More than a Name (Central Franklin)

1939–1945Franklin Rolls of HonourMorethan a nameBook two Central Franklin

KarakaPatumahoeMaukuPuniWaiau PaWesley College

MORE THAN A NAME Remembering those who servedand are recorded on Rolls of Honourin Franklin1939 - 1945

This book is dedicated to all the women and men who served in the Armed Forces, Nursing Service, Home Guard, Land Army, Merchant Navy and those who worked in our essential services, whether their name is on a Roll of Honour or not.We honour them with our thanks for their service.

ContentsPrefaceForewordRolls of HonourMore than a Name StoriesThe ForcesMedalsWW2 TimelineIndex of PersonnelSources

PrefaceThe Second World War was the greatest conflict ever to engulf the world. Starting when Germanyinvaded Poland on 1 September 1939, the Second World War lasted 2,179 days and New Zealandwas one of the first countries to become involved. It took the lives of more than 50 million people,including almost 12,000 New Zealanders; one in every 150 of the population at that time.The population of New Zealand in 1940 was about 1.6 million and 204,000 men and women servedin the forces, 140,000 of those overseas of which 104,000 were in the 2nd New ZealandExpeditionary Force (2nd NZEF), the remainder in the British or New Zealand Navy and Air Force. In July 1942 New Zealand's military mobilisation - the largest in its history - peaked with 154,549 men and women under arms (including those overseas) and a further 100,000 in the Home Guard.In all, 194,000 men - 67 per cent of those between ages eighteen and forty-five - and 10,000 womenserved in the armed forces. It was a war in which New Zealanders gave their greatest national efforton land, on the sea and in the air, and a war that New Zealanders fought globally, from Egypt, Italy,and Greece, to Japan and the Pacific.This book does not set out to cover the war in any detail.Research and stories by members of the NZSG Franklin Branch and descendants of those whose names are on the Rolls of Honour Boards.Special thanks to the NZDF Personnel Archives, especially Julia Fink for her valuable assistance.Cover Photographs. HMS Leander c 1937. -Torpedo Bay Navy Museum New ZealandGraduation Parade #2 Service Flying School, Woodbourne. -Airforce Museum of New ZealandRoyal New Zealand Airforce in Pacific Islands. – MadonNewZealand HistoricalBattle of Cassino soldiers on parade 1944. Unknown photographer -MadonNewZealand HistoricalDisclaimerEvery effort has been made to obtain reliable and accurate information for this publication. The writers and NZSG Franklin Branch assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this book. Any corrections with supporting evidence should be sent to,[email protected] Franklin Branch Project 2025Printed by BookPrint Ltd, Auckland

ForewordThough I was only a child at the time of World War 2, growing up in the home of a World War 1 Gallipoli veteran meant that war news was followed intently. Everything stopped as we gathered around the wireless to hear the latest bulletins from overseas and at home. The war seemed closer as the searchlights from North Head at Devonport lit up our bedroom at Karaka/Patumahoe. I remember the ‘Farewell’ and ‘Welcome home’ evenings held for those enlisting from the district - with dances, suppers and marks of gratitude from their communities. The images of the young men and their girls, encircled by the crowd singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ –often followed by ‘Wish me luck as you wave me good-bye’ as they left the hall - are especially vivid. We felt deep respect and sadness for those killed or wounded and for the profound effect that their war service had upon their families and friends.War has a terrible legacy and for us Anzac Day is always an important time to reflect on the sacrifice and loss individuals, families and communities experienced during these times. But it also demonstrates the camaraderie and the sense of community of those who served and those at home who supported them. Congratulations to the Franklin Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists for undertaking the mammoth task of remembering these service men and women and bringing their stories to life. I first heard about the project when the genealogy group approached the Karaka Museum for information about those on the Karaka Honours Board. Smaller projects over the years have contributed to the information available but the scale of this project required many hours of research and coordination from those involved.These are not just names in gold on an Honours Board, these were our father’s friends, and it has been fascinating to hear of the paths these men and women followed on returning home.The stories reflect their time during the war but also their life’s journey. The search for information from families and communities has reconnected people with their histories and re-ignited memories of people and events that had faded with the passage of time. As a life-long Franklin resident and a passionate collector of local history it has been an honour to be involved in this project. Violet Eggleton (née Johnson)Karaka/PatumahoeViolet is the Patron of The Karaka Historical Society and Karaka Museum.

Roll of Honour Boards in this bookKarakaOn 24 February 1955 Governor-General Sir Willoughby Norrie formally opened the Karaka War Memorial Hall. During the ceremony, he unveiled a granite plaque inset into an exterior wall inscribed with the names of the men of the district who had died in both world wars. The roll of honour inside the hall lists the names of all those who served.PatumahoeIn 1949 seven acres for proposed sporting facilities were added to the Patumahoe Domain as a community war memorial. A further extension in 1958 allowed for the construction of War Memorial Gates at the new Patumahoe Road entrance and these were completed by November 1958.The Second World War roll of honour, on two pink granite tablets set into the pillars, lists thirty-eight local men, five of whom were killed in action.8

MaukuThe Mauku Roll of Honour is located inside the Victory Hall at Mauku. This hall was opened in 1922 to commemorate the Allied victory of the First World War.On Anzac Day 1954, Colonel Max Aldred unveiled the roll of honour in the hall. This is a framed brass tablet that lists 24 servicemen from WW1 and 23 from WW2. There were two deaths from each war.PuniThe Puni Roll of Honour is in the hall at Puni School. It was originally unveiled in the old Puni public hall after the Second World War but transferred to the newly built Puni Centennial Hall in 1955. It was transferred again to the new combined School and Community Hall in 2003.A memorial plot of native trees was also planted in the school grounds, dedicated to the six ex-pupils who lost their lives during the Second World War. The trees in this plot were planted in memory of H.Kidd, J.Negus, L.Negus, E.Patterson, B.Warbrick, and G.Watkin.9

Waiau PaThis memorial stone is located in the Waiau Pa School grounds.The original WW1 memorial stone unveiled in the Waiau Pa School grounds in 1937 was replaced after the Second World War and was unveiled on Anzac Day 1947.Wesley CollegeThe Wesley College roll of honour hangs in the Smith Memorial Collegiate Chapel at the school on Paerata Road, Paerata Rise.The framed brass plaque was erected by the college’s Old Boys’ Association in memory of the twelve ex-pupils who gave their lives in the Second World War.10

ANDERSON Robert WilliamService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 64304Regiment: 24 Battalion Last Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Wesley CollegeRobert William ANDERSON was born 6 January 1912, in London, England, to John Anderson and Agatha Matilda Anderson née ORRISS (1872-1948). Robert's mother was English, and his father was from New Zealand. They were married in 1910. Since Robert was born in London, it's reasonable to assume that his family travelled there for his birth. Agatha's father was a coffee-house keeper in Battersea, London.Robert's father had a shop on Ponsonby Road, Auckland, and his occupation on the 1941 electoral roll was recorded as a \"Pork Butcher\".Robert had an older brother named John (1910-1985). They both attended Wesley College in 1926 and 1927. John stayed for an additional year. In the 1931 Wesley College magazine, it was stated that the Anderson boys were working in the grocery trade.Robert passed his medical examination 15 January 1941 and was declared medically fit to join the New Zealand Army. His attestation was 16 April 1941 at Papakura camp where he declared that his current occupation was \"small goods-cook\" and that his former employer was his father, John Anderson.Robert embarked for the middle east on HMT #31, 13 September 1941. Following his arrival in Egypt, he began cooking and attended cooking schools and by 27 April 1942, he was recognised as a firstclass cook. Unfortunately, he suffered from dermatitis and severe dysentery that required hospitalisations. He was assigned to the 24th Battalion 15 July 1942.The 24th Battalion was sent to reinforce the lines at El Alamein. Tragically on 22 July 1942, Robert was declared missing and later reported killed in action, following an attack by the 21st Panzer Division, which overwhelmed the brigade. This battle resulted in 280 casualties out of the 440 personnel of the 24th Battalion.Robert is buried in El Alamein War Cemetery; he was 30 years old. The cemetery contains the graves of men who died at all stages of the Western Desert campaigns, brought in from a wide area, but especially those who died in the Battle of El Alamein.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumService personnel file of 64304 Robert W Anderson, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampWesley College YearbooksResearched by Ian Shackleton11

