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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 5, 2016 18:40:01 GMT 12
CROUCHER, Leonard Gordon (Gordon): RNZAF 71901, Lyttelton Bureau No. 82. Peacefully passed away at home on January 2, 2016, aged 84. Loved, honoured and cherished by his wife Joyce for 63 years. Loved and respected father of Robert, Alan, Glen, Ian, Faye and their wives and partners. Loved by all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To honour Gordon's wishes, no formal funeral will be held, however the family welcomes friends to share their memories at 8 Puketa Road, Kaikoura, Friday, January 8, at 2.00pm. Kaikoura Funeral Services Limited
FORD, Jack: (WWII RNZAF Corporal, Reg. No. 405114) On January 2, 2016, peacefully at Christchurch Hospital, aged 94 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Vera Ford (Marett), loved father and father-in-law of Shirley and Robin Milligan, Barbara Kennedy, Robyn and John Ford, Margie and Bruce Ford, loved grandfather of Catherine and Daniel Milligan, Claire and Edward Quirke, Sarah and Dean Schluter, Kathryn and Christopher Kennedy, Sarah and Nicholas Kennedy, Jonathon Kennedy, Caitlin and Michael Kennedy, Vicki and Andrew Ford, Helen and Murray Ford, Kerry and Hollie Kerwin Ford, David Ford, great-great-grandfather of Nina, Tommy, and Elise Schluter, Lewis and Eliza Kennedy, Bella Kennedy, Emma and Arlo Ford, Isobel Ford, and Matilda Kerwin Ford, loved brother of William (Bill), Eric, Leonard (Len), Winifred (Wini), Noel (all deceased) and Josephine and Patricia. Thank you to Rosecourt and Christchurch Hospital Ward 23 staff for their care of Jack. Messages may be addressed to The Family of Jack Ford, c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. The Service for Jack will be held in the John Rhind Chapel, entry from London and Whitmore Streets, Richmond, on Friday, January 8, at 1.00pm.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 5, 2016 19:22:00 GMT 12
CROUCHER, Leonard Gordon (Gordon): RNZAF 71901, Lyttelton Bureau No. 82. Peacefully passed away at home on January 2, 2016, aged 84. Loved, honoured and cherished by his wife Joyce for 63 years. Loved and respected father of Robert, Alan, Glen, Ian, Faye and their wives and partners. Loved by all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To honour Gordon's wishes, no formal funeral will be held, however the family welcomes friends to share their memories at 8 Puketa Road, Kaikoura, Friday, January 8, at 2.00pm. First enlisted as NZ47200 on 8 Oct 48, then renumbered as 71901 in January 1949. Errol
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kerrywd
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 2
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Post by kerrywd on Jan 5, 2016 19:38:58 GMT 12
Yes that was Sam, has lived in SEQ for some years now.
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kerrywd
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by kerrywd on Jan 5, 2016 19:39:56 GMT 12
Yes that was Sam, has lived in SEQ for some years now.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 6, 2016 13:45:58 GMT 12
I believe this chap was a member of No. 30 Squadron RNZAF
INGHAM, Harold Arthur (Hal). Former owner of Ingham's Hardware Takapuna. RNZAF 30th Battalion WW2. Passed peacefully on Monday 4th January 2016. Aged 97 years. Loved father of Colin, and Alison. Much loved Grandpa of Trevor, Kylie, Lucy, Mary, Joy, and James. One of Natures True Gentlemen. A service to remember Hal's life will be held at the chapel of Jason Morrison Funeral Services, 24 Whitaker Road Warkworth on Monday 11th January at 1.30pm followed by private cremation. May he rest in peace
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 6, 2016 13:46:57 GMT 12
JAMES, Barry Keith. Passed away peacefully on 29 December 2015 at the Seadrome Residential Hospital; aged 83. Loving husband of the late Barbara. Barry was Ex Canadian Navy and Ex RNZAF. Barry will be cremated privately on 6 January 2016. A very special thanks to the caring management and staff at Seadrome Hospital.
