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Post by aussiedigger on Feb 6, 2021 7:19:33 GMT 12
Hi All.
I am primarily a militaria collector but I am currently working to try and find any information on Air Commodore Ronald "Nugget" Cohen.
I am aware that their is a book "eyes turned skyward" but I have been unable to find either a online or print copy available.
Main info I am looking for is medals/decorations, citations and his service history also any possible photos of him in uniform from his time as an air commodore.
Background to this is I am purchasing one of his dress uniforms and am hoping to restore the ribbon bar and write a short bio to tell his story with the uniform.
Thanks for any help.
Jason.
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Post by errolmartyn on Feb 6, 2021 10:07:17 GMT 12
Hi All. I am primarily a militaria collector but I am currently working to try and find any information on Air Commodore Ronald "Nugget" Cohen. I am aware that their is a book "eyes turned skyward" but I have been unable to find either a online or print copy available. Main info I am looking for is medals/decorations, citations and his service history also any possible photos of him in uniform from his time as an air commodore. Background to this is I am purchasing one of his dress uniforms and am hoping to restore the ribbon bar and write a short bio to tell his story with the uniform. Thanks for any help. Jason. Jason, From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 : COHEN, Air Commodore Ronald Joseph, CBE, AFC, LofM(US). NZ1015 & 70005; Born Feilding, 6 Sep 1908; NZ Army/TF (Manawatu Mtd Rifles) 1926 to 1929; RAF 15 Aug 1929 to 18 Apr 1934; RNZAF 29 Jun 1935 to 19 Jun 1962; Pilot. Citation Air Force Cross (NY1941): Squadron Leader Cohen returned to New Zealand in 1935 after serving a short service commission in the Royal Air Force. He was appointed to a short service commission in the RNZAF and was posted to RNZAF Depot, Hobsonville, to command a sea-plane flight. In 1936, on the formation of No 1 Flying Training School, he was appointed to command the Advanced Training Flight at Wigram. Later he was selected to proceed to the United Kingdom to act as Flight Commander to the New Zealand Squadron forming for the purpose of flying [Wellington aircraft] to New Zealand. He served with this Squadron up until February 1940, when he was recalled and, on return to New Zealand, was appointed Officer in Command, Advanced Training School [sic - Squadron], No 2 Flying Training School, Blenheim. During his service with the RNZAF Squadron Leader Cohen has displayed marked initiative and ability in handling the many problems with which he has been faced and his flying instruction has been of a very high standard.Citation Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (NY1950): Group Captain Cohen accompanied the Advanced Headquarters, No 46 Group, RAF as Senior Air Staff Officer, when it was detached from Transport Command to Germany on 22nd September, 1948, to assume executive control of the operations of the RAF and civil transport force employed on the Berlin Air Lift. He continued in that appointment until 24th March, 1949, prior to his return to New Zealand on completion of two years’ attachment to the Royal Air Force. During those six months he was responsible for the detailed planning and immediate supervision and control of all operations from the British Zone of Germany into the three terminal airfields in Berlin. The success of the air lift operations in the critical mid-winter period was due in large measure to his intense devotion to his tasks, his selfless disregard for his own personal conveniences at all times and his cheerful encouragement of his staff, which was reflected in their individual efforts. He displayed a remarkable energy and concentration throughout. His clear appreciation of air lift requirements and the manner in which he executed his task were magnificent.Citation Legion of Merit (US) (Degree of Officer) (1950): Group Captain R. J. Cohen, Royal New Zealand Air Force, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 26 June 1948 to 7 April 1949. As Senior Air Staff Officer, No 46 Group, Royal Air Force, Group Captain Cohen, with diligence and shrewd discernment, furnished valuable assistance in developing the effective organisation of all Royal Air Force and British civil aircraft participating in the Berlin Airlift. Through his efforts and efficient staff work, the admirable spirit of co-operation and comradeship between units of the United States Forces in Europe and the Royal Air Force participating in the air transport operations was greatly strengthened. The outstanding ability, devotion to duty, and accomplishments of Group Captain Cohen reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Royal Air Force.THE WHITE HOUSE - [Sgd] Harry Truman. An original member of the NZ Sqn formed in 1939 to ferry Wellingtons from England to NZ. CO 2 Sqn RNZAF (Vincent, Vildebeest, DH86 & Hudson) Jan 1941-May 1942. Air Cdre Cohen was the holder of two campaign medals, unique in the RNZAF, they are:- King Feisal General Service Medal for operations against Sheik Mahmand - 1930; and the Iraq General Service Medal for operations in Barzan - 1931. Died Raumati, 28 Jun 1995. ----------- There are a number of books titled 'Eyes Turned Skyward'. Which author's one do you refer to? Errol |
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Post by aussiedigger on Feb 6, 2021 10:16:22 GMT 12
Errol,
Thank you so much. That is some amazing information. It looks like he had a truly incredible career. I am really hoping I can get this restored and displayed to tell his story. The book I have found reference to is "Eyes turned skyward : Nugget Cohen : the Berlin Airlift and other RNZAF pioneer stories" by Janine Irvine.
