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Post by pjw4118 on Mar 21, 2016 8:10:27 GMT 12
Yes I thought it was a nice shot especially as its "flag" week here.
It was one of three shots of Commonwealth/Allied airmen but was the only one with NZers . I agree that it would be nice to have names , but where do you start?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 22, 2016 19:21:04 GMT 12
These two young chaps look like they may have been Maori. Or Indian? Sergeant Fergus Hulton, NZ416496, Pilot, from Rotorua, died 05/05/1943, aged 19  Flight Sergeant Colin Valentine McPherson, NZ404912, Pilot, No. 75 (NZ) Squadron, died 26/07/1942  |
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Post by errolmartyn on Mar 22, 2016 19:29:47 GMT 12
These two young chaps look like they may have been Maori. Or Indian? Sergeant Fergus Hulton, NZ416496, Pilot, from Rotorua, died 05/05/1943, aged 19 Flight Sergeant Colin Valentine McPherson, NZ404912, Pilot, No. 75 (NZ) Squadron, died 26/07/1942 Both men were born in Rotorua. Hulton's parents were Thomas Henry & Hineiterangi Hulton (nee Macpherson), so definitely a hint of Maori there. McPherson's parents were Alexander Macgregor & Margaret Mary McPherson (nee Prendergast, later Bodman), so nothing obviously Maori there. Errol |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 22, 2016 20:03:25 GMT 12
And an unnamed pilot  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 4, 2016 3:57:51 GMT 12
From TE AO HOU MARCH 1966, 1 MARCH 1966 " Squadron-Leader Albert Tauwhare When the One-Eleven short-haul jets were flown out from Britain recently, one of the British party was Squadron-Leader Albert Tauwhare, who has had a most successful and varied career in the British Royal Air Force. Born at Arahura near Greymouth, Albert Tauwhare is the son of Piripi Hori Tauwhare, of Ngai Tahu. He joined the New Zealand Air Force in 1943, trained in Canada as a navigator, then joined the New Zealand Night Fighter Squadron in England. After the war he returned to New Zealand, again joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1948, and early in the following year went to Europe to take part in the Berlin Air Lift. He stayed with it until it ended, late in 1949...."  paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/TAH196603.2.24?query=%22Air%20Force%22%20zealand |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 7, 2017 21:16:33 GMT 12
My grandfather 'Ernest Sutherland' RFC/RAF 236squaudron flew over europe in 1917-18 in WW1. After graduating at the Canterbury (NZ) Aviation Company’s flyling school at Sockburn, your grandfather sailed from Wellington on the Arawa on 13 October 1917 and disembarked at Liverpool on 8 December 1917, whereupon he was enlisted in the RFC as an Air Mechanic 3rd Class (thence to Private 2nd Class when the RAF was formed on 1 April 1918). Also on board were 8 other Sockburn pilot trainees and one from the New Zealand Flying School, and part of the 30th Reinforcements for the NZEF. Following ground training, Sutherland was posted to Aldeburgh in Suffolk on 27 July 1918, the School for Anti-Submarine Inshore Patrol Observers being formed there about this time. It was here that he would have made his first flights in the UK. On 19 August he was re-ranked as an Observer Flight Cadet. At the conclusion of this training Sutherland was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, on 4 October, and a few days later posted to 236 Squadron at Mullion in Cornwall for operational duties on DH.6 and/or DH.9 aircraft. His flying here would most likely have been over the George’s Channel-Atlantic-English Channel area rather than ‘Europe’ He appears to have been with the squadron until May 1919 (it was disbanded at the end of that month) with postings (attachments?) to 494 (493?) Flight (also at Mullion) and to 6 Training Depot Station at Boscombe Down along the way. Sutherland was transferred to the RAF’s Unemployed List on 12 July 1919. He was granted the British War Medal upon request in 1924. I wonder if the medal still survives. I still have some work to do on Sutherland’s biographical entry for my proposed Ack Emmas to Zeppelin Hunters – New Zealand airmen and airwomen in the Great War and Russia, 1914-1919 and would welcome any information as to the whereabouts of his log book or photographs (apart from the photo which appears on his Royal Aero Club aviator’s certificate). Errol I just happened upon this article from the FEILDING STAR, 17 JULY 1918: FIRST MAORI AIRMANWHAT HE THINKS ABOUT IT The first member of the Maori race to qualify as an airman is Lieut. E. Taniwha Sutherland, of Rangitikei, and a nephew of Mr Tuiti Macdonald, the well-known Maori patriot of Levin. In a spirited letter to his kinsman, Lieut Sutherland, says: "Undoubtedly, Tuihi, this