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 6, 2016 15:19:48 GMT 12
I believe this chap was a member of No. 30 Squadron RNZAF INGHAM, Harold Arthur (Hal). Former owner of Ingham's Hardware Takapuna. RNZAF 30th Battalion WW2. Passed peacefully on Monday 4th January 2016. Aged 97 years. Loved father of Colin, and Alison. Much loved Grandpa of Trevor, Kylie, Lucy, Mary, Joy, and James. One of Natures True Gentlemen. A service to remember Hal's life will be held at the chapel of Jason Morrison Funeral Services, 24 Whitaker Road Warkworth on Monday 11th January at 1.30pm followed by private cremation. May he rest in peace Harold Arthur Ingham enlisted in 1939 as 391216 (later NZ391216). Wallace Norman ('Wally') Ingham (NZ391292) along with himself lists H. A. Ingham in his book The Avengers as being a member of 30 Sqn/30SU. Harold may have been related? Wally also had a brother, Arnold Douglas Ingham, who enlisted along with him, as 391291 (later NZ391291), but he appears to have served elsewhere. Errol
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 6, 2016 15:29:05 GMT 12
Thanks Errol.
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Post by shorty on Jan 8, 2016 13:43:38 GMT 12
F/S (RTD) David William HUTCHBY AF FIT 1813350 RAF and Q76259 RNZAF 6 May 1952 to 7 May 1973 Passed away peacefully, on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at Aberleigh Rest Home. Aged 92 years. Loved husband of the late Joan, loved father and father-in-law of Tony and Michelle, Nigel and Karen, Richard and Sandi. Loved Grandad of Rebecca and Greg, and Rachel and James; Jason and Deanna, Joanne, and Nicole and Brent, Rebecca and Andy, and David; Angela and Clayton, Kelly, and Takiesha. Loved great-Grandad of Huw; Sadie, Georgia, Oscar, Quinn, Clauda, Brooke, Rebecca and Matt; Brooke, Ollie, Jasmine, and Georja; Liam, Chloe, Chase; Aidan, Dannielle, and Bradley. Messages may be sent to 25 Dillons Point Road, Blenheim 7201. A service for David will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 2.00pm, Wednesday, January 6, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 8, 2016 20:34:18 GMT 12
COUPER, Malcolm Harry: (F/O No. 3 Canterbury (T) Sqn RNZAF) On January 2, 2016, in his 85th year. Dearly loved husband of Jill; beloved father and father-in-law of Anne, and Andrew and Stephanie; loving grandfather of Frances and George; loved brother of the late Mabel Sunderland; loved and respected uncle of Joan Chatfield, Richard and Graeme Sunderland. Malcolm will be at his home from 4.00pm, on Thursday, January 7, until his funeral if friends wish to have a private moment with him. A special thanks to the staff at Nurse Maude Hospice for the sensitive and caring way in which they looked after Malcolm. Messages may be addressed to the family at 189 Ilam Road, Ilam, Christchurch 8041. Donations to Nurse Maude Hospice would be appreciated and may be made at the service. A celebration of Malcolm's life, and a final farewell will be held at 189 Ilam Road, at 2.00pm, on Friday, January 8.
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donboy
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 4
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Post by donboy on Jan 10, 2016 19:22:55 GMT 12
Don Andrews, died 5/1/16. Early New Plymouth Aero Club member, employee #16, 1938, De Havilland's Rongatai, founder engineer and loader driver with Miles King of Rural Aviation N.P. 1949. M.D., engineer and occasional pilot of Midland Air Services Ltd, chief engineer for N.Z.T.A.T.Ltd during mid '60's early '70's before setting up KIWI AIR maintenance at Long Beach California.
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Post by angelsonefive on Jan 10, 2016 21:08:08 GMT 12
In the Dominion Post death notices on 9/1/2016 :
" Darragh, James ( Jim ), No. 422074, Flight Lieutenant, 485 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force ( sic ), passed away peacefully on 5/1/2016, aged 96 years. "
A service for James will be held at the Croft Centennial Chapel, 2 Osborne Place , Lower Hutt, on Thursday, 14th of January, at 11:00 a.m.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 10, 2016 21:20:09 GMT 12
Sorry for the loss of your father Donboy. There cannot be many No. 485 Squadron veterans left now, AOF.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 11, 2016 8:36:15 GMT 12
AUSTIN, Charles Edward (Charlie): R.N.Z.A.F. in New Zealand and Fiji. On Friday, January 8, 2016, at Wesley Care, aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Muriel of 53 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of Nigel and Ivy, Andrew, and Tony. Loved granddad of Tatiana, Joshua, Amy and Ciaran, and Angus. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Robert (Bob) and Paddy. Loved by all his extended family. Messages to the Austin family, c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. In lieu of flowers donations to St John Ambulance would be appreciated and may be made at the service. A service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held at the Harewood Crematorium Chapel, 507 Johns Road, Tomorrow (Tuesday), at 10.30am.