ARMSTRONG WilliamService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 21414Regiment: Medical CorpsLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaWilliam, known as Bill, son of Andrew ARMSTRONG (1879-1915) and Sarah McGILVRAY née MacINTYRE (1883-?) was born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland on 5 July 1910. While it is unknown when Bill arrived in New Zealand, his sister Jeannie arrived in 1926, and he namedher as his next of kin when he enlisted in October 1939. He gave his occupation as labourer and his employer as R Urquhart at Karaka. He was described as 5 feet 6 inches (167cm), 11 stone 2 pounds (71kg) with dark hair, grey-green eyes and a fair complexion.Bill entered camp in January 1940 and embarked on 1 May 1940 with the 21 Battalion, bound for Egypt, as part of the 2nd Echelon. The ship was diverted to the UK while in the Indian Ocean and he disembarked in Greenock on 19 June. While in the United Kingdom he was transferred from Infantry to Medical Corps in August 1940. This may have been due to his bronchial asthma that saw him hospitalised on several occasions.Bill arrived in Egypt in November 1940 and embarked for Greece in March 1941. He was part of the Battle of Greece and Crete campaigns and was reported missing on Crete in May 1941. He spent time as a POW in camps in Greece, German, Poland and France but in November 1943 was reported safe in Egypt, being repatriated as Protected Personnel (Medic). He left Egypt on 31 December 1943 and arrived back in Wellington on 2 February 1944 and was admitted to Auckland Hospital for further treatment. He was medically discharged from the army on 9 May 1944.On 23 July 1948, Bill married Vera Edith KORTRIGHT née HOLME,and they had a family of five sons and one daughter. Initially they lived near Opotiki but later in 1948 they farmed in the Maungaturoto area, with some of their sons helping on the farm after Vera’s death. By 1981 Bill had retired and was living in Rotorua where he died on 6 July 1990.Sources: Service personnel file of 21414 William Armstrong, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampAncestry® Family Trees and photographAncestor Search Helper – marriage and death datesResearcher: Heather MaloneyBill with his oldest four children12

AXCELL James EdwardService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 38043Regiment: Medical CorpsLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PuniJames Edward AXCELL was born in England on 10 April 1907. Although he was the sixth of ten children born to William Frank Axcell and Ruth, née SAVELL, many of his five brothers and four sisters did not live very long lives. His father was a bricklayer in Croydon when James was born.His brother Jonathan had come to New Zealand in 1924 and in July 1928 James followed him, sailing on the Arawa, a 220 passenger and refrigerated cargo ship, taking 46 days to reach Wellington.In 1935 James was working as a farmhand in Kerepehi but gave his address as c/- W Jamieson, a farmer in Walters Road, Puni on enlistment in October 1940 and named his father living in Greenford, Essex as his next of kin. He was given a farewell in the Puni Hall in November 1940 and presented with an inscribed gold pen as a gift from the residents.James embarked on the SS Nieuw Amsterdam from Wellington on 1 February 1941, bound for Egyptand was transferred to another ship at Bombay for the remainder of the voyage to Port Tewfik. He served in Egypt, Italy and UK with the 3 New Zealand General Hospital until April 1945 when he transferred to the New Zealand Postal Corps in England. He returned to New Zealand on the Stirling Castle disembarking in Wellington on 27 February 1946.James married Helen Matilda DAY (1904-2000) at the Congregational Church, Broadstairs, Kent in England on 1 September 1945 and she arrived in New Zealand on 26 April 1946 aboard the Athlone Castle, a ship with mostly women passengers, many of them being war brides.James, a labourer, and Helen were to live at 7 Puroto St, Remuera from 1946 until James’s death on 19 November 1987.His ashes are buried at Waikumete Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 38043 James Axcell, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampAncestry®Papers Past: Farewell Franklin Times 27 Nov 1940New Zealand electoral rolls; Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearcher: Heather MaloneyArawa13

BAGSHAW Douglas FrankService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 65052Regiment: 24 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PatumahoeDoug BAGSHAW went to war in 1941 which, if you believe his 1929 birth registration, means he was only twelve at the time. Yet, the War Deaths Register gives his age as 25 when accidentally killed three years later. Mysteriously, two other New Zealand babies are registered to Margaret and William Bagshaw on the same date as Doug - his siblings, Myrtle and Fred. Were they triplets? And where is the registration for their older brother, William Waddington Bagshaw?William Junior, it turns out, was born in Bakewell, England. At the age of 10 he immigrated to New Zealand with his parents, William and Margaret, arriving February 1924. The voyage appears to have been a mercy mission. Margaret’s sister, Amy, had died a couple of months previously, at the tender age of 38, leaving behind a husband, Frank Barry VICKERS, and their three young children, Myrtle, Doug, and Fred. Frank would have been unable to work without family support, and so the Bagshawstook in the three Vickers children, eventually officially adopting them in 1929. Thus, the muddiedevidence of the children’s real parentage.Doug served for two years in North Africa and was wounded at the battle at Ruweisat Ridge on 20 July 1942. He arrived in Italy in October 1943 but his movements from there are unclear until he went on leave at a rest camp near Cecina, south of Leghorn. On 25 August 1944 he, and a couple of mates, visited a nearby airfield to look at the RAF planes. A Court of Enquiry found that Doug struck up a conversation with a crew about to take their Boston Bomberfor a night flying test after mechanical repairs. Although not authorised, he donned a parachute and joined them on the flight. At around 800 feet, witnesses on the ground said the engines sounded as if they were giving trouble. Shortly afterwards the aircraft flipped onto its back and spun into the ocean near Piombino, killing all four occupants. Doug’s body was recovered five days later and buried at sea.His Brigadier recommended a verdict. “Death excuses all. Accidental death whilst on duty.” The Court agreed.Also remembered on the Pukekohe Cemetery RSA Board and the Cassino Memorial, Italy.Source: Warm thanks to Doug Bagshaw’s nephew, Tony Bellhouse, and great niece, Maree Pollock, for the photos and for the Service personnel file of 65052, Douglas Bagshaw, NZDF Personnel Archives,Trentham CampResearched by Wendy Clark14

BAGSHAW Frederick BarryService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 436020Regiment: 24 BattalionLast known rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PatumahoeIn April 1945, Myrtle BAGSHAW received a telegram. Her youngest brother, Fred, had been killed in action. Eight months earlier their brother, Doug, had also died while serving in Italy.“Fred was killed instantly when he and his company met strong resistance as they crossed the Idice River at about 5:30am,” platoon commander, F.I. Watts, wrote in a follow-up letter. “May God give you strength and courage to bear the loss of such a grand fellow. ‘Bags,’ as he was known to us, was immensely popular and always cheerful.”According to Myrtle’s son, Tony BELLHOUSE, she and her brothers were always close. There is a photo of the three of them astride the horse that carried them each day from their home in Ostrich Rd. toschool. Perhaps their affinity stemmed from losing their parents early in life, first their mother, AmyRuth, née HORTON, in 1923, and then their father, Frank Barry VICKERS, eight years later. They were taken in by their mother’s sister, Margaret, and her husband, William BAGSHAW, who immigrated to New Zealand in February 1924 from their home in Derbyshire, England, to look after them.The Bagshaws settled in the same community of Patumahoe as the children’s father. In 1929, theyofficially adopted the children, possibly because Frank’s health was deteriorating. He sought refugewith the TB Shelter at the Auckland Infirmary, making a will six days before his death on 10 December 1931. Sadly, their adopted mother died 3 years later when Fred was 13, adding to life’s uncertainty.Both brothers took up farming after leaving school. Tony Bellhouse got the impression that Fred was the quieter of the two. Both enlisted in 1941 but, while Doug embarked for Europe that same year, young Fred did not leave New Zealand shores until July 1943. He saw action in Italy. Medical notes in late November that same year indicate he crossed a minefield alongside five other soldiers who were blown apart. Shelling was intense and Fred appears to have suffered from shell shock. In August 1944, he got the shattering news that Doug, also serving in the Infantry in Italy, had been killed in a Boston Bomber plane crash. He met his own death three weeks before the German surrender.The Bellhouse family have two silver discs of voice recordingswhich the brothers sent to their sister, Myrtle, before they died. No-one has heard their messages as no-one has ever known how to retrieve them.Also remembered at the Pukekohe Cemetery RSA Chaplet.Sources: Grateful thanks to Fred Bagshaw’s nephew, Tony Bellhouse, and great niece Maree Bellhouse, for the photos and for the Service personnel file of 436020, Fred Bagshaw, NZDF Personnel Archives Trentham Camp.Researched by Wendy Clark15