is the service d'elite of the Empire, especially when you have got your wings up, but of course you have to take all risks, but that's all in the game. I am quite proud of myself as an airman, especially being the first representative of the race. The aeroplanes we pilot vary in speed from 60 to 150 miles per hour. The slow ones are only used for tuition, while the fast scout and fighter have their respective uses. I think it's up to you and I to teach our race something about flying. Practically, of course, one must be efficient in education, wireless, navigation by stars and compass, topography, and physically fit — sound nerves, normal blood pressure. There's nothing like making a name and then dying. We don't live long at this game, hut we don't seem to worry about about. Kia ora, nato teina tamaiti." |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 14, 2017 1:46:17 GMT 12
I wonder if this chap was Maori?   From the AUCKLAND STAR, 17 JANUARY 1945 |
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Post by errolmartyn on Jul 14, 2017 12:08:36 GMT 12
I wonder if this chap was Maori? From the AUCKLAND STAR, 17 JANUARY 1945 Born 20 April 1906 and enlisted as NZW426813 Tommie Teriaki as an AC1 in the trade of Driver (Petrol) (Works) and posted to No 2 Aerodrome Construction Unit. Errol |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 14, 2017 18:18:25 GMT 12
Thanks Errol.
I wonder if Brian ever still looks at this thread and if he's still pursuing the project?
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Post by avenger on Aug 23, 2017 11:50:09 GMT 12
Re Utiku Albert Potaka, from (the) National Library of New Zealand. October 1958.
" A noted Maoris wartime airman, Mr Utiku Albert Potaka, was killed in a motor accident on the night of Friday, June 6. Mr Potaka, a farmer aged 40 years came from Ohingaiti. The heavy truck he was driving collided with the side of a concrete bridge on the Rongotea - Longburn highway, Manawatu. He died on the way to PN Hospital. Mr Potaka served in the RNZAF from 1942 to 1952. He was awarded the Queens Commendation for services in the air. He served two tours of operations in the European and Middle East theatres of war."
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 16, 2018 0:05:17 GMT 12
Here's another for the list, Flight Sergeant Pare Te-Wai, B.E.M., of Gisborne, from the Gisborne Photo News, dated 5 March 1959  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2018 1:02:53 GMT 12
There you go Dave, Pine Takarangi...  From the AUCKLAND STAR, 17 SEPTEMBER 1941 MAORI AIRMAN POSTED MISSING WANGANUI FOOTBALLER (O.C.) WANGANUI, this day. The first Wanganui Maori to serve with the R.A.F. overseas, and a member of the first party of New Zealand airmen to train under the Empire scheme in Canada. Sergeant Pine ("Boy") Takarangi, has been reported missing on air operations, according to official advice received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tenga Takarangi, Putiki. He is their only son. Sergeant Takarangi applied for service in the R.N.Z.A.F. seven months before the war, and was accepted in September, 1939. After a month at the Ohakea training school he was transferred to Weraroa, where for 14 months he was on headquarters staff. He was accepted for an air crew in September, 1940, and early in the following month he sailed for Canada with the first party of New Zealand airmen to undergo training under the Empire scheme. He gained his wings in Canada, and was promoted to the rank of wireless-gunner. He arrived in England in May. Educated at the Putiki Mission School, Queen's Park, and Wanganui Technical College, Sergeant Takarangi took an active part in all school sports, being a member of the college Rugby first fifteen and the rowing crew. Afterward he played Rugby for Technical Old Boys, represented Wanganui and Horowhenua and played in the R.N.Z.A.F. team in Levin. In Canada he captained the New Zealand and Anzac Rugbv teams. Sergeant Takarangi's mother is president of the Aotea Patriotic Association. and has presided at many farewell gatherings for soldiers and airmen given by Putiki residents. He has six uncles in the forces overseas - Sergeant W. P. K. Takarangi. Privates H. Korako Takarangi (missing from Crete). H. Wiwi Takarangi Haana Takarangi. H. Taiuru and Leading-Aircraftman K. (Mick) Takarangi, R.N.Z.A.F. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2018 1:08:31 GMT 12
From the NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 6 JUNE 1942
MAORI AIRMAN
TRANSPORT OF PARATROOPS
(0.C.) LONDON, Mar. 31
A Maori who had the distinction of being the first of his race to bomb Germany in this war, Sergeant P. P. J. Pohe, of Taihape, was one of the five New Zealanders from the same squadron which dropped paratroops in the Bruneval raid.
