New Names Found Today

[Dave Homewood]

I have just discovered five new WWII airmen who lived in Cambridge, that I'd like to discover more about if I can. They need to go onto my Wings over Cambridge website.

The first one was actually in the Fleet Air Arm, Lieutenant Commander Eric Frederick Lloyd Montgomery m.i.d. He was born in Te Puke on the 2nd of January 1917 and he lived there, but reports say as well as Te Puke, he attended Cambridge District High School, so the family must have spent some time in Cambridge before moving back to Te Puke as his mother was there during the war. His father died in 1941. Eric ended up commanding No. 841 Naval Air Squadron between June and November 1944, which flew Fairey Barracuda II's, and was embarked on HMS Formidable for a week, then went onto HMS Implacable where they flew anti-shipping operations off Norway in October 1944. Can anyone tell me more about Lt Comm Eric Montgomery please?

The other four airmen are RNZAF, found on a list published in the NEW ZEALAND HERALD, on the 4th of October 1945, under the heading "RETURNING HOME" and the sub-heading "AIRMEN FROM PACIFIC". All on this list were ranked Sergeant or below, I am assuming they're probably all ground crew members. The following names are all listed as coming from Cambridge:
- R.C. Hill
- K,H. Warner
- R.C.E. Wild
- J.H. Wilson

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19451004.2.50?query=cambridge

Do any of these names ring a bell?

[isc]

Hi Dave, no don't know any of those ones, but I can add one, NZ 414740 LAC Clark, John Hugh, trade RDF/M(G)(1). Born in Cambridge 19 / 8 / 20. He was only about 2yrs old when he returned to Dunedin with his parents. His father served in Britain and with the troops advancing into Germany during WW1 as YMCA Field Secretary, and on return to NZ was sent to Cambridge in 1919, there might have been a reception centre for returning troops, I never did hear of why they were there. isc

ps, Just looking at his ID cards(form 1250, both), RNZAF 657, RAF 227815

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Ian, was that your Dad? I'll definitely have to add him.

What did that trade abbreviation stand for??

[isc]

Yep, that was dad, RDF, that became RADAR, the M was for mechanic, the G, and 1, ? don't know, He went through the E&W school Wigram before posting to Britain. When he left school in 1938 he went to Wellington and worked for the Social Security Department(work and income, or what ever its called this week), until, as he said he was rescued by Adolf. isc

[davidd]

The (G) indicates he was qualified on Ground Radar, as compared to Airborne radar (which was indicated by an (A), but do not know what the "I" was for after that, although possible it was his trade group, normally written at that time as a Roman I rather than an Arabic 1.
David D

[errolmartyn]

Nov 10, 2017 15:05:08 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

- R.C. Hill
- K,H. Warner
- R.C.E. Wild
- J.H. Wilson

[/b]
[/quote]

NZ427713 Raymond Cecil Hill, enlisted at Rongotai as a flight mechanic on 11 Jul 42
NZ443555 Kenneth Harold Warner, enlisted as ACH AC on 25 May 44
NZ4210258 Robert Charles Wild, enlisted at Rongotai as a flight mechanic on 25 Aug 42
NZ437881 John Hearsey Wilson, enlisted at Linton as ACH (GD) on 2 Jun 43

Errol

[Dave Homewood]

Fantastic, thanks Errol!

[isc]

The number one is in the Arabic form, I 'v just had a look at mums pay book, and her trade was Radar Op (2), these entries are hand written, so it could be the individuals way of writing. just looking at mums rank or classification column, starting at LACW, A/Cpl/U, then T/CPL, I think the latter was when she went to Cranwell as an instructor. isc

[Dave Homewood]

I have now added pages for all six 'new' airmen to the Wings over Cambridge website. It never ceases to amaze me after all this time when I find previously unknown airmen and WAAF's. Here are the links:

www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Eric_Montgomery.html

www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Raymond_Cecil_Hill.html

www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Kenneth_Warner.html

www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Robert_Wild.html

www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/John_Hearsey_Wilson.html

And
www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/John_Hugh_Clark.html

Ian, for your father's page I have fairly scant details so far. May I ask for you to fill in the following blanks for me, to add to the page?
- Do you know his exact date of enlistment?
- What rank did he get to?
- I'm guessing he never racked up flying hours and ops?
- How long was he in Cambridge before moving elsewhere, and where did he go to from Cambridge?
- What were his parents' names? Were they longtime Cambridge people?
- Was he any relation to Denzil Clark, another Cambridge airman?
- Can you give a run down of the stations and units he worked at please? And do you know the names of the troopships he embarked on to and from England?
- What was your mother's name?
- I am assuming your parents are no longer with us? If I'm correct, when and where did John die? And where is he buried? Or was he cremated?
Thanks very much.

