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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 4, 2015 12:11:28 GMT 12
That name Laurie Stack rings a distinct bell, was he the GSH at No. 4TTS by any chance? He'd served in the Royal New Zealand Artillery. Not sure if this is him though.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 4, 2015 13:06:30 GMT 12
More really sad news. Peter Wheeler just informed me that Les Munro passed away last night.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 4, 2015 13:35:39 GMT 12
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Post by 11SQNLDR on Aug 4, 2015 14:52:02 GMT 12
Blue skies Les, thank you for your service
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Post by kiwi285 on Aug 4, 2015 15:17:29 GMT 12
Really sad news. Last of a long line of gallant bomber crew now flying high.
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 4, 2015 16:43:29 GMT 12
More really sad news. Peter Wheeler just informed me that Les Munro passed away last night. From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : MUNRO, Squadron Leader John Leslie, DSO, DFC. NZ413942 & 132891; Born Gisborne, 5 Apr 1919; RNZAF 5 Jul 1941 to 6 Feb 1946, Res. to 5 Apr 1974; Pilot. Later J L Munro CNZM, DSO, QSO, DFC, JP. Mayor Waitomo District Council 1989-1995. QSO QB1991 For Public Services. CNZM QB1997 For services to Local Government and the Community. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (9 Jun 1943): [97 Sqn RAF (Lancaster)] This officer has taken part in numerous operational flights, many of them sorties against the most heavily defended German and Italian targets. He has invariably pressed home his attacks with great courage and determination, and his leadership sets a fine example to all other captains in the squadron. Citation Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (25 Apr 1944): [617 Sqn RAF (Lancaster)] Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has completed very many sorties, involving attacks on well defended targets. He has displayed unfailing devotion to duty throughout and his example of gallantry and leadership has inspired all. On many occasions his aircraft has been damaged by enemy action but in every instance, Squadron Leader Munro has flown safely to base. His achievements have been worthy of the greatest praise.
Sqn Ldr Munro flew one sortie with 29 OTU RAF (Wellington) whilst still under training, 20 sorties with 97 Sqn and 36 with 617 Sqn. Although not a member of the Pathfinder Force Sqn Ldr Munro undertook two sorties in the capacity of Master Bomber with 617 Sqn. He also participated in the ‘Dam-buster’ raid but was hit by flak en-route to the dams and forced to return to base. From England 617 Sqn also bombed targets at San Polo, Genoa, and the Anthéor Viaduct then flew on to North Africa. On one return trip to the UK they also attacked Leghorn. CO 1690 BDTF for eight months. Errol
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 4, 2015 16:52:14 GMT 12
I'm very sad to see the death of New Zealand fighter ace Jack Stafford. He was a wonderful chap. STAFFORD, John Harry (Jack) (RNZAF 421783 Flight Lieutenant DFC). Passed away peacefully on 1 August 2015, at Edmund Hillary retirement village. Loved husband of Edith. Much loved father and father-in-law of John and Trish, Murray and Barbara, and Andrew and Libby. Grandfather of Frank, Matt, James, Chris, Jane, Rebecca and Sarah. Great-grandfather of Ruby and Harry. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Edmund Hillary village for their care. A service to celebrate Jacks life will be held at All Saints Chapel, Purewa Crematorium, 100-102 St Johns Road Meadowbank, on Thursday 6 August at 1:30pm. Jack possessed an excellent memory for songs and poetry. He also had a gift for writing, as witnessed by this Foreword that he kindly prepared for the final volume of my For Your Tomorrow: "January 1943. I was standing on the platform at the Frankton Junction Railway Station. It was a mild but cloudy afternoon in mid summer and this grubby platform was not an inspiring location. The day was heavy with suppressed emotion; my parents, together with my brother were with me. As I looked at my mother she squeezed my hand and smiled but I could see the pain in her eyes. I was going to War. I had passed out as a pilot with the RNZAF and I, with many from my course, was leaving for the battlefields of Europe. At the end of our course, we had been sent home for our final leave. Final leave had been comfortable and pleasant. I was spoiled and waited upon by my mother who spent every minute trying to think of ways to please me. We had every luxury available to us, in those final weeks. My father, who had recently celebrated his fortieth birthday, took me hunting and fishing every chance he got. I went to dances and parties. I renewed old friendships and made new ones. Everybody was so considerate and helpful it was a little embarrassing. Even my undemonstrative father, through small statements and gestures, showed his apprehension regarding my imminent departure. My young brother followed me around saying “I wish I were going with you.” The crowd on the platform built up as the time passed; in the distance a train whistle was heard. A minute or so later the Limited Express for Wellington pulled in carrying the northern pilots from my course. There were shouts of recognition between us and hurried introductions to our families. It was bedlam, chaos and was over in minutes. The train whistle blew and the guard shouted, “All aboard!”