"There was hardly anything to it," said Sergeant Pohe. "We did the job just as anyone else would have done it, and I can assure you that it was the proverbial 'piece or cake.' There is not much to say about our experiences. We crossed the enemy coast at 400 ft. and returned at about 100 ft. We were fired at by the coastal defences and 'flak' ships, but it was nothing to panic about. Flight-Lieutenant G. R. Coates, or Auckland, got a fairly large hole from cannon shell through the fuselage of his plane. We got a few machine-gun bullets, and that's about all.
"The paratroops were a grand bunch of chaps, and, although it flattered us a bit, they stated they had plenty of confidence in us. So co-operation as well as confidence made the show the success it was. The kudos and bouquets go to the paratroops, and I'll take my hat off to them any day.
"Tell the people back home that we are all O.K. and we're still going strong."
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2018 1:13:12 GMT 12
From the AUCKLAND STAR, 23 MAY 1944
CONTEMPTIBLE THEFT
WALLET STOLEN AT Y.M.C.A
A MAORI AIRMAN GAOLED
Wearing the uniform of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, a Maori, Hirini Wahurangi (28), came before Mr. J. Morling, S.M., in the Police Court this morning and pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing a wallet valued at 7/6, and £1 3/ in money, the property of Derek Frederick James Wayne.
It was stated by Detective-Sergeant Aplin that the complainant, also an airman, stayed at the Y.M.C.A. on May 19 while on leave. Before going to the bathroom Wayne placed his wallet beneath the sheet of his bed and when he returned ten minutes later he found it was missing. Noticing accused near the bed, Wayne questioned him, but Wahurangi denied all knowledge of the wallet. Later he admitted taking it and handed it to Wayne, who found that the money was missing. Accused then handed complainant 12/6, but when the secretary of the Y.M.C.A. was called he handed over the balance of the money.
"A single man and a cook at a local air station, Wahurangi has a formidable list of previous convictions," added Detective-Sergeant Aplin. "This class of offence is very prevalent and also most difficult to detect. The Y.M.C.A. authorities are most concerned about it as many servicemen visit this excellent place." Wahurangi had nothing to say. Describing the offence as a contemptible one, Mr. Morling sentenced Wahurangi to two months' imprisonment.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2018 1:22:51 GMT 12
From the PRESS, 12 JUNE 1944
DEATH OF MAORI AIRMAN
IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTES AT FUNERAL
GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S MESSAGE
“The tragedy of war is that death comes so suddenly to many young men,” said the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), when speaking on the marae at Kaiapoi on Saturday, on the occasion of the funeral of Sergeant Pilot John Aperehama Tirikatene, second son of the Minister Representing the Maori Race on the Executive Council (the Hon. E, T. Tirikatene) and Mrs Tirikatene.
Mr Jones, who officially represented the Government, extended the personal sympathy of the acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan). Sergeant Pilot Tirikatene was killed as the result of an aeroplane mishap in the North Island last week. The coffin that contained the remains of the young airman was draped with the Union Jack and a kiwi cloak. The funeral was one of the largest seen in the district for some time.
The service was conducted by Mr Tirikatene, supported by the Rev. Henare Kiwhii, according to the rites of the Ratana Church. A guard of honour was provided by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Welcomed to Marae
The Minister of Defence (who was accompanied by several Canterbury Members of Parliament), was accorded the traditional welcome on arrival at the marae, and he subsequently accompanied Mrs Tirikatene and the members of her family to the burial ground at Te Kai-Ate-Atua. The visitors were welcomed by Messrs Piri Pomare (a brother of the late Sir Maui Pomare) and H. Kiwhii. Mr T. P. Paikea, M.P., spoke on behalf of Tai-Tokerau (the North Auckland .tribes). Captain H. Pohio was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Among the large attendance were a number of Maori returned soldiers. Mr Paikea read the following telegram from the Governor-General (Sir Cyril Newall): "My wife and I are much distressed to near of your great loss, and send our deepest sympathy to you, Mrs Tirikatene, and all your family.”
