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Post by errolmartyn on Nov 14, 2024 23:30:51 GMT 12
Does anyone know who F.W.B. George was? He looks like he may have been a Maori or Polynesian? CHARITY DAY RUGBY FOOTBALL.—F. W. B. George, an Air Force forward, takes vigorous measures in trying to stop a Sydenham loose rush in the principal Charity Day match at Lancaster Park on Saturday. Sydenham, runner-up in the senior competition, won by 9 points to 6. The Press, 15 August 1938  Almost certainly this is 37231 George, Francis Maitland Bissett who enlisted at Trentham on 1 Nov 37 as an ACH. 371101 Trentham Camp as ACH. Errol |
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Post by davidd on Nov 14, 2024 23:31:16 GMT 12
All I can come up with is this man, who is F M B George: Francis Maitland Bissett GEORGE, an officer in Equipment Branch, Section II, Technical Officers, Signals Duties. (Acting Flight Lieutenant (Paid) seniority 1st December 1944). From Air Force List, April 1945 edition. Does not look very likely, does it!!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 14, 2024 23:39:23 GMT 12
Thanks. Francis George became at least a Wing Commander and was awarded the MBE. Not sure if it is the same chap.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 15, 2024 0:05:24 GMT 12
The 1938 Wigram Air Force team seemed to be
Air Force —
H. E. Evans; N. S. Svenson. B. Clifford-Jones. W. S. Rea; F. L. Pearson, J. C. Ritchie: C. Blee; F. Gill, D. K. Scriven. C. Coldicutt. D. J. Cunningham, F. S. Craddock, D. J. Rankin, F. George, L. Homer and A. P. H. Lee.
In May 1938, F. George of the Air Force team was selected for the Canterbury team that started their season on King's Birthday weekend. I cannot find a 1938 team list with his full name but maybe someone can?
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Post by errolmartyn on Nov 15, 2024 9:51:59 GMT 12
Thanks. Francis George became at least a Wing Commander and was awarded the MBE. Not sure if it is the same chap. Yes,'tis the same man. Errol |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 15, 2024 12:05:24 GMT 12
I was friends on Facebook with the rugby historian and general historian Ron Palenski. He'd probably have been able to provide the full name of the Airman who was selected for Canterbury in 1938, but sadly Ron passed away about a year back.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 15, 2024 16:14:07 GMT 12
I decided to contact the New Zealand Rugby Museum via their Facebook page, and just 10 minutes later I had a reply confirming what Errol and David had suggested.  So, was Francis Maitland Bissett George of Maori descent? |
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