibiscus Coast on Saturday, the 11th of April 2015 at 2:00 pm followed by a private cremation. If preferred, in lieu of flowers, a donation to either SPCA or Hibiscus Hospice would be appreciated and may be left at the service. All communications to: "The Robinson family," SA102/30 Ambassador Glade, Orewa 0931.
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 11, 2015 20:14:24 GMT 12
HUNT, Warren Alfred AE JP BE, Hon Group Captain RNZAF, 7102633. On April 3, 2015. Aged 83 years. Father of Michele, Anna and Brett. Husband of the late beloved Patricia Winifred Hunt. Now re united. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : HUNT, Flight Lieutenant Warren Alfred, AE. S710233; Born Auckland, 13 Jul 1931; RNZAF/CMT, TAF, Active & General Reserves 3 Jan 1953 to 20 Sep 1983. Pilot, then Technical (Engineer). Later (Hon) Gp Capt W A Hunt, AE, BE, JP. Member of the Board of Trustees, RNZAF Museum, ‘Visitor’ RNZAF Command and Staff College. Air Efficiency Award - 15 Jul 1969. Errol
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Post by tbf25o4 on Apr 12, 2015 15:34:28 GMT 12
A sad passing of Dan "Doc" Mcleod. Was a well loved character in the corridors of Air Staff for many years. I had the privilege of travelling with him back to South Vietnam in 1998 to see the opening of the new hospital at Bong Son, where he had served during the Vietnam war.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 13, 2015 16:17:05 GMT 12
GORE, Leslie Stanley RNZAF Passed away peacefully at Regency Home and Hospital on 12 April 2015, aged 86. Much loved husband of the late Lois. Loving father of the late Sandra, Kelvin and Margaret, the late Marlene and Kerry. Proud Poppa of Joanna, Russell and Adrienne. Caring brother-in-law of Warwick. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the Cancer Society of New Zealand: cancernz.org.nz A service to celebrate Les's life will be held in the Chapel of North Shore Memorial Park, 235 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany, on Thursday 16 April at 2:30pm.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 15, 2015 11:55:12 GMT 12
JOSIAH, Herbert Roy (Roy). RAF LAC 1620273 Peacefully at Avonlea Home and Hospital, Taumarunui on Tuesday, 14th April 2015 Aged 91 years. Loved Husband of the late Grace. Loved Royse of Cathryn Halliday, Russell and Martin. Cherished Royse of Degan, Hayden, Jette, Claudia, Julia and Jayger. Words are few, our feelings are deep, Our memories of you we'll always keep. A Service for Roy will be held at St Paul's Co-Operating Parish Church, Marae St on Friday 17th April at 1.00pm followed by interment at the Taumarunui Cemetery. All communications to186 River Road, Taumarunui. Taumarunui Funeral Services FDANZ
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 17, 2015 23:22:21 GMT 12
Bryan Cox emailed me tonight to let me know that wartime and postwar fighter pilot Fred Tucker passed away last week.
Group Captain Arthur Fred Tucker OBE, DFC, mid flew Kittyhawks and Corsairs in WWII with No. 16 Squadron RNZAF, and was CO of No. 14 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron in the postwar period among many other roles. RIP.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 17, 2015 23:29:14 GMT 12
CONSTANCE, James Aubrey Cameron (Jim). Regt No 412996 RNZAF WWII On 17th April 2015 at his home. Aged 84 years. Dearly loved brother of the late Mary Margaret Pamela (Pam) Constance. And also esteemed friend and member of the Deihl family. A service of remembrance and thanks giving for Jim will be held at All Saints Selwyn Church, cnr Picton Street and Selwyn Road, Howick on Thursday 23rd April at 11:30am. Messages to care of Ph 534 7300 POWELL, Doris (WAAF 2081130) Peacefully on 15 April 2015 at Peacehaven Rest Home after a short illness. Dearly loved elder sister of Hilda (deceased), Marjorie (deceased), Freda (South Africa) Alma, Jack, Edna (England) and Mary. Doris will be greatly missed by her siblings and extended family. A service will be held on Monday 20 April at 10:30am in the chapel of Tilton Opie and Pattinson, 3232 Great North Road, New Lynn (entry off Fruitvale Road), followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to St John Ambulance would be appreciated and can be made at www.stjohn.org.nz or in the chapel on Monday.