BAKER Charles WilliamService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 413804No:3 Service Flying Training School Last Known Rank: Leading Aircraftman (LAC)Memorial Board: Wesley CollegeCharles William was born on the 30th of May 1920, the son of William Phipps BAKER (1890-1955) and Ada Frances née BAZELEY (1894-1953). William shared a bakery business with his brother in Russell until 1944 when he took over his father’s farm. Charles received his secondary education at Wesley College, Paerata, where he attained the University Entrance standard.Charles was employed as a hardware assistant at John Burns & Co., a seller of hardware and general merchandise in Auckland, when he applied for enlistment in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as aircrew. He presented himself to the Initial Training Wing, Levin on 6 July 1941. In September, he began training to fly Oxford aircraft at No. 3 Service Flying Training School in Ohakea. Two months later he was awarded his flying badge.On 20 November 1941, LAC Charles Baker and LAC Winston CANNEL piloted an Oxford aircraft on a cross-country return flight from Ohakea to Opunake. The aircraft failed to return to base and both occupants were declared missing. Despite an intensive search, no wreckage was found, and death was officially declared as 20 November 1941. Charles's father refused to lose hope, offering a reward of £200 for any information leading to the recovery of the plane or its occupants, but no one came forward. It wasn't until April 1943 that the wreckage was discovered in the Tararua Ranges, along with the bodies of the crew. It appeared they got lost and crashed into a hill during bad weather.Charles’s engagement to June Marshall was announced in August 1941 only weeks before his death.LAC Charles William Baker, service number NZ413804, was laid to rest in Russell Churchyard. He was only 21 years old at the time of his passing. Sources:Auckland City Council recordsOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumArchives NZPapers Past Ancestry®Researched by Ian ShackletonOXFORD Aircraft16

BARRIBALL Malcolm Eber PalmerService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 42358Squadron: 487 SquadronLast Known Rank: Pilot OfficerMemorial Board: Wesley CollegeMalcolm Eber Palmer BARRIBALL was born 12 May 1921 in Auckland. He was the only child of Florence Susan née PALMER, who had previously been married to Charles BISCHOFF, and Samuel Eber BARRIBALL(1872-1944). Florence was later to marry Arthur MADDEN and went by the surname BISCHOFFMADDEN until her death in 1974. Malcolm attended secondary school at Waiuku District High, Kings College and Wesley College where he enjoyed swimming, cricket and tennis. In 1938 he began at Canterbury Agricultural College in Lincoln where he gained the Diploma of Agriculture in 1939. While there he was a member of the 1st XV rugby team.He applied for aircrew training in January 1941 but did not enter camp at Levin until January 1942.During this time, he was employed on his mother’s farm at Lincoln Park, Waiuku. His initial training was at Levin, then Rotorua, then New Plymouth, where he began his flying training 7 March 1942. In May of that year, he proceeded to Canada for further training and was posted to No 3 Service Flying Training School in Calgary. Here he was awarded his flying badge and promoted to Sergeant9 October 1942 and in November proceeded to New Brunswick for further training.Malcolm arrived in England in March 1943, and was stationed at Bournemouth, then Feltwell and shortly after was posted to No 487 Squadron at Methwold in Norfolk. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant 1 June 1943, taking part in many raids over France. In September he commenced a conversion course to Mosquito aircraft at Sculthorpe, then transferred to Hunsden in Hartfordshireand soon commissioned in the Rank of Pilot Officer. Malcolm was piloting a Mosquito aircraft on 13 March 1944, when his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire over enemy territory disabling one engine, then on the way out, the aircraft was hit again. He was classified as missing 30 miles off the enemy coast, his body was not recovered. Malcolm is also remembered on the Pukeoware, Waiuku Town Hall, Waiuku Cenotaph and Kings College Memorials.He is commemorated on the Runnymede Air Force Memorial tothe Missing in Surrey, England.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum, biography written by his motherResearcher: Heather MaloneyRunnymede Air Force Memorial, England17

BEDFORD HaroldService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 28105Regiment: 21 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaHarold was born on 14 June 1919 in Hamilton, the eldest son of HaroldBEDFORD (1889-1922) and Theresa Maria HOPKINS (1890-1967). Harold and Theresa were married on 24 February 1910 in St John the Evangelist Church, Middlesborough, England immigrating to New Zealand in 1912. After Harold died Theresa took the family to live in Stratford so it is possible that Harold attended school in the Stratford area leaving school after reaching Standard 6. Harold and his younger brother John Ernest left home and headed north around 1935. For the next two years Harold was employed as a Farm Labourer by George MAUNSELL in Karaka and John was employed as a Farm Hand with Gavin HOWIE also in Karaka. Sadly, John took his own life in December 1937 at the age of 16 while working in Karaka.When the war broke out Harold was working as a Labourer for Barry BRIGHAM in Kaiaua, and he enlisted on 3 October 1940. He stood 5 feet 8¼ inches (1.73m) tall and weighed 10 stone 7 lbs (67kg).Harold left from Auckland when he was deployed to the Pacific theatre of war on 19 November 1940 and he disembarked in Suva three days later. While Harold was in Fiji he spent a lot of time in hospital and in February 1941 he was diagnosed with chronic dyspepsia (heartburn). He returned to New Zealand on board the SS Rangatira and arrived in Auckland on 26 May 1941 and he was sent to the Papakura Camp.Just over a month later Harold embarked for a second time, this time to the Middle East, from Wellington on board SS Aquitania on 27 June 1941 as part of the 6th Reinforcements. They landed at Port Tewfik just over a month later on 29 July and he remained there for almost four years until he was sent home on 16 March 1945. He was given a medical discharge on 2 August 1945.After the war Harold was living and working as a Bricklayer in Rotorua and in 1951 he married Jean SCHWARZ. She was born around 1926, the daughter of Herman SCHWARZ (1888-1951) and Margaret FAHERTY. Herman and Margaret were married on 21 November 1921. Harold and Jean shifted to Te Puke around 1954 for a few years but moved back to Rotorua about 1963. The 1981 electoral roll shows that he was retired and living in Rotorua. Sometime around 1986 they shifted to Queensland, Australia and it was there that Harold passed away on 11 April 1988 (Registration # 1988/2880). Jean also died in Queensland but the date of her death and whereabouts is unknown. Sources:Service personnel file of 28105 Harold Bedford, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampAncestry®, NZ Electoral RollsArchives NZ Wellington – ProbatesKaraka Museum for photoResearched by Ross Miller18

BELLHOUSE Colin GeorgeService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 401481Unit: 13 Servicing UnitLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftsmanMemorial Board: Mauku Colin George BELLHOUSE was born into a strong Methodist family in 1916. His mother, Mabel MUTTON, had been busy since her marriage to Joseph Bellhouse in 1909. She had already delivered four babies and another two followed Colin in quick succession. Adding to the busy household, her father-in-law, William, emigrated from Leeds, England, in 1913. William lived with the family at Beresford St. in Pukekohe for thirteen, possibly long, years until his death in 1926.Colin’s father, Joseph, a carpenter, served on the Pukekohe Borough Council for a term until the familymoved to Mauku in 1929 to take up farming on the Glenview property. In the same year Colin passed his school Proficiency exams. According to a 2002 newspaper article by Ernie Alexander, his teenage memories were of “milking cows by hand, chopping large quantities of firewood, and feeding ducks and pigs. There was no electricity, no modern conveniences in the home and few motor vehicles on the road. Wood or coal cooking ranges were the norm, and everyone relied on kerosene lamps, candles, and Mother Potts irons. Tank water was precious, and baths were restricted to one a week.”Colin met his future wife, Winn BARNETT, when he drove her to sing at the Bowker’s Kitchen Evening. She was training as a singer because, like Colin, she had a beautiful voice. She also loved to play the piano. They began dating prior to Colin joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1940. A motor mechanic by trade, he trained in Levin as a Flight Mechanic. They married in 1942 and honeymooned for three days at the Railway Hotel in Auckland and at the local Traffic Officer’s cottage at Waitakere.Winn delivered two sons, Owen and Maurice, during Colin’s five-year stint in the Air Force. Two of those years he spent overseas in Fiji where he maintained Hudson Corsair and de Havilland DH-82Tiger Moth planes. He demobilized on 26 September 1945 and a daughter, Christine, followed. After the war Colin opened a motor mechanic garage in Pukekohe. The family became active in the Salvation Army, enjoying nothing better than piano sing-a-longs, dance music and entertainingrelatives and locals alike, who remember them as “warm and welcoming people.” Sources:Grateful thanks to Christine Sherrah, Colin’s daughter, whocontributed to the 17 Feb. 2002 Bellhouse Family Reunion book, a copy of which is held by Pauline and Wes MansellService Personnel file of 401481, C.G. Bellhouse, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPhotographs were supplied by Colin’s son Maurice, via Tony BellhouseResearched by Wendy ClarkColin is seated far right of second row.19

