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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 7, 2019 10:08:07 GMT 12
A book has recently been published about the service of Tom Lockett with a kiwi crew on 630 Squadron who completed 36 ops. Remarkably Tom and his pilot Eric Harris now both live in the South of England and turn 97 in September. They are very keen to learn about the fates of the others. Both gunners and the F/E were RAF and addition to the pilot Eric Harris there were three Kiwis. David Cole B/A of Wanganui and until 1997 a NZBCA member. There is a death notice dated 23/5/2007 but this may not be "the" David. Graham Handley UK born but emigrated to NZ, a brother in the NZ Army. Listed in FYT Voyage 158 Lurline Well - SF Stuart Coburn a orphan, married, had a taxi business in Wellington. Not listed in FYT only a HAP Coburn on Voyage 197 which is too late to be on ops later that year. Eric Harris emigrated to NZ from Cornwall and his father became a gold miner in the S.I. His sister apparently still lives in the S.I. Any details would be really welcome as it is rare that a pilot and gunner of the same crew remain in touch.
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Post by errolmartyn on Apr 7, 2019 13:42:40 GMT 12
‘Coburn’ is actually NZ425718 John Stuart Cockburn Born 19 Apr 13 Enlisted Ohakea as an ACH (ADU), 30 May 42 Embarked for Canada on Day Star, 31 Oct 42 Later commissioned Died 15 Jul 1985 (buried Andersons Bay, Dunedin)
Cole is NZ426911 David Edward Cole Born ? Enlisted Whenuapai as an ACH (ADU), 30 May 42 Embarked Matsonia for Canada, 12 Feb 43 Later commissioned Died 12 Apr 2010
Handley is NZ4210912 Graham Arthur Handley Born Auckland, 22 Apr 22 Enlisted Tauranga as an ACH (ADU), 19 Sep 42 Embarked Lurline for Canada, 17 May 43 Not commissioned Died California, 22 Dec 2009
Errol
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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 7, 2019 18:37:31 GMT 12
Thats terrific Errol , most appreciated. I hope to get some more details from the two survivors .
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