[isc]

Hi Dave, I'll do my best. Date of enlistment 22/8/41
Rank on discharge LAC
Flight time total nil
About 2yrs from date of birth 19/8/20
J. D. Clark, and his wife Fanny, and older brother Grant. They only lived a
short time in Cambridge before returning to Dunedin.
No , not related to Denzel Clark as far as I know.
He served at Harewood, initial training, then to Wigram, Course 18/1 R.D.F School, his photo is dated 21/9/42. I can't remember the ship he sailed on, maybe you'll know it, they hit a storm and lost the rudder, limped into Panama, and continued on a few weeks later, not sure if it was the same ship or not.In Britain he served on a number of stations, starting in the south at Walton on Naze(mouth of the Thames), then Beachy Head. Then up to Scotland To Rosehearty (East coast), then to Barra and Tiree(islands off the West coast of Scotland).
Mums name Isobel M.N. Clark nee Lochrie 473573 W.A.A.F CPL.
Dad died 2/9/81 at Darfield, Mum died 4/9/05 at Darfield, their ashes are buried in the grounds of Trinity Church Darfield.  isc

[Dave Homewood]

Many thanks Ian. That's great info. I forgot to ask if you might have any wartime photos of him to share on the page. If you have any, my email is [e-mail]

I'll try to get the page updated with all this info over the weekend.

[isc]

I'll give getting a photo through to you a go in a day or two, I'v got a number of them. isc

[Dave Homewood]

Ian, I noted that the Births, Deaths and Marriages website lists your mother's name as Isabella rather than Isobel as you have written. Is their page incorrect?

Nov 10, 2017 19:26:38 GMT 12 isc said:

His father served in Britain and with the troops advancing into Germany during WW1 as YMCA Field Secretary, and on return to NZ was sent to Cambridge in 1919, there might have been a reception centre for returning troops, I never did hear of why they were there. isc

I have found the following info on your grandfather in the local newspaper of the day, the Waikato Independent. He did not arrive here till March 1920, and he was not involved with soldiers in Cambridge.

From the WAIKATO INDEPENDENT, 14 FEBRUARY 1920

LOCAL Y.M.C.A

NEW SECRETARY COMING.
We are pleased to report that the new general secretary who is coming to take charge of the Cambridge Y.M.C.A. work, should be a considerable acquisition to the town. He is coming from. Dunedin, and it is interesting to note that he was Otago representative footballer, and captain of the club, a senior grade cricketer, Dunedin, also a teacher of gymnastics, keen hockey player, and secretary Qtago football association, prize winner Dunedin musical competitions, orchestra leader and choir leader; this in addition to being during the war, field secretary with N.Z. troops in England, Franco and Germany. Truly a man of many parts is Mr J. D. Clark. We welcome him to Cambridge, and trust that he may be most successful in his work amongst the youth of our town — a work which is of the utmost value and cannot be too highly estimated.

From the WAIKATO INDEPENDENT, 9 MARCH 1920

Mr J. D. Clark, the permanent Y.M.C.A. secretary, who has arrived in Cambridge to take the sole control of Y.M.C.A. work, came up from Dunedin. He has just completed two years’ Y.M.C.A. work at the front. He believes in a progressive policy and by strenuous work hopes to place the local branch on a sound footing

From the WAIKATO INDEPENDENT, 11 MARCH 1920

The Y.M.C.A. Board of Directors met last evening. Mr T. F. Richards (president) welcomed the general secretary on behalf of the board and assured him of the hearty co-operation of each member. He anticipated a prosperous period of work under the capable guidance of an experienced man who would take over also the responsibilities and impart fresh enthusiasm into the work. In reply Mr Clark spoke of the importance of the Y.M.C.A. in community life. The opportunities of dealing with social and moral problems and the uplifting and strengthening of young men and boys by means of physical culture social and educational and religious work. The usual committees were set up and consist of religious work, educational, billiard room, social, boys’ department, and ladies committees. The president reported that the Auckland male choir of 65 performers would visit Cambridge during Easter to give concerts, the proceeds from those to be divided between the Soldiers' Memorial and the Y.M.C.A. It was decided to hold a public social and welcome to Mr Clark in the Town Hall shortly.

From the WAIKATO INDEPENDENT, 25 MARCH 1920

PUBLIC WELCOME

TO Y.M.C.A. SECRETARY.

A PLEASING FUNCTION.

The Cambridge Town Hall was very comfortably filled on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the public welcome to Mr J. D. Clark, the newly appointed Y.M.C.A. secretary for this town. His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. J Wilkinson) occupied the chair and briefly introduced Mr Clark to the audience. He also stressed the important part in national life which the Y.M.C.A. played and considered that the local board had shown great wisdom in choosing a man of Mr Clark's calibre to take charge of the running of the institution.

Mr T. F. Richards, president of the Cambridge Y.M.C.A., spoke on the growth and work of the local branch and the important factor Y.M.C.A. work had come to mean in Cambridge, He said that the boys had already come to look upon Mr Clark as an elder brother and he felt sure that the appointment of that gentlemen meant a great progressive era for the local branch.