BIDDICK Ernest JohnService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 64148Regiment: Infantry BrigadeLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Mauku Ernest John BIDDICK was born 14 April 1911 in Wanganui to John Albany Biddick and Lavinia Biddick. Ernest had a brother Harold and three sisters: Edith, Mabel, and Gladys. At the time of his call up in 1940 Ernest was working in Morrinsville as a dairy farm hand.Ernest left New Zealand in 1941 for North Africa with the Infantry Brigade. Shortly after arriving he was captured and transported to POW Campo 57 in Italy. Campo 57 was commanded by Colonel Vittorio Calcaterra, who was a staunch fascist described by one prisoner as “a sadist and a beast and an accessory to murder”. He inspired his men to harshly treat the POWs and limit rations. When Italy surrendered to the Allies in 1943 the Germans moved quickly to transport the prisoners to various POW camps within Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe.Ernest was sent to Stalag IV-G in Oschatz, Saxony, Germany. This Stalag was not a camp in the usual sense, but a series of work camps scattered throughout the state of Saxony. Private Biddick was taken from the main compound each day by tram to work in another part of Leipzig. A German girl, Brigittaalso travelled daily by the same tram. One day Ernestslipped her a note and that was the start of their lifelong relationship. They stood together on the daily rides, never daring to speak, however notes about themselves were exchanged regularly. In one of the notes Ernest vowed to come back for her after the war. This, as it turned out, would not be necessary as shortly before the American troops stormed Leipzig the Germans moved all the prisoners out of the camp. Ernest hid himself until they had gone and escaped, he simply walked down the street to Brigitta's house and rang the doorbell. The family took him in and disguised him as a German. When Leipzig was taken by the Americans, Ernest and Brigitta were married by arrangement with the American authorities. A British Army officer then had them flown to England.On 13 January 1945 Ernest and his 18 year old wife Brigitta Maria née FEHSE returned to Pukekohe, New Zealand. Ernest and Brigitta had two children: Walter Ernest and Sieglinda Hertha.Ernest passed away 23 October 1972 at the age of 61 and is buried in Pukekohe Public Cemetery.Brigitta passed away in Pukekohe 16 August 2011 at the age of 84.Sources: Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumAncestry®Papers PastResearched by Ian Shackleton20

BIDDICK Francis ArthurService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 65053Regiment: Infantry Brigade Last Known Rank: Lance CorporalMemorial Board: Karaka HallFrancis Arthur, Frank, was born 22 September 1919 to James Edwin BIDDICK and Kate Florence Biddick née NORRIS. He was the third child of four, having three brothers. Frank attended Te Hihi School where he passed his Proficiency Certificate, and before enlisting he was a farmer.Frank enlisted in Auckland 12 November 1940 and went into training at Papakura Military Camp.On 5 May 1941 he was assigned to No 1 Infantry Training Battalion, being promoted to Lance Corporal in August of that year. Frank embarked for overseas duty 13 September 1941 from Wellington. Sailing aboard the steam ship Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, as part of the 7th Reinforcements to leave New Zealand for the Middle East. Disembarking on 19 October 1941 at Tewfik and transported by train to Maadi Camp, thirteen kilometres south of Cairo. He then marched to join the 18th Battalion as part of the North African Campaign. From there he was posted to 24th Battalion and was involved in the battle of El Alamein for a month. After El Alamein he was with the 6th New Zealand Infantry Brigade Defence Platoon before departing for Italy in October 1943. He disembarked at Taranto, Southern Italy before moving north in early December 1943, where he took part in the liberation of Castle Frentano. Early 1944 he was at Cassino. Frank was in various camps, mainly in Southern Italy, until the war was over in 1945. He arrived back in Wellington 30 September 1945, having served 4 years 242 days. Frank was finally discharged 1 January 1946.The medals he received were: 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, 8th Army Clasp, Italy Star, War Medal 1939-45, New Zealand War Service Medal.Frank married Audrey Mary FRANKE at the Karaka Presbyterian Church 24 November 1945. He and Audrey lived in Karaka, eventually purchasing a dairy farm. They had three children; two girls and one boy.Frank was a member of the Karaka Bowling Club and Papakura RSA. The farm was sold in 1968 and they went to live in Papakura. He enjoyed several overseas trips, including visiting places he went to during the 2nd World War in the Middle East and Italy.Frank passed away 7 August 2003.Sources:Jim Biddick, sonResearcher/Writer: Rachael Hill21

BIDDICK Leslie JamesService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 441607Squadron: UnknownLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftmanMemorial Board: Karaka Leslie James Biddick, mostly known as Les, was born in his parents’ house in Hapimana St at the base of Bastion Pt in Auckland on 16 May 1923. His father was James Edwin Biddick and his mother was Kate Florence Biddick (née Norris) who was known as Flo. Leslie was the youngest of four boys born to the second wife of his widowed father. He had one half-brother and four half-sisters. Three of the siblings died in infancy. His parents bought a dairy farm in Karaka, from where he attended Te Hihi School. He achieved his Proficiency Certificate and was working as a farmhand from the age of 14 years.Les joined the Army initially, after being called up at age 18, and served for a couple of years in New Zealand. He then joined the Airforce and was heartbroken when his mother passed away as he was flying to Bougainville, and he could not attend her funeral.He served in the Solomon Islands and New Hebrides – Vanuatu, as well as many smaller islands. One of his wartime duties was to refuel the planes prior to flyingoff from the island.At the end of the War Les came home to his loved ones. He had married Gladys May COSSEY just before going overseas. Once home he trained as a painter and paperhanger, then he and Gladys bought a dairy farm at Hunua. Les and Gladys had three children.They were committed to the community. Les was a member of the Hunua School Committee and supported local projects.Ill health ended his farming life, but he moved to Papakura and enjoyed the sociable work of a Water Meter Reader for Manukau City Council. He also worked for Auckland Electric Power Board for 15 years.Les joined the Masonic Lodge and became Grand Master of the Papakura 56 Lodge. He was a committed Mason, describing the Lodge as “the most fulfilling organisation I have ever joined”.He was a loving, supportive, proud grandfather of his seven grandchildren.Les’s large funeral service was held at the Papakura RSA and his ashes were returned to the place of his birth at Bastion Pt.Writer: Kay Roberts Researcher: Rachael Hill 22