Thanks again.
Jason
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Post by errolmartyn on Feb 6, 2021 13:34:25 GMT 12
Errol, Thank you so much. That is some amazing information. It looks like he had a truly incredible career. I am really hoping I can get this restored and displayed to tell his story. The book I have found reference to is "Eyes turned skyward : Nugget Cohen : the Berlin Airlift and other RNZAF pioneer stories" by Janine Irvine. Thanks again. Jason Thanks Jason. Not a book I've heard of before, perhaps privately published and only limited run produced. Cheers, Errol |
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Post by McFly on Feb 6, 2021 19:24:59 GMT 12
Hi All. I am primarily a militaria collector but I am currently working to try and find any information on Air Commodore Ronald "Nugget" Cohen. I am aware that their is a book "eyes turned skyward" but I have been unable to find either a online or print copy available. Main info I am looking for is medals/decorations, citations and his service history also "any possible photos of him in uniform from his time as an air commodore."Background to this is I am purchasing one of his dress uniforms and am hoping to restore the ribbon bar and write a short bio to tell his story with the uniform. Thanks for any help. Jason. Here's a couple of Air Commodore Cohen in his uniform (plus zoomed snips)...  (LbG4616-60)  "Queen's Birthday Parade (1960). The Governor of Fiji inspecting the Fijian Police band. L-R: Group Captain AAN Breckon, Air Commodore RJ Cohen, Squadron Leader EJE Tompkins (Parade Commander), His Excellency Sir Kenneth Maddocks (Governor of Fiji)." (LbG4616-60)
    (Air Force Museum Collection) |
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Post by AussieBob on Feb 6, 2021 22:55:57 GMT 12
There may be a copy in the Auckland Museum. Here is the link and info; www.aucklandmuseum.com/collections-research/collections/record/am_library-catalogq40-88210?c=ecrm%3AE84_Information_Carrier&k=cohen&dept=publication&ordinal=16 Taitara rārangi Eyes turned skyward : Nugget Cohen : the Berlin Airlift and other RNZAF pioneer stories / Janine Irvine Momo Publication Tautohunga UG626.2.C6 IRV (Call Number) ISBN 9780473329549 Ka wātea Pou Maumahara (Location) Reading Room (Location) Tuhinga Whakarā- popotohanga "'Nugget' Cohen was one of RNZAF's pioneer pilots and leaders. His is an aviation tale of determination, courage, dedication and success. From his days as a young jaunty pilot with the RAF in the 1920s, to his remarkable career with the RNZAF spanning forty years - including his participation in the Pacific Ferry Flights during World War II and his role as chief architect of the Berlin Airlift following the War - Nugget's story is now preserved for all future generations. Together with his surviving family, the team at TIME OF YOUR LIFE has extracted his story from personal records, archives and a wealth of family memorabilia, to create a priceless legacy document."--Publisher's website. Āhua ōkiko 287 pages : illustrations (some colour), facsimiles, portraits ; 26 cm Whakaaturanga Irvine, Janine, 1974-, author (Creator) Time Of Your Life (Publisher) [Lincoln, New Zealand] (Place of occurrence) [2015] marau Cohen, Ronald Joseph, 908-1995 (General Subject) Cohen family (General Subject) New Zealand. Royal New Zealand Air Force--Airmen--Biography (General Subject) Airmen--New Zealand--Biography (General Subject) Kupu hautoa Eyes turned skyward : Nugget Cohen : the Berlin Airlift and other RNZAF pioneer stories Ngā tuhipoka Includes bibliographical references. |
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Post by aussiedigger on Feb 10, 2021 2:06:58 GMT 12
Thank you all so much! that is some incredible information. I have also heard it may be possible to order his record from the NZDF so I may try that route.