. I jumped on with the others and turned to the carriage windows. I could see my family. My mother’s eyes never left my face as she clutched a handkerchief close to her mouth. The engine lurched and jolted. Another whistle sounded. There was the hiss of escaping steam, monstrous panting from the engine and we moved. I waved frantically; a sudden sense of loss filled me. We were losing sight of each other; my brother ran beside the carriage while my neat little mother was buried in the mass of people grieving for their departing sons; many women openly weeping. My last family view was of my father. I saw his head drop forward, his chin on his chest: his eyes no longer following the train. I thought he might be praying. I turned from the window and dropped into a seat, my heart heavy. Within minutes I was surrounded by the other pilots; the sadness passed as we renewed our friendships. We crowded together filling the aisle between the seats. Raised voices shrill with excitement. “This is it chaps, we’re off. In a month or two we’ll be flying Spitfires or Hurricanes.” Behind all the bravado was the thought, “How will I go when I meet the Luftwaffe?” That will be the moment of truth. I was full of confidence, confidence that would be well-tested in the tumultuous future. Before we knew it we pulled in to Taumarunui and rushed refreshments. Enormous ham sandwiches were washed down with excellent coffee. This was served in massive china cups, which were almost as large as the “Jerry” my Grandfather kept under his bed. As the night wore on the carriage lights were dimmed and we slept. Wellington arrived with the daylight. We reported to Air Department where we were issued with vouchers for accommodation in City hotels. This was excellent. Each morning we reported to Air Department. Then one morning we were instructed to pick up our gear from the hotels, we were on our way. Loaded onto trucks we were taken to Rongotai where we were poked and prodded, issued with American money and instructed how to behave ourselves. On the trucks again, we were taken to the wharf where we embarked on a smallish tramp passenger ship. We were four to a cabin: it was very comfortable but strangely exciting. On the deck was a commodious, well-furnished lounge where we congregated. The voices of all were noticeably restrained. The discussion centred on family. How long will the war last? And would we get leave in the USA? Some of us were writing letters - some were playing cards. I felt some surprise at the odd moist eye, the sombre expression. Not the confident boys I was used to. The fog of our uncertain future cast a shadow over the normal high spirits. The ship’s motors had been running quietly, sweetly. A change came in the engine note. The revs increased and all around the ship unusual noises took over. There was a throbbing that hadn’t been there before. Bells rang and English voices barked orders in accents difficult to understand. The throb of the motors increased further. The boys playing cards stopped and just sat listening. The letter writers stilled their pens. Voices yelled from the wharf as the seamen completed their tasks. Slowly the ship moved back and out into the channel. More bells rang and the sound of the water changed as it slurped around the waterline. Our direction altered, we headed down the harbour: the day moved to its close. The sea parted gently before our bows as we moved in a steady dignified fashion towards the open ocean. Leaving the lounge I walked alone on the shadowy deck. I stood against the ship’s rail. I could faintly see the descending rocky coast. I thought I could identify the harbour headland. As we met the open sea the swell increased. The bow rose and fell in a steady pitching motion. There would be no early moon this night. Obscured by a high thin layer of cloud, the heavens were hidden. Alone with my loneliness thoughts of home crowded my mind; I saw again the distress in the eyes of my mother - the sad dropping of my father’s head. Our parting was an imprint I would carry to my grave. Why couldn’t I have shown more affection? Why was it so difficult for me to reveal the love I felt for them? I was not prepared for the sense of loss that chilled my heart. Finally I went down to our cabin, undressed then climbed into my bunk. The others were in bed reading. Joe was asleep. We were in the open sea. We had left our birthplace and our loved ones. I lay on my back. I was unsettled, restless. I could not know that three endless years would pass before I again entered this harbour. I could not know that in a matter of months many of these comrades of mine would be dead, the graveyards of Europe their final resting place. I tossed and turned. Gently the compassion of Morpheus touched me. Relaxed, I slept. Survivor Jack Stafford recalls his leaving New Zealand for an uncertain future. Nineteen of those who sailed with him on the Akaroa failed to return, all but one being lost on operational sorties." Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 4, 2015 16:57:10 GMT 12
Jacks articles that he wrote for Microsoft's Flight Simulator website were awesome. He should have written a full book!