BIDDICK Stanley PercivalService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 80941Regiment: Armoured CorpsLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Karaka Stanley was born 4 July 1917 to parents James Edwin BIDDICK (1868-1940) and Kate Florence néeNORRIS (1881-1944). He was the second eldest, having three brothers. Known as Stan, he attended Te Hihi School where he completed his Primary Standard. At enlistment Stan had hoped for the Mounted Rifles, however, he was placed in the New Zealand Armoured Corps. Stan embarked from New Zealand 2 January 1942 for the Pacific, as part of B Force. He disembarked in Fiji, four days later on 6 January. While in Fiji, Stanley experienced constant headaches and dizziness, so he was not able to join his unit for any extended periods. During his deployment to the Pacific theatre, Stan spent most of the time in hospital. For this reason, he never completed the six-month requirement (serving in Fiji), to be awarded the Defence Medal. He was however, awarded the War Medal 1939-45 and the New Zealand War Service Medal for his service in New Zealand. On his return from the Pacific to New Zealand, Stan embarked from Suva, Fiji on 24 April 1942. Disembarking in Auckland, New Zealand four days later on 28 April, and was given a medical discharge three months later on 29 Jul 1942.Stan married Rita Louise NICHOLSON 11 August 1943, and they had one daughter, Leonie.He farmed at Karaka until the late 1960s when he and Rita moved to Cross Street in Papakura and Stan worked as a factory worker until his retirement in 1972.Stan passed away on 27 July 1977 and is buried in the RSA section of Papakura Cemetery. Rita died in 1980.Sources:Service personnel file of 80941 Stanley Biddick, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPortrait Photo: Karaka MuseumNew Zealand electoral rolls; Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineProbate recordsHeadstone Photo: FindagraveResearcher: Rachael Hill23

BINDER Basil JosephService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 406817Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: DriverMemorial Board: Karaka Basil was born on 8 October 1920 in England to parents Henry and Victoria BINDER. Although named Basil, he was known as Bill and only his mother called him Basil. He completed his schooling in England.At his enlistment on 5 January 1942 Bill was a dairy hand working for T. M. CHAPMAN in Karaka and living in Papakura with G. ALLCOCK. His mother, when registered as his next of kin, was still living in Highgate, London.Bill embarked from Auckland, New Zealand on 22 November 1942 on the ‘MS Brastagi’ (HMT 51) for the Pacific, as part of Kiwi Force. He disembarked in Noumea, New Caledonia nine days later, on 1December. On 16 August 1943, Bill embarked from New Caledonia to Guadalcanal (code name: Mainyard) in the Solomon Islands.Bill was eventually returned to New Zealand from the Pacific due to Essential Industry. This was due to a shortage of manpower in New Zealand during the war. As Bill was a Dairy Farm Hand, and farming was one of the main industries requiring more men back on the land in New Zealand.On his return from the Pacific to New Zealand, Basil embarked from New Caledonia on 3 June 1944 on the ‘USS Rochambeau’. He disembarked in Auckland, New Zealand five days later on 8 June 1944, and was later discharged on 11 September 1945.Bill was awarded 1939-45 Star and the Pacific Star for his service in the Solomon Islands (Operational area of the Pacific). He was awarded the Defence Medal for six months service in Noumea (NonOperational). Bill also received the War Medal 1939-45 and the New Zealand War Service Medal for his service in New Zealand in early 1942, before deploying to the Pacific. After immigrating to New Zealand, he struck up a relationship with Sylvia Elaine RIDDELL. However, the two lost touch only to find each other some years later. They married, and, as the saying goes, lived happily ever after.In 1954 Bill was sharemilking in Waimauku but by 1963 he was contracting and living in Hamilton with his wife, Sylvia Elaine née RIDDELL (1925-2012).By 1981 they had moved to Tairua and Bill passed away there on 9 February 1991.He is buried in the Servicemen’s section of Tairua Cemetery.Sylvia died in January 2012.Sources:S Riddell, NephewService personnel file of 406817 Basil Binder, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand Electoral Rolls; Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearcher: Rachael Hill24

BOLAND Patrick JohnService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 67189Regiment: 35 BattalionLast Known Rank: SergeantMemorial Board: MaukuPatrick John BOLAND was born 16 May 1914, at 6 Princess Street, Onehunga, New Zealand, to James Paul Boland and Catherine Boland née NEVILLE. Patrick was the eldest of five brothers and four sisters. Patrick started school in Taupaki on the 14 July 1919. In 1938 he was employed as a farm hand in Pokeno.An unfortunate incident on Saturday 27 January 1940 when Patrick was 26 saw him injured in a fight after a dance at Clarks Beach near Pukekohe. The argument had started in the hall and continued outside after the National Anthem had played. Shortly after the altercation, Patrick was discovered with a severe throat wound. He was given first aid from a member of the St John Ambulance brigade to staunch the bleeding and then transported to a Pukekohe doctor where the wound was treated. He was later taken to Hospital in an ambulance. Patrick reported for military service at the Drill Hall in Rutland Street on 21 July 1941 and was transported to Papakura Military Camp to join the 35th (Mixed) Infantry Battalion. This battalion served in the Pacific theatre from 1941 to 1944. It initially saw service in Fiji and New Caledonia before being committed to the fighting in the Solomon Islands. The Battalion returned to New Zealand in late 1944 and was disbanded in late 1945.After the war Patrick appears in the 1949 Electoral Roll living in Hunters Road, Patumahoe. His occupation varied over the next thirty years from a poultry farmer to a dairy factory worker, and then a painter. At the time of his death his occupation is described as hospital employee.Patrick married Mariana Cecelia (1928-1991), their marriage date is not known. Mariana, also known as Molly, died 14 Oct 1991 and her cross was erected next to Patrick’s plaque. Patrick died 26 January 1978 and is buried in the Mauku Cemetery.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers PastNZSG Kiwi Index School recordsAncestry®Researched by Ian Shackleton25

BROOK John William MMService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 67105Regiment: 18 Armoured Last Known Rank: SergeantMemorial Board: KarakaJohn William was born in Wanganui on 4 December 1917, the second child of three. His father, William Hector BROOK (1884-1960) was a carpenter, and his mother was Florence Lillian née FRETHEY (1885-1972). The family shifted to Takapuna about 1925 and then to Weymouth Road in Manurewa before 1928, so John would likely have gone to several schools before leaving to work as a farmhand.On the ballot list of December 1940, John was working for Robert HARKNESS at Karaka as a farmhand, and he was still at this address when he enlisted in 1943. He gave his father as next of kin.John joined the 18th Armoured Regiment and saw action in several parts of Italy, earning a Military Medal in 1945.John returned from the war and went back to farming with Robert Harkness, eventuallytaking over the farm after his death. On 10 April 1948 he married Mildred Rose ALLEN(1905-2005), known as Rose. They did not have a family but were well loved by their nieces and nephews.By 1978 John and Rose had retired to Mill End in Papakura and then in 2000 they moved to Longford Park Retirement Village at Takanini.John passed away 5 October 2013 aged 95 and is buried in Papakura South Cemetery with his wife Rose.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPhoto: Karaka MuseumNew Zealand Electoral Rolls; Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearcher: Rachael HillLondon Gazette notice.26

BROOKE Bernard MartinService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 437860Squadron: UnknownLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftsmanMemorial Board: PatumahoeBernard Martin BROOKE was born in Mauku on 17 September 1922, the eldest of the three children of Martin Alfred BROOKE (1891-1994) and Sybil Marguerita née ZINZAN (1896-1994). He had two brothers and a sister and was brought up on the family farm on the Waiuku Drury Road. He attended Karaka School where he excelled at athletics, winning running races and even the fancy dress competition in 1934. He furthered his education at Mt Albert Grammar where he was first in class in 1938 and after passing his matriculation in November 1939, he attended Auckland University. Here he played hockey and was later was awarded a University Blue as a known leader in this sport. A very good cricketer, his daughter Stephanie recalls him speaking nostalgically about the cricket matches played while serving in Fiji.Prior to his service with the RNZAF, Bernard served in the New Zealand Army between 12 Dec 1941 and 1 June 1943, with his service number 443603 and rank of Private. He transferred to the Air Force and served in Fiji from May 1944 until June 1945. He qualified in meteorological and ground trades.On returning from the war, Bernard worked firstly at the Parnell Post Office as a clerk and after marrying Sheila Constance LANE (1923-2001) in 1949 lived for a few years at Patumahoe and was a building contractor.He had passed an accountancy exam while on military duty in Suva in 1945 and finally completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1959.Although his accountancy career took precedence, a move to Red Hill in Papakura, saw his continuation in property development.In about 1964 they shifted to 210 Remuera Road, an address Bernard was to live at until 2011. In an article that appeared in the NZ Herald promoting the sale of the house, it stated that “Bernard’s eye for detail and diligence about maintenance shows in the home. He is a craftsman himself, judging by the built-in cabinets, wardrobe detailing and sturdy brick and timber fence”. Bernards career spanned accountancy, owning a boat-building company (Lane Motorboat Company) and a construction company(AB Construction) which completed several projects in Franklin.Sheila, who had been Deputy Editor of the Auckland Star’s women’s pages died in July 2001 and Bernard on 13 June 2011. They are buried together at St Bride’s Church Cemetery at Mauku.Sources:Service personnel file of 437860 Bernard Brooke, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand Births Death & Marriages online, New Zealand electoral rollsNew Zealand Herald article 5 Feb 2011Franklin Times: 29 Mar 1933; 21 Mar 1934; 18 April 1934; NZ Herald 14 Dec 1938Researcher: Heather Maloney27