Thanks
Jason
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Post by pjw4118 on Feb 22, 2021 8:46:28 GMT 12
The officer third from the left looks like Cohen. Taken on the welcome of Finance Minister Walter Nash back from the UK 1946 .JPG) |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 22, 2021 10:44:48 GMT 12
Peter I think that might be Tiny White?
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Post by pjw4118 on Feb 22, 2021 11:38:44 GMT 12
Oh Ok , 5th from left looks like Keith Holyoak . Keith Boles , who flew as co pilot is 5th from right.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 22, 2021 13:04:37 GMT 12
Peter, do you have a copy of Keith's logbook to see what date that Lancaster arrived here please?
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Post by McFly on Feb 22, 2021 18:34:53 GMT 12
Peter, do you have a copy of Keith's logbook to see what date that Lancaster arrived here please? These photos suggest 4 March 1946.
"RAF Transport Command Lancastrian, VM701 after arriving at Whenuapai with the PM on board, 4 March 1946"  (Whites Aviation Collection) |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 22, 2021 18:42:24 GMT 12
Thanks. Not the same one I don't think. On Peter's photo the last digit of the serial seems to be 5 or 6.
Also Nash departed by air destined for the UK on the 16th of April 1946.
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Post by 30sqnatc on Feb 22, 2021 19:28:11 GMT 12
Photo from Short History of the RNZAF. Unfortunately the photo is cropped of part way down his medal ribbons.  fullsizeoutput_1bb3 by tankienz, on Flickr It is an RNZAF photo so the Air Force Museum may hold an uncropped copy. It is not in the current online collection. By the way the dress uniform your purchasing doesn't consist of 'khaki slacks, a khaki shirt, a blue battledress jacket and a blue scarf that can be knotted around the neck'. See the story of the Air Commodores Cohens dress sense entering Hobsonville Officers Mess recalled in Short History of the RNZAF (pg 135) Paul |
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 22, 2021 19:40:44 GMT 12
On 23 April 1946, Finance Minister Walter Nash attended the Conference of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers in London
23 April 1946– 25 May 1946
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Post by McFly on Feb 23, 2021 15:57:30 GMT 12
Photo from Short History of the RNZAF. Unfortunately the photo is cropped of part way down his medal ribbons. fullsizeoutput_1bb3 by tankienz, on Flickr It is an RNZAF photo so the Air Force Museum may hold an uncropped copy. It is not in the current online collection. By the way the dress uniform your purchasing doesn't consist of 'khaki slacks, a khaki shirt, a blue battledress jacket and a blue scarf that can be knotted around the neck'. See the story of the Air Commodores Cohens dress sense entering Hobsonville Officers Mess recalled in Short History of the RNZAF (pg 135) Paul  (Air Force Museum Collection) |
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Post by McFly on Feb 23, 2021 16:06:45 GMT 12
A couple more... "Wing Commander R. J. Cohen AFC, Officer Commanding New Zealand Air Ferry. Royal New Zealand Air Force Station, Whenuapai - Circa 1943.(PR910 & PR909)"   (Air Force Museum Collection) |
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Post by McFly on Feb 23, 2021 19:17:48 GMT 12
Oh Ok , 5th from left looks like Keith Holyoak . Keith Boles , who flew as co pilot is 5th from right. must have an interesting back story...? "Image from the Andrew Maguire personal album collection. - "Approx 1 1/2 hours after this snap was taken ship SS Darvel was bombed. D Stanford left [was] killed."
Informal group of personnel from No. 1 Aerodrome Construction Squadron on board the ship SS Darvel after being evacuated from Singapore. Shortly after the ship was attacked by Japanese bombers. No bombs struck the ship but several people were injured by shrapnel. Leading Aircraftman Albert Desmond Stanford (left) was the only death and he was buried at sea. Pilot Officer Keith Boles is seated 3rd from left. (ALB161705104)"  (Air Force Museum Collection) The story of the SS Darvel is covered ' Here' |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 23, 2021 19:39:29 GMT 12
He's definitely an interesting chap, and a real gent. One of only two surviving OBOE Mossie pilots, both are Kiwis and both over 100.
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Post by pjw4118 on Feb 28, 2021 11:38:38 GMT 12
A story about Keith appears in this months Aviation News
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