Mr A. S. Wilson, Auckland. Y.M.C.A. secretary, spoke and tendered the congratulations of the Auckland branch to Mr Clark on his appointment. He said that he thought Cambridge was a superb town, exquisitely lovely and he felt proud of the fact that Cambridge, in accordance with the practice of all large cities, had determined on a well run Y.M.C.A. institution.

Mr McKenzie the Hamilton Y.M.C,A. secretary, also spoke on similar lines.

Mr J. Christie read an interesting extract from “The Great War” eulogistic of the N.Z. Y.M.C.A. work at the front.

Mr J. D. Clark made a very able reply to the eulogy and congratulations he had received. He stated that it had always been his ambition to work with young boys and he was very pleased indeed to come to Cambridge. He had been treated most cordially by everyone and he felt that he would have a very happy time. He sincerely thanked everyone for the good opinions expressed.

During the evening songs were rendered by Miss Thompson, Miss Earle, Master Howe, and B. Fox. Recitations were given by Mr Kemsley, and Mr Fox. A very enjoyable supper was provided by the ladies and done full justice to by everyone present. A unique advertisement guessing competition organised by Miss Webber caused a great deal of interest and amusement.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

One of the most noticeable features of the gathering was that no local minister of religion had been asked to take part in the welcome. The various Y.M.C.A. officials who spoke stressed the point that they were out to assist and help the churches. This being accepted it would seem fair reasoning to expect that the local ministers would Have been glad of an invitation to tender their congratulations to the new secretary and assure him of their most hearty cooperation.

There are many more mentions of him through 1920 and 1921 - mainly in the sporting articles as he seemed to be playing rugby and cricket here, etc. The last mention is made on the 6th of June 1921 where he's mentioned as MC at an event. After that he vanishes from the local news.

There has, incidentally, never been a YMCA presence in Cambridge in my lifetime as far as I know.

[isc]

Thanks for all that info, I now know about 200% more about the families time in Cambridge, it was a different world back then, I knew a fair bit of Grandpa's life in Dunedin, it followed along similar lines, and he also was a partner, and later owner of a leather manufacturing factory until he sold out to Sargoods just before WW2, during WW2 he managed the Sargoods factory. After Grandma died in 1949, he came and lived with us in Waverly(suburb of Dn), and to my sister and I he was more like a big brother. I remember him in his 70s walking down the path beside the house, on his hands.
I'v sent an e mail with some photos of Dad, see what you can do with them. isc

[Dave Homewood]

I'm glad that info is of interest Ian. I asked Mum this afternoon if she remembers the YMCA in Cambridge, she was born here in 1944 and has always lived in the town, and she has no memory of there ever being one here. So it must have closed in the 1920's or 1930's I'd guess as I have never come across any mention of the YMCA in town in all the years of researching our local wartime history.

[isc]

I was talking to my sister (she lives in Chch), and told her about the info, so she went to the site, then rang back quite excited to read all the stuff that had been written up about him.  Mums name was Isobella, although mostly shortened to Isobel. 

thank you Dave. isc

[isc]

bump. isc

[Dave Homewood]

I have found this new possible Cambridge airman.

Albert Edward Lander
NZ422293
Born 27 Oct 1911
Died 12 May 1975
Left NZ for Canada in 1942
Went on to captain Stirlings and Lancasters incluing with No. 101 Squadron RAF
Was reported as Missing on Operations in May 1944 but obviously survived
Returned to NZ on the Mooltan in December 1945

Husband of Mrs V.J. L. Lander of Remuera
Son of Mr and Mrs G. Lander of Cambridge

I am not sure if he has a more solid connection to the town than his parents living here. He may have lived here too, and even gone to school here. Does anyone know where he was born and went to school please?

[errolmartyn]

Dec 14, 2017 13:35:40 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

I have found this new possible Cambridge airman.

Albert Edward Lander
NZ422293
Born 27 Oct 1911
Died 12 May 1975
Left NZ for Canada in 1942
Went on to captain Stirlings and Lancasters incluing with No. 101 Squadron RAF
Was reported as Missing on Operations in May 1944 but obviously survived
Returned to NZ on the Mooltan in December 1945

Husband of Mrs V.J. L. Lander of Remuera
Son of Mr and Mrs G. Lander of Cambridge

I am not sure if he has a more solid connection to the town than his parents living here. He may have lived here too, and even gone to school here. Does anyone know where he was born and went to school please?

Dave,

Lander was born at Auckland. He was shot down on the infamous Nurnberg raid of 30-31 March 1944 and became a PoW. He was repatriated to England on 8 May 45.

He attended Kaiti School from 16 Apr 17
and Lepperton (Manutahi) from 24 Jun 18 until 10 Sep 18, according to NZ Society of Genealogists records. Not known where he was schooled later.

He died at Auckland.

Parents were George Thomas and Ellen Jane Lander. No obvious Cambridge connection in the electoral rolls for 1938 or 1946 but the family seems to have moved about quite a lot from WWI on.

Errol

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Errol, for now I'll leave him in the on hold pile. Cheers.