BROWN E.Service: UnknownService Number: UnknownRegiment: UnknownLast Known Rank: UnknownMemorial Board: KarakaEvery attempt has been made, including talking to the Defence Force, to try and identify E. BROWN.Their name has been placed on the Karaka Memorial Board which would indicate that they were either working in the area or had grown up in the area.Please contact NZSG Franklin Branch at [email protected] if you know who they are so their story can be added to the online version of this publication.28

BRUNT WilliamService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 211168Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: DriverMemorial Board: Karaka William was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on 15 April 1917 to parents Thomas Robert BRUNT and Anna-Bella Brunt née McLAREN. He was the third child of eight. Bill and his family immigrated to New Zealandin 1928. Their journey began on 27 April 1928 when they boarded the Tainui in Southampton, London -finally arriving in New Zealand at 3am on 3 June 1928.Initially the family went to live in Taupaki. Bill, as he was known, attended Huapai School and obtained his Proficiency certificate. The Brunts moved to their own farm in Karaka in 1933. Bill helped his father on their farm for a period of time, before becoming a herd tester with Auckland Herd Improvement Assn (Inc). It was while he was working in the Thames Valley area that he met Constance Joyce (Connie) BOND, of Turoa, at a dance. The couple announced their engagement in October 1942, before Bill left New Zealand to serve overseas.Bill had enlisted in the Army on 4 August 1942, going first to Ngāruawāhia training camp, then Trentham Army Camp. On 10 December 1942, Bill embarked from Wellington on the SS Aquitania (HMT 55), bound for Egypt. He was part of the Eighth Reinforcements of the 2nd NZEF. Bill disembarked at Port Tewfik, Egypt on5 January 1943. A month after arriving, he and his “cobber”, Tom GILLGREN, climbed the Cheops Pyramid. (Bill on the right of photo.) He then embarked from Alexandria, Egypt for Italy on 7 October 1943, and arrived in Taranto, Italy just a few days later. Bill wrote regular letters to Connie and his family while he was away at war. The letters, on whisper thin paper, with censorship stamps, are still treasured by his children today. Back home in New Zealand, Bill’s mother stood by the ‘wireless’ radio every time the news came, worried for her son. She was very relieved when the war finally ended, and Bill came home. He embarked from Italy and disembarked a few days later on 27 September 1945 in Egypt. He then reembarked from Egypt on 21 November 1945 on the SS Mooltan and disembarked at Wellington on the 20 December 1945. Bill was discharged on 18 March 1946, just two days after marrying his beloved Connie in St George’s Church, Thames. Bill and Connie had seven children.After a stint driving trucks, Bill devoted himself to farming – first in Karaka then on various farms in the Waikato, before the family settled on their own farm on Hauraki Road, Netherton where they farmed until their retirement in 1977. Bill and Connie then moved to Whangaparaoa where Bill enjoyed many happy hours playing bowls with his friends.He passed away in New Zealand, on 14 April 1984-the eve of his 67th birthday.Sources:Service Personnel file of 211168 William Brunt, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampKaraka MuseumFamily information: Don Brunt (son), Marlene Brunt (daughter), Dianne Lindesay (niece)Researcher/Writer: Rachael Hill 29

BRYANT Noel HarknessService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 76251Regiment: 34 Battalion Last Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Karaka HallNoel was born 23 December 1918 to parents Joseph Robert BRYANT (1876-1943) and Mary (May) Jane HARKNESS (1883-1971). He had two siblings; an older brother, Robert George, and a younger sister, Isabel Margaret Agnes REYNOLDS. Noel attended Karaka Point Primary School, a one roomed school at the end of Urquharts Road, Te Hihi Primary School, and Wesley College.He worked on his parents’ farm in Bryant Road, Karaka as a dairy farmer before enlisting.Noel was called up 2 March 1942, enlisted on 16 April 1942. He embarked on 10 May 1942 to Fiji as a private. Whilst Noel was in Fiji his father died. Having lost his elder brother earlier in WW2 Noel was discharged back to New Zealand on 13 July 1943 to run the family farm.He served in New Zealand for 178 days and overseas for 321 days. In 1944 Noel married Audrey Joan STUBBS who had moved to Karaka when she was sixteen. Their wedding was in Auckland. Audrey served in the Papakura Army Dental Unit for two years. They had three children – Wayne Joseph (1945), Jacqueline Beverly (1949), Lynette Noeline (1953). Noel continued to farm, but changed from dairying to farming sheep and beef.Noel enjoyed all sport and was a member of the Karaka Rugby Team that won the old Manukau Sub-Union senior Championship in 1946. Noel was a very active Rotarian in the Papakura Rotary Club, being President 1962/1963 and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1985. He also served his community as a Justice of the Peace and was an active member of Federated Farmers.Noel passed away 11 July 1995. Writer: Lyn Wilson - daughterResearcher: Rachael HillNoel is second on the left, middle row.30

BUDGE Arthur Gordon Geoffrey SimmonsService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 437173Unit: Corsair Assembly UnitLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftsmanMemorial Board: KarakaArthur was born on 13 May 1923 in Otane, Central Hawkes Bay and he was the son of Arthur Mark BUDGE (1887-1948) and Ethel Caroline MOORE (1896-1983). Arthur and Ethel were married on 10 April 1918 in the Holy Trinity Church in Gisborne. Arthur snr served in Gallipoli in WW1. Arthur jnr attended Otane School and in 1934 he was awarded an attendance certificate for his Standard IV year. He also mentioned in his attestation paper that he had spent two years at secondary school. Before the outbreak of WW2 Arthur was employed as a Farmhand by a Mr T. WOOD of Greenlane. Prior to joining the Air Force Arthur served in the Army. He filled out his attestation form and had a medical on 4 July 1941 and from this we learn that he stood 5 feet 10 inches (1.78m) tall, weighed in at 10 stone (67kg), had blue eyes and a fair complexion. A month later on 1 August he entered camp at Ngaruawahia, service number 447727, and was posted to the Provost Corps which was the predecessor to the Military Police. Later postings to camps included Auckland, Epsom, Papakura, Matakana and Glen Bervie in Whangarei. On 28 May 1943 he transferred to the Air Force. After entering the Air Force he was stationed at various places around New Zealand including Linton, Hobsonville, Rongotai and Nelson before being sent to the Pacific on 11 July 1944. He was in Espiritu Santos, Los Negros, Guadalcanal, Bougainville and finally Torokina with the Corsair Assembly Unit. Arthur spent a year there until 13 July 1945 and he was finally discharged on 27 September 1946.On 20 March 1948 he married Meryl Jean GILLMAN. Meryl was born around 1926 and was the daughter of Norman Rueben GILLMAN (1888-1959) and Jane Ann HAYSOM (1886-1974). Norman and Jane were married on 9 October 1914 in the Epiphany Church in Newton, Auckland. Arthur and Meryl lived in the Roskill area of Auckland for many years while Arthur plied his trade as a builder and raised their family of four. They eventually retired to Manukau East (Botany) and then made the move to Queensland to see out their retirement. Arthur passed away peacefully in his sleep on 12 November 2018 at the age of 95. Sources:Service personnel file of 437173 Arthur Gordon Budge, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampAncestry®Papers Past, NZ Electoral RollsPhoto courtesy of Richard Budge, son of Arthur BudgeResearched by Ross MillerCorsairs of 31 Servicing Unit at Palikulo Bay Airfield, Espiritu Santo, 31 October 194431