BURDETT, John Stewart (Flight Sergeant, RNZAF Retired) Died peacefully on 9th January, 2016. Dearly loved husband of Margaret and much loved father of Linda, Lance and Jo-Anne. Brother to Irene, Ross, Ken, Alan and Christine. Beloved Poppa and Great Grandad. Few knew the terrible pain he suffered over recent years, he was stong to the very end. A service will be held in the Garden Chapel of the Morrison Funeral Home, 220 Universal Crive, Henderson on Wednesday, 13th January, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Special thanks to the staff at North Shore Hospital for the care given to John in his last days
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 11, 2016 9:38:21 GMT 12
AUSTIN, Charles Edward (Charlie): R.N.Z.A.F. in New Zealand and Fiji. On Friday, January 8, 2016, at Wesley Care, aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Muriel of 53 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of Nigel and Ivy, Andrew, and Tony. Loved granddad of Tatiana, Joshua, Amy and Ciaran, and Angus. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Robert (Bob) and Paddy. Loved by all his extended family. Messages to the Austin family, c/- 19 London Street, Christchurch 8013. In lieu of flowers donations to St John Ambulance would be appreciated and may be made at the service. A service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held at the Harewood Crematorium Chapel, 507 Johns Road, Tomorrow (Tuesday), at 10.30am. Enlisted as NZ46785 on 10 May 46 (age at death may be incorrect?) then renumbered as 71364 in January 1949. Errol
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Post by raymond on Jan 11, 2016 20:31:30 GMT 12
GSH (RTD) Archie Murphy (L85915). On Jan 9 at a Rest Home in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland. Battled on for nearly 2 years after a major stroke. Archie served as a GSH in Avionics SQN for 31 years. His funeral will be at Morrsions (Universal Dr. Henderson) Thursday 14th at 10am
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 13, 2016 23:38:45 GMT 12
Sad news, we have lost another true New Zealand hero, and one who served in both Bomber Command and Fighter Command. Squadron Leader Keith Frederick Thiele DSO, DFC** NZ404966 RNZAF, Rest in PeaceThe following obituary was sent to me tonight by Max Lambert (who wrote 'Night After Night' after he was inspired by his cousin Keith Thiele): Keith Thiele - Obituary Keith Thiele, one of New Zealand’s greatest World War II pilots, has died in Sydney at the age of 94. His death was disclosed tonight by family members who said a private funeral service was held in Sydney today.
Christchurch-born Thiele was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and three Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFC), one of only three New Zealand aircrew to be so honoured, and he was the only New Zealand flier to win a DFC on both bombers and fighters.
He flew two tours with Bomber Command in 1942 and 1943, flying with Canadian and Australian squadrons, and emerged unscathed from more than 50 operations with two DFCs and the DSO.
Twice Thiele brought damaged Lancasters home on two engines after the aircraft were badly damaged by enemy fire. It’s almost certain that at the end of his second tour Thiele was offered command of 617 Squadron, the famed Dambusters, but turned the opportunity down because he had always wanted to fly fighters.
After a period delivering Canadian-built Lancasters across the Atlantic, Thiele converted to fighters and first flew Spitfires with 41 Squadron.
In early 1945 he was given command of 3 Squadron flying Tempests from Holland. He destroyed two enemy fighters before he was shot down by flak while attacking trains in Germany, narrowly escaping lynching after landing by parachute.
Slightly wounded, he was taken prisoner but was only held captive for a few weeks before escaping from a hospital and getting back to Allied lines to rejoin his squadron.
Postwar he flew as a senior captain for Qantas and later established the marina at Spit Junction. He sailed his own yacht to New Zealand several times. Thiele is survived by his daughter Jo and grandchildren.