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Post by patmurphy on Aug 4, 2015 19:03:51 GMT 12
News just broken in the UK of the passing of Les Munro. Blue Skies Sir. RIP
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Post by shorty on Aug 5, 2015 8:52:02 GMT 12
F/S (RTD) Anthony Arnold (Tony) HONOUR T78608 Elect Fit 29 April 1957 to 30 December 1967 and then as a Civilian Technician No 1RD 8 November 1976 to 30 October 1992. On August 1, 2015, peacefully at Wairau Hospital. Aged 84 years. Beloved husband of the late Gwen. Father of Malcolm, Jackie and Clint, father-in-law of Lynn. Grandad of Rob, Sophie and Glenn and Chloe and Ben; Jess and Nick, great-grandad of Hudson and Jackson and special friend of Jenny. Tony was a very good cricketer and golfer for the RNZAF. Messages may be sent to 124 Wither Road, Blenheim 7201. In accordance with Tony's wishes, a private cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held at the Riverside Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services corner of Grove Road and Alfred Street, on Friday, 7 August 15 at 1030 Hrs at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, Blenheim CPL (RTD) John Henry Joseph MOORE NZ38194 RNZAF. Peacefully on July 29, 2015 aged 95 years. Beloved husband of the late Joan. Loved father of Erin Symon, and Robert Moore. Loved grandad of Richard and Megan, Neil, Mark and Gemma, and Tracy, and his seven great grandchildren. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Mary's Catholic Church, Osier Road, Greenmeadows, Napier on Thursday August 6, 2015 at 11am. Followed by a private cremation. For this community, this will be the mass for the day. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday August 5 at 7pm in the Church. Messages to the 'Moore Family' C/o PO Box 7001,Taradale, Napier 4141.
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Post by Mustang51 on Aug 5, 2015 8:59:44 GMT 12
This is a sad loss for New Zealand. Two real sons of the Long White Cloud. I am so privileged to say that I met both of these wonderful men whose achievements shall never fade away. Jack had a wicked sense of humour and his descriptions, both oral and written, of what he did in service were as if you were there with him. At Masterton I was honoured to have dinner with Les and his wife. What a self effacing man. We even talked about his time as Mayor of Waitomo (I work as an Engineer for Sutherland Shire Council) and so we had a great deal in common there. I also remember my surprise at the previous Wings to see the Mossie taxy past our commentary position with Les well and truly ensconced in the right hand seat ready for a flight down to Wellington.
Men of their ilk are few and far between and we shall never see their like again.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 5, 2015 10:31:16 GMT 12
MUNRO, John Leslie (Les) Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 4th August, 2015 in his 96th year. Beloved husband of the late Bet, dearest partner of Christine, and much loved father and father-in-law of John (deceased) and Dawn, Graeme and Valda, Greg and Maree, Gail and Paul, Anne and Mark. Treasured grandfather of Carrie and Bryce; Catherine and Thomas; Nicholas, William and Georgina; Jake and Sam; Chelsea and Caitlin. Great grandfather of Jordan and Alex; Harrison and Mila. A service to celebrate Les' life will be held at Classic Flyers, 8 Jean Batten Drive Mt. Maunganui, on Saturday 8th August at 1.30pm, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arthritis NZ or Waikato / BOP Cancer Society. Communication to the Munro Family, c/o P.O. Box 3136 Greerton, Tauranga 3142. All other inquiries to graememunro@xtra.co.nz.