BURROWS LeonardService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 61921Regiment: 21 Battalion Last Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PuniLeonard was born on 25 September 1920 in Pukekohe, he was the youngest child of Harry BURROWS (1884-1955) and Adelaide Evelyn ROTH (1883-1940). He attended Puni School from 28 September 1925 until December 1933 and newspaper reports also state that he attended Pukekohe Technical High School and Mount Albert Grammar School. Before entering the Army, he was employed as a Clerk with L. D. Nathan and Co., Auckland. With the outbreak of WW2 Leonard enlisted on 3 January 1941. He arrived in Egypt on 7 April 1941 and was in action in Egypt and on 13 December 1941 he was listed as missing but on 2 February via the Red Cross he was reported as a prisoner of war. At the end of the war there was a report in the Franklin Times on 1 June 1945 about Len.One by one, Franklin boys who have been prisoners of war are turning up, the latest to arrive safely in England being Private Len Burrows, fifth and youngest son of Mr Harry Burrows, of Pukekohe Hill. Private Burrows was one of the early volunteers and but for a disability which developed while in camp, he would have got away with the Third Echelon. After a period in hospital and an operation he left New Zealand with the Fifths. He took part in the early North African campaign and was wounded in both legs and taken prisoner at Sidi Razegh. He spent 13 weeks in hospital. Taken across the Mediterranean in a submarine, he was placed in the notorious Gampo 57 in Italy where he received a great reception from several former school pals who had reached the prison camp earlier. When Italy capitulated, he was removed to Germany. Private Burrows had been a prisoner of war for over four years. While in Germany he contracted malaria and in nine months had four attacks which put him into hospital. Leonard married Miriam GREEN on 27 July 1948. She was born on 30 July 1930 and who was the daughter of Robert George GREEN (1906-1977) and Emily GRIFFITH (1907-2008). Miriam’s parents Robert and Emily were married on 1 March 1930. Miriam died on 15 August 1961 and Leonard later married Susan Geneva HOLLOWAY. She was born 20 March 1938 and passed away on 13 February 2010. After he came home and was married, he was living in Auckland and worked as a Traveller and then sometime between 1954 and 1957 he was a Concrete Contractor. Around 1970 he shifted out to Glenbrook Beach. Leonard died on 8 July 1988 and is interred in the Waiuku Cemetery.Sources:Ancestry®, NZSG Kiwi Index, Papers Past, NZ Electoral RollsOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumService personnel file of 61921 Leonard Burrows, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampResearched by Ross Miller32

CAMPBELL Brian DouglasService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 71235Regiment: Divisional SignalsLast Known Rank: CorporalMemorial Board: Mauku Victory HallBrian Douglas CAMPBELL was born 6 July 1920, in Hawera, South Taranaki, New Zealand, to Owen Douglas Campbell and Grace Campbell née DODDS. Brian was an only child and he grew up on his father’s farm in Mauku, Franklin. Brian enjoyed playing tennis, becoming an active member of the Mauku Tennis Club. Before enlisting in the military in 1942, Brian worked as a clerk at the Patumahoe Post and Telegraph Office.Brian embarked from Auckland on 21 May 1942 on the SS Rangitira for Suva, Fiji, where he disembarked four days later. This was Brian’s first tour in the Pacific. He was attached to the Fiji Defence Force in the 1st Brigade Section, Fiji Corps of Signals. He returned to New Zealand in late 1943 for one month’s leave before returning to the Pacific. He returned to New Zealandin March 1945 and was discharged in April that year.Returning to Mauku, Brian resumed his work with the Post and Telegraph and rekindled his passion for tennis, taking on the role of Club Secretary at the Mauku Tennis Club. Brian married a nurse, Florence Melita JENKINS on 24 March 1948.Brian left the Post and Telegraph and became a Traffic Officer.He and Florence moved to Manurewa, where they lived for twenty years. In 1981, they relocated to the coastal town of Maraetai, where Brian worked as a clerk. By 1995, the retired couple had moved to Papatoetoe.Brian passed away on 12 October 2000. He was cremated, and his ashes were buried in St. John’s Presbyterian Cemetery in Papatoetoe. Florence followed him in death in 2017.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers PastAncestry®Researched by Ian Shackleton33

CARTER Claude CyrilService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 72989Regiment: 36 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Patumahoe DomainClaude CARTER should never have gone to war, but the stigma of staying home was strong. Twice, doctors turned him down because of a heart murmur. His third application was successful. In 1942, after training at Trentham, the 36th Battalion marched down Queen St and onto the troop carrier. They steamed across the Pacific Ocean, zig-zagging to avoid submarine attacks and occasionally dropping depth charges when suspicious of activity below. In Suva they trained in jungle warfare and undertook marches of up to 30 miles in humid heat while carrying 90 lb packs.Claude volunteered for action in the Solomons. In later years, he spoke of landing on the beach at Mono Island, of losing comrades to enemy mortar fire, and of spending two weeks in a foxhole. “Everything is okay until the hot lead starts flying,” his son, Bruce, recalls him saying. Down in the muddy foxhole he and his mate took turns to sleep while the other sat guard, Bren gun pointed upwards in case a Jap head appeared above them. That first night after dark they were strafed repeatedly from overhead planes. “At night, we did not leave the foxhole for anything,” said Claude.He paused significantly. “Not for anything.”Claude was away three years, his service broken by a single furlough, before being discharged. He came back to the family farm in Patumahoe, saddened to find the woman he hoped to marry committed to someone new. He paid a visit to her mother to assure her there were no hard feelings; a visit, according to family legend, that endeared him to the old lady for the rest of her life.Instead, in 1945, he married Marie Yvonne O’NEILL, a psychiatric nurse 13 years his junior, who worked at Kingseat Hospital. She was one of 18 children, the daughter of a Waihi goldminer and their belovedmother, Agnes Josephine, née COLEBROOK.For 40 years Marie and Claude milked 45 cows on 56 acres subdivided off the family farm by Claude’s parents, Henry and Catherine. In the early days Claude would bring in the herd before dawn and start the milking. Marie would take over at 6am, leaving her husband free to catch a lift to the Awhitu Peninsula where he helped build cowsheds for rehab farmers. In the evenings he finished milking while she headed home to put on dinner. They were blessed with five children.Claude smoked all his adult life. He contracted lung cancer. On 12 November 1990 he said to Marie, “Don’t buy me any more tobacco. I’m giving up tomorrow.” The next morning, he collected the Herald from the letterbox but, before he could read it, he passed away.Source:Grateful thanks to Claude’s son, Bruce Carter, daughter, Jenny Robinson, and daughter-in-law, Christine Carter.Researched by Wendy Clark34

CHARLES Ernest GeorgeService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 67197Regiment: 24 BattalionLast Known Rank: CorporalMemorial Board: Karaka Ernest George was born to parents Benjamin Charles (1880-1959) and Adelina Blanche née KNIGHT (1884-1967) on 7 July 1917. He was the third child, with one brother and two sisters. Ernie, as he was known, attended Karaka Primary School and later Pukekohe High School.Before the war he worked as a farm hand.Ernie enlisted on 21 July 1941 and was described as 5 feet 9 ¾ (177cm), 10 stone 7 pounds (67kg), with brown hair, sallow complexion and grey eyes. He embarked two months later as part of the 7th Reinforcements arriving at Port Tewfik, Egypt on19 October 1941.While serving with the 18 Battalion, Ernie received a gunshot wound to his right leg on 15 July 1942 and was admitted to 27 British General Hospital in El-Geneifa, Egypt, where he remained for almost a month. Ernie left Alexandria for Italy, arriving in Taranto early October 1943 with 24 Battalion. He was wounded again when he was hit by an explosive bullet after crossing the Sangro River in November 1943 and admitted to a series of hospitals, firstly in Italy then in Egypt where he remained until11 February 1944. He was then transferred to 2 New Zealand Rest Home for recovery and was finally returned to New Zealand, leaving Egypt on7 August 1945 on the SS Strathaird. He disembarked in Wellington on6 September 1945 after serving 150 days in New Zealand and almost 4 years overseas.After coming home from the war, he married Annie Campbell KIDD(known as Anne) on 8 December 1945 at St David’s Presbyterian Church, Kyber Pass, Auckland. They settled in farming in Charles Road, Karaka and had a family of three boys; Benjamin, Richard and Clive.Ernie died on 25 December 1968 and was buried in Pukekohe Cemetery.Anne remarried and died in 2019.Sources:Service personnel file of 67197 Ernest Charles, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampClive Charles (Son) – photo of Charles with his sisters Isabelle (on left) and DorisResearched by Rachael Hill With sisters Isabelle and Doris35