Max Lambert----------------- Max has also kindly given me his permission to use the following profile on Keith Thiele from his 2005 book "Night After Night"
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Post by errolmartyn on Jan 14, 2016 11:16:15 GMT 12
Sad news, we have lost another true New Zealand hero, and one who served in both Bomber Command and Fighter Command. Squadron Leader Keith Frederick Thiele DSO, DFC** NZ404966 RNZAF, Rest in PeaceThe following obituary was sent to me tonight by Max Lambert (who wrote 'Night After Night' after he was inspired by his cousin Keith Thiele): Keith Thiele - Obituary Keith Thiele, one of New Zealand’s greatest World War II pilots, has died in Sydney at the age of 94. His death was disclosed tonight by family members who said a private funeral service was held in Sydney today.
Christchurch-born Thiele was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and three Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFC), one of only three New Zealand aircrew to be so honoured, and he was the only New Zealand flier to win a DFC on both bombers and fighters.
He flew two tours with Bomber Command in 1942 and 1943, flying with Canadian and Australian squadrons, and emerged unscathed from more than 50 operations with two DFCs and the DSO.
Twice Thiele brought damaged Lancasters home on two engines after the aircraft were badly damaged by enemy fire. It’s almost certain that at the end of his second tour Thiele was offered command of 617 Squadron, the famed Dambusters, but turned the opportunity down because he had always wanted to fly fighters.
After a period delivering Canadian-built Lancasters across the Atlantic, Thiele converted to fighters and first flew Spitfires with 41 Squadron.
In early 1945 he was given command of 3 Squadron flying Tempests from Holland. He destroyed two enemy fighters before he was shot down by flak while attacking trains in Germany, narrowly escaping lynching after landing by parachute.
Slightly wounded, he was taken prisoner but was only held captive for a few weeks before escaping from a hospital and getting back to Allied lines to rejoin his squadron.
Postwar he flew as a senior captain for Qantas and later established the marina at Spit Junction. He sailed his own yacht to New Zealand several times. Thiele is survived by his daughter Jo and grandchildren.
Max LambertFrom Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : THIELE, Squadron Leader Keith Frederick, DSO, DFC**.
NZ404966; Born Christchurch, 25 Feb 1921; RNZAF 1 Dec 1940 to 5 Dec 1946; PoW 10 Feb 1945 to 31 Mar 1945; Pilot. Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (11 Aug 1942): [405 Sqn RCAF (Wellington/Halifax)] This officer has shown great skill and pressed home his attacks regardless of the opposition. A fine leader and a courageous flight commander, this officer has set a most praiseworthy example. Amongst the many targets he has attacked are Berlin, Wilhelmshaven, Brest, Essen, Cologne and Emden. Citation Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (12 May 1943): [467 Sqn RAAF (Lancaster)] This officer has, at all times, displayed outstanding keenness and determination during operations. The majority of his sorties have been attacks on well defended and distant targets which have all been highly successful. On one occasion during an attack on Berlin, his rear gunner lost consciousness from lack of oxygen, but Flight Lieutenant Thiele proceeded with the mission although two of the crew were fully occupied with the unconscious man. Later he returned to this country at a very low altitude in an attempt to succour the gunner. While on a flight to Nuremberg in March, 1943, the port engine caught fire early on the outward journey. The flames were extinguished however, and the whole flight accomplished with success. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty and confidence have earned the admiration of all. Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross (Imm) (25 May 1943): [467 Sqn RAAF (Lancaster)] One night in May, 1943, this officer captained an aircraft to attack Duisburg.[*] When nearing the target area, the aircraft was subjected to anti-aircraft fire and severely damaged when a shell burst underneath the fuselage. Despite this, Squadron Leader Thiele flew on to the target. Whilst making his bombing run the aircraft was illuminated by the searchlights but this captain maintained a straight course in order to ensure accurate bombing. Just as the bomb aimer had completed his work, the aircraft was repeatedly hit by fragments of bursting shells. One burst destroyed one of the engines, while shortly afterwards a second engine was disabled. The windscreens on the starboard side of the pilot’s and bomb aimer’s cabins were shattered. Although he was dazed from a blow from a shell splinter, which struck him on the side of the head, Squadron Leader Thiele skilfully extricated the damaged bomber from a perilous situation and endeavoured to fly it to base. Shortly after crossing the English coast he was unable to maintain height but, displaying superb airmanship he struggled on and succeeded in effecting a crash landing at an airfield. In most hazardous circumstances, Squadron Leader Thiele displayed courage, skill and determination of a high order. [*] On 12/13 May. Citation Second Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross (8 May 1945): [3 Sqn RAF (Tempest)] This officer’s operational record is outstanding. As pilot of a bomber aircraft he completed two tours of duty during which he took part in very many attacks on enemy targets. Since joining his present squadron, Flight Lieutenant Thiele has taken part in a large number of sorties, involving a wide range of enemy targets. He has personally been responsible for the destruction of numerous locomotives, barges and mechanical vehicles. In air fighting he has shot down 2 enemy aircraft. This officer has displayed the highest qualities of skill, together with great bravery and determination. His example has inspired all.