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Post by pjw4118 on Aug 5, 2015 15:14:35 GMT 12
Sad to loose two wartime aviators this week. I agree Jack was a character and with squadron mate Jim Sheddan , also a great character, both were adopted by NZBCA as Aircrew members. There is a posting of Les Munro photos on the NZBCA page in Preserving NZ Aviation History. Also some more recent finds on the facebook page
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 5, 2015 18:25:57 GMT 12
HOLMES, Gordon RAF39491 WWII 29 July 2015. Gordon's Family - Jack and Fredda; Betty; Collin, Phillip and Lynne; Logan, Joanna and Cameron; 6 GGC. Cremation on 3 August. "Play the Game". At Peace.
McDONALD Trevar Eileen (nee Port; formerly Donaldson and Jeffery) W.A.A.F 4225 On 3rd August 2015, at her home Jane Mander Village; aged 94. Dearly loved Mum of Lillian, Sydney (deceased), Charles, Denise, Val, Tom, and Graeme. Much loved Gran and GG. A Celebration of Trev's life will be held in the Chapel of Morris and Morris Funerals (entrance 17 Western Hills Drive) Whau Valley, Whangarei at 10.30am on Thursday 6 August 2015, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Trev, donations sent to St. John Ambulance, P.O. Box 8011, Kensington, Whangarei 0145 would be appreciated. A very big thanks to the staff of Jane Mander Village for their loving care of Mum. All communications to the 'McDonald Family' c/- P.O. Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei 0145.
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Post by errolmartyn on Aug 5, 2015 19:44:07 GMT 12
HOLMES, Gordon RAF39491 WWII 29 July 2015. Gordon's Family - Jack and Fredda; Betty; Collin, Phillip and Lynne; Logan, Joanna and Cameron; 6 GGC. Cremation on 3 August. "Play the Game". At Peace. Holmes' number is an RNZAF one (NZ39491), not RAF. Errol
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Post by isc on Aug 7, 2015 0:10:40 GMT 12
Don't know if right place. Went to town today (rare event) first visit book shop, found a new book "After The Flood" by John Nichol, what the Dambusters did next, it's a thick paper back with photos. Rather a coincidence I thought, a memorial to Les and his fellow pilots and crews at a time when we are thinking of him/them. isc
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Post by delticman on Aug 7, 2015 8:54:59 GMT 12
Around a two months ago or so, might have been longer,the History Channel screened "What the Dambusters did next." It's just recently been repeated and I'm sure it will be on this month again, perhaps at an odd time but well worth the watch.
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Post by baronbeeza on Aug 7, 2015 9:24:13 GMT 12
Some of this may be better in another thread but the documentary does include interviews with Les Munro.
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Post by shorty on Aug 7, 2015 12:03:08 GMT 12
Warrant Officer (RTD) Donald Edward HARRIS BEM 37113 and NZ70385 RNZAF 1937 - 1962 Engineer 6 Squadron Served throughout the Pacific during 2nd World War, Laucala Bay, Woodbourne, Hobsonville, Whenuapai. Awarded the BEM in 1951. Retired in rank of Warrant Officer in 1962.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 8, 2015 12:12:29 GMT 12
Really sad news, RNZAF researcher and author Ivan Lindsey has passed away. I just received this message from his widow, Lorna. "I am sorry to tell you that Ivan died early on Wednesday morning 5th August at the age of 80. He had his birthday on the 14th of August. I have family here at the moment, and we have had a very busy time preparing for the funeral etc There are so many things to think about. The funeral is on Monday morning. In case you don't get the NZ Herald I will send a copy of the notice. Ivan had Parkinsons and memory loss. It is sad to lose him, but great care was taken of him by both staff at the rest home, and myself. He died very peacefully. All the best., from Lorna." Ivan and Lorna Lindsey
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