CLARK Joseph NormanService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 415076Squadron: 207 SquadronLast Known Rank: Flying OfficerMemorial Board: Waipa and Pukekohe RSA MemorialJoseph was born on 28 April 1920 in Waiau Pa and was the third child and eldest son in a family of eight of Norman Joseph McLean CLARK(1890-1961) and Florence Ethel RUMBAL (1894-1985). Norman and Florence were married on 27 January 1916. The Clark name is synonymous with the naming of Clarks Beach. Joseph attended Waiau Pa School, and he was employed on his father’s farm when he made his application for enlistment in the Air Force in January 1940. He was a keen sportsman, and his main interests were tennis, rugby football and hockey.He eventually went to Hobsonville on 8 September 1941 and was employed for about seven months on ground duties until May 1942 when he was sent to the Initial Training Wing in Rotorua to begin training as an Air Observer. On 31 October 1942 he embarked for Canada to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Initially he was posted to No. 7 Gunnery and Training School, Paulson, Manitoba then onto No. 1 Air Observers School, Malton, Ontario and then it was back to No. 7 Gunnery and Training School in Paulson, Manitoba where he carried out high level bombing exercises in Anson and Bolingbroke aircraft. In June 1943 he embarked for England for further training. Joseph was sent to the Isle of Man, Skeabrae in the Orkney Islands and then to Market Harborough in Leicestershire for training on Wellington bombers. On 24 November 1943 he was a member of the crew of a Wellington bomber which was involved in a flying accident at Shuttlegate, Derbyshire. He bailed out and received a leg injury and was admitted to station sick quarters at Finningley. He later received treatment at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary and the RAF Hospital, Ely, Cambridgeshire. He was out action for several months.On 16 November 1944 Joseph was a member of the crew of a Lancaster bomber which took off to attack the target of Duren in Germany and failed to return to its base and all members of the crew were reported missing, presumed dead. It was later learnt that he and the rest of his crew were killed on 16 November 1944 and Joseph’s death place was listed as Duren, Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis, NordheinWestfalen, Germany. It was mentioned in the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph database that he was originally buried in the cemetery at Duren, Germany and his final resting place is in the Venray War Cemetery, Limburg in the Netherlands. Sources:Ancestry®Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumRNZAF Biographies of Deceased Personnel 1939-1945 Vol. Bo-ClOther Memorials: Waiau Pa School Researched by Ross Miller36

CLIST Edwin HarryService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 509015Regiment: Anti-AircraftLast Known Rank: Lance BombardierMemorial Board: KarakaEdwin (Ted) was born on 24 August 1915 in Devonport, Auckland and was the eldest son of Harry Spencer CLIST (1887-1958) and Alice Maud BLACKWELL (1886-1985). Harry and Alice were married on 17 April 1911 in the Methodist Church in Devonport. On 23 August 1920 Ted entered Belmont Primary school and then he completed one year of secondary school. The 1938 electoral roll for Franklin shows that he was employed as a Farm Manager c/o K. K. MONTGOMERIEat Karaka and the following year on 28 December 1939 he married Beryl Lorraine GRANT in the Methodist Church in Papakura. She was born 14 December 1917 in Auckland and was the daughter of Robinson GRANT (1864-1958) and Sarah Ada WILSON (1872-1962). Robinson and Sarah were married on 17 December 1890 in Hoteo North. Ted was still employed as a Farm Manager when his name was called in the ballot in March 1942 and the following month on 22 April 1942 he filled out his attestation form and had a medical. Ted was 5 feet 6½ inches (1.69m) tall, weighed 11 stone 10 lbs (74kg) and had a fair complexion. Just six months later he embarked from Auckland on 7 October 1942 bound for Norfolk Island, he was there until 29 March 1943. Two days later he landed in New Caledonia and he spent the next five months there until 23 August 1943. He then boarded the USS Fuller and disembarked at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands a few days later. Ted was eventually returned to New Zealand due to shortage of manpower in Essential Industry. As he was a farmer, he was one of those men required back on the land to boost food production for the country. After his return back home, he was sent back to New Caledonia on the USS Wharton at the end of April 1944 and then he returned on board USS Talamanca on 3 June 1944 disembarking in Auckland five days later and was discharged shortly after on 20 July 1944.On his return he farmed briefly at Karaka and then went farming in Whangamata around 1949. The 1954 electoral roll shows that he was sharemilking in Tauhei and from around 1957 the family settled on a farm on Maratoto Road in Hikutaia. They had three children during their marriage. Ted eventually retired around 1980 and settled in Paeroa, and it was here that he passed away on 22 January 1984. Beryl had previously passed away in Thames Hospital on 24 February 1979 and they are interred in the Pukerimu Cemetery, Paeroa.Sources:Service personnel file of 509015 Edwin Harry Clist, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampAncestry®NZSG Kiwi index, NZ Electoral RollsResearched by Ross MillerBelmont School 192037

CLOSE J.Service: UnconfirmedMemorial: PatumahoeWho is J CLOSE? This is the only name on the Patumahoe WW2 Memorial gateposts that has not been identified.From a Franklin Times advertisement on 23 August 1940 for a dance and presentation to Seaman J Close, it can be established that he was a seaman but as neither the Naval Museum at Devonport nor the New Zealand Defence Force at Trentham have a record for anyone by this name, it can be assumed he was a merchant navy seaman.Many people have helped in the search and a merchant seaman was discovered in the United Kingdom records. This J Close was living in England in 1939 and was of a suitable age. However, the Franklin Times 17 April 1940, reports that J Close was selected for the Patumahoe Rugby Team and again in that same paper on 15 May 1940 and 22 May 1940, for further rugby games.Despite extensive advertising and postings on several forums no further information has been found.However, he was a rugby sportsman and served in WW2, and has been remembered on the Patumahoe Memorial gate pillars. The gates are at the entrance to the Patumahoe Domain.Sources:Papers PastAncestry®Researched by Heather Maloney, assisted by many.38

COCHRANE Alan KatansService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 629141Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: Driver MechanicMemorial Board: Karaka Alan COCHRANE was born to parents Peter and Esther Myrtle (née HALIDAY)Cochrane, 12 April 1922. He was the fourth child of six, having three brothers and two sisters. Alan attended Karaka Primary School and left in 1932 aged 12. His teacher was George Buchan. Along with working on the family farm, he also worked for Tom Parlour who farmed and was an agricultural contractor and lived opposite. Times were tough back then during the Great Depression which left many families struggling. Alan also worked for Alex Sim and drove for Alf Walker carting livestock, prior to military training and leaving for war in 1941.Alan began his war service by firstly joining The Scottish Regiment at eighteen. The regiment had established a camp at the Pukekohe Racecourse in 1941 in the stables. Their dress uniform was the Black Watch tartan kilt with a khaki tunic jacket, black glengarry hat with a red toorie on the top. They wore white spats on their legs. At this stage the Japanese were expected to invade around Kaiaua, Orere Point, and Port Waikato. From Pukekohe Alan was transferred to Ngāruawāhia then on to Tauherenikau, near Featherston. The Scottish Regiment did not go to the Middle East. They were drafted into other units and Alan went to the Middle East and Italy with the 9th Reinforcements. His actual enlistment was 15 December 1941. Alan embarked from Wellington, on 14 May 1943 on the ‘SS Dominion Monarch’. They stopped over at Fremantle, Colombo and Aden, before disembarking at Port Tewfik, Egypt on 11 Jun 1943. When Alan headed for Italy, he embarked from Alexandria on 5 Oct 1943 and landed in Italy a few days later. Returning to Egypt on 13 December 1945, he re-embarked from Egypt on 18 Dec 1945, on the ‘SS Otranto’, as part of the Aparima Roll. He was discharged in New Zealand 23 March 1946.After returning home from the war, he offered to purchase the family farm and resided there, as none of the others in his family had any interest in it. He ploughed a 3-acre paddock using a horse and planted a crop of potatoes to sell in the first year of farming it.Alan married Elizabeth Eva CUMING in 1950. She was born in Waiuku, and their family owned the Sandspit Motor Camp on Sandspit Road and also George Cuming furnishers in the Waiuku township. They married in