The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom (Sir Harry Batterbee) telegraphed: “Greatly regret to hear tragic news. Please accept our deepest sympathy.”
Another message from the Native Minister (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) read: “Owing to pressure of public duties I am unable to attend the funeral of your son. A young and gallant son of the Maori race has been laid low by the powerful’ and tragic axe of fate. Please accept, and convey to relatives and people, my sympathy.”
“He has died honourably serving his country,” read a telegram from the member for Western Maori (Mr Tokouru Ratana). “He has given his life like those of his Maori comrades who have been serving in the four corners of the world.”
Brother’s Message
There was also a cable from Nukuroa, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Tirikatene, who is serving abroad in the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy: “My dear brother John — Farewell on that, our canoe. May my tears wash away my sorrow in your tragic loss. Farewell! Go forth to our Great Creator."
Nearly 300 telegrams were received from all parts of the Dominion. Included among the messages of sympathy was one from the Maori Battalion. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland, M.P.) also sent his condolences.
Speaking at the graveside, Mr W. D. Barrett, chairman of the Tuahiwi runanga, recalled the fact that out of a male population of 60, no fewer than 45 Maoris had been bidden farewell from his district. "This makes our eighth casualty,” Mr Barrett said, when extending his sympathy to the Minister and his wife. “It is a record of which any part of the Empire might be proud.”
The Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, who acted as pall-bearers, were all sergeants: J. Richardson, C. V Carter, G. McCaldon, A. R. Cordor, J. Snelling, and C. E. Morris. A volley was fired over the open grave. As the bugler sounded “Last Post,” the Maori lamentations of the tangihanga mingled with the skirl of the Royal New Zealand Air Force pipers.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2018 1:42:00 GMT 12
From the PRESS, 27 MARCH 1945
AIRFIELD ON GERMAN SOIL
MAORI PILOT WITH TYPHOON SQUADRON
(R.N.Z.A.F. Official News Service.)
LONDON, March 25.
The first New Zealand pilot to strike at the Germans from their own soil is a Maori, Flying Officer T. Wintry, of Morrinsville, who is attached to a Typhoon squadron operating from a former German airfield in northern Europe. Flying Officer Wintry, a massively-built airman, jumped from the wing of his aircraft after a sortie yesterday with a broad grin on his face. "I saw four pillboxes and let them have it," he said. "There was a terrific explosion, and debris was flung high into the air." Flying Officer Wintry, who is a well-known Thames Valley Rugby footballer, only recently joined the Typhoon squadron, but already he has quite a score against V targets and in train strafing.
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Post by planewriting on Jul 22, 2018 11:30:46 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 22, 2018 11:39:34 GMT 12
I met Roy on many occasions over the years, and never realised he was Maori
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fb6
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 96
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Post by fb6 on Jul 28, 2018 1:12:46 GMT 12
In Glen T's list, I came across F/O Mate Milich years ago when researching an ancestor of mine who died flying Typhoons with RAF 198 Sqn. At the time they asked me if I knew anything about him, but at the time it was just at the restart of my old aviation hobby, and after contacting the Fighter Pilot's Assn, it was Bryan Cox that set me off into making contact with RAF 198 Sqn...
The chap I dealt with there was truly magnificent in what he was able to forward to me, but a year ago I went to get in contact with him again and discovered he'd passed away, just his wife was still keeping it going as it had been his hobby... - Gosh, time sure flies by...
- I originally discovered my ancestor whilst reading one of W/C Des Scott's two books -
I'm sure I've read of some other chaps though, I'll have a ferret-around in my memory & my books...
Cheers
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 14, 2018 19:47:09 GMT 12
From the NEW ZEALAND HERALD, VOLUME 79, ISSUE 24395, 3 OCTOBER 1942   |
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