Sqn Ldr Thiele completed two bomber tours and then one as a fighter pilot. He was credited with shooting down an FW 190 using only 14 rounds of ammunition. Member of the ‘Caterpillar Club’. A copy of the official debriefing on his return from a German PoW camp records - “On 10 Feb 45 I was flying a Tempest V on an armed recce. I attacked a train north of Dortmund and as I climbed after the attack I was hit in the engine and main petrol tank. The engine failed immediately and the aircraft caught fire in the cockpit. I baled out at about 2,000 feet and was severely burned on the face, eyes and wrists. I landed 200 yards from a small railway station in which was the flak battery which had shot me down. They picked me up immediately I touched down. I was marched across the station where there was considerable demonstration and then shut up in a locker on a flak truck and guarded - my boots were taken off. Green police arrived about one hour later and took me to a police station nearby (unidentified). Here I was kept for nearly two days without food or any form of covering. It was bitterly cold. I was only given two drinks of water. My burns were not treated and my eyes became completely stuck up. I was taken to Dortmund aerodrome where I was locked up in solitary confinement for five days. My wounds were dressed and I had a mattress but no blankets. Left Dortmund by train for Oberursel (L51 WM6079) which we reached in 24 hours. Here I was searched, but not thoroughly owing to my bandages. I was placed in solitary confinement. I went before interrogators and gave my number, rank and name adding that I was under orders NOT to converse further. I was threatened with Gestapo and returned to my cell. Interrogated again by a Major, I was told that I could not go to hospital, which he described in glowing terms, until I had given the particulars wanted. I refused to talk and was shown a book with particulars of all other fighter pilots shot down and then a diagram on the wall behind me showing a complete layout of Second T.A.F. I couldn’t study my Wing closely for fear of giving a clue but glancing around I saw that the layout and names were pretty accurate. As I still refused to talk I was taken back to my cell. I was taken to hospital with seven other Ps/W at Hohemark - half an hour’s walk from Oberursel. I stayed there until 6 Mar 1945. I was then taken with other Ps/W to Dulag Luft at Wetzlar. Here I was isolated as I had had a sore throat and was suspected of diphtheria. With the aid of Capt. Griffiths, Dental Officer Para I, I avoided being evacuated to Nuremberg and left with S/Ldr Spencer on 31 March 1945.” Extract from Sqn Ldr Spencer’s report - “S/Ldr Thiele, Father Dan McGowan, G.F.R.C., and I decided to leave the camp which was open and make our way back. Just before we left, the S.A.O. (Col, STACK, USAAF) threatened to put us under arrest if we tried. I left the camp with S/Ldr Thiele on the morning of 31 March 45 on two bicycles. These we exchanged for a motor bike and rode unquestioned to HONIGON BRIDGE (REMAGEN) where we were detained for identification by U.S.A. police. We managed to contact an RAF Balloon Unit near BONN who signed for us and returned us to our Unit. We reported at 1700 hours 2 April 45.” CO 3 Sqn RAF (Tempest) Jan-Feb 1945. Errol
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2016 13:36:51 GMT 12
I'm sorry to say I'd never heard of him until I saw Dave's post at the Key Publishing Forum. Looks like I have some reading to do.
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Post by Andy Wright on Jan 16, 2016 0:13:08 GMT 12
Does that mean you haven't read Night After Night, Zac? You're missing out, man. That, indeed all of Max Lambert's work, is a real treat.
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