Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 20, 2005 22:33:53 GMT 12
I have been meaning to start doing this for ages. Each day I hope to update witrh what happened in the wartime RNZAF between 1939-45 on the date of the day - today being the 20th of October (although it's nearly over here). I will also add details pertinant to Cambridge's own RNZAF people as well as the more general happenings in the RNZAF.
20th of October 1939
The first course of airmen pilots, observers, and air-gunners to pass through the newly opened RNZAF Station Levin's Initial Training School began on the 20th of October 1939
20th of October 1941
Cambridge’s Gordon Easter and Peter Hanna, then both APUT Leading Aircraftsmen, left Auckland aboard the Mariposa for Canada to complete their training.
20th of October 1942
Cambridge’s Roy Calvert was awarded the first of his three Distinguished Flying Crosses on the 20th of October 1942 for his part in several combat missions over hostile territory whilst flying Avro Manchesters and Lancasters with No 50 Sqn RAF. Also recognised on the same citation was Roy's navigator, Pilot Officer Sears. The DFC citation read:
“Flying Officer Calvert and Pilot Officer Sears as pilot and navigator of aircraft respectively have flown together on many sorties. Whatever the weather or the opposition they have always endeavoured to press home their attacks and, on numerous occasions, have obtained excellent photographs. Throughout their tour of duty, these officers have displayed a high standard of skill, together with great devotion to duty. ”
If you can add more facts from this date, please do.
20th of October 1939
The first course of airmen pilots, observers, and air-gunners to pass through the newly opened RNZAF Station Levin's Initial Training School began on the 20th of October 1939
20th of October 1941
Cambridge’s Gordon Easter and Peter Hanna, then both APUT Leading Aircraftsmen, left Auckland aboard the Mariposa for Canada to complete their training.
20th of October 1942
Cambridge’s Roy Calvert was awarded the first of his three Distinguished Flying Crosses on the 20th of October 1942 for his part in several combat missions over hostile territory whilst flying Avro Manchesters and Lancasters with No 50 Sqn RAF. Also recognised on the same citation was Roy's navigator, Pilot Officer Sears. The DFC citation read:
“Flying Officer Calvert and Pilot Officer Sears as pilot and navigator of aircraft respectively have flown together on many sorties. Whatever the weather or the opposition they have always endeavoured to press home their attacks and, on numerous occasions, have obtained excellent photographs. Throughout their tour of duty, these officers have displayed a high standard of skill, together with great devotion to duty. ”
If you can add more facts from this date, please do.