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 18, 2015 9:36:18 GMT 12
CONSTANCE, James Aubrey Cameron (Jim). Regt No 412996 RNZAF WWII On 17th April 2015 at his home. Aged 84 years. Dearly loved brother of the late Mary Margaret Pamela (Pam) Constance. And also esteemed friend and member of the Deihl family. A service of remembrance and thanks giving for Jim will be held at All Saints Selwyn Church, cnr Picton Street and Selwyn Road, Howick on Thursday 23rd April at 11:30am. Messages to care of Ph 534 7300. Age should read 94? Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 18, 2015 9:39:25 GMT 12
Bryan Cox emailed me tonight to let me know that wartime and postwar fighter pilot Fred Tucker passed away last week. Group Captain Arthur Fred Tucker OBE, DFC, mid flew Kittyhawks and Corsairs in WWII with No. 16 Squadron RNZAF, and was CO of No. 14 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron in the postwar period among many other roles. RIP. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999: TUCKER, Group Captain Arthur Frederick, OBE, DFC, mid. NZ414703 & U70076; Born Auckland, 18 Sep 1921; RNZAF 17 Aug 1941 to 19 Sep 1976; Pilot. Citation Mention in Despatches (10 Jul 1945): For meritorious service during three tours of duty in the SWPA with 16 Sqn RNZAF - one on Kittyhawks and, as a Flt Cdr, two on Corsairs. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (28 Oct 1958): In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya. Sqn Ldr Tucker served as CO 14 Sqn RNZAF (Venom) at Tengah, Singapore, 1956-1958 during the Malayan Emergency, this award being made by the RAF. Citation Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (QB1975): Not available. The biographical notes raised at the time record - “Group Captain Tucker joined the RNZAF in 1941 and trained as a pilot in New Zealand. He completed a flying instructors course in 1942 and after instructional duties at New Plymouth and Ashburton he was posted to a fighter course at Ohakea. He saw operational service with No 16 Squadron in the Pacific during 1944 and 1945. He returned to New Zealand to an instructional post at Ardmore before joining No 14 Squadron and in 1946 he was posted to Japan with that squadron. In 1947 Group Captain Tucker was posted to RNZAF Headquarters in the Organisation Directorate and in 1950, after nine months on the staff of the Officers School at Whenuapai, he departed to attend a course in the United Kingdom. In 1952 he became CO of No 75 Squadron at RNZAF Ohakea and in 1954 was appointed Deputy Director of Operations in RNZAF Headquarters. He was appointed to command No 14 Squadron in Malaya in 1956 and after two years in that post he took command of the Boy Entrant School at RNZAF Woodbourne. He was promoted to Wing Commander in 1959 and in 1961 he returned to RNZAF Headquarters as Deputy Director of Administration. In November of that year Group Captain Tucker was appointed the New Zealand Joint Services Liaison Officer in Singapore, a position he held for two years. His appointment on return to New Zealand was Deputy Director of Operations in RNZAF Headquarters and in 1965 he was promoted to Group Captain and became Director of Operations. He remained in this post until Dec 1969 when he became the Deputy Head of the New Zealand Defence Liaison Staff in London. On his return to New Zealand in February 1973, he was appointed Deputy Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Personnel in Defence Headquarters.” His many years of distinguished service to the RNZAF and particularly whilst holding command and liaison appointments, was recognised by this award. Member of the ‘Caterpillar’ and ‘Goldfish’ clubs. On 5 Apr 1944 while strafing targets around the Kieta harbour, Bougainville, his Kittyhawk was hit by Japanese AA fire. He was able to climb to 7000 feet 10 miles east of Nussi Point, where he baled out, but his Mae West would not automatically inflate and the CO2 bottle for his inflatable dinghy was empty. His wingman, Sgt Lyons, fixed his position and activated search and rescue. A flight of P40s, led by Flt Lt M C P Jones (qv) flew overhead and Jones managed to free his dinghy from his parachute pack and accurately dropped it to Flt Lt Tucker - however, it too had an empty CO2 bottle and its manual bellows were also missing. After more than four hours in the water a USN Catalina arrived and made the rescue. A subsequent investigation determined that an unacceptably high percentage of pilots dinghies and Mae Wests were unserviceable. CO 75 Sqn RNZAF (Vampire) May 1952-May 1953. CO 14 Sqn RNZAF (Venom) Sep 1956-Jun 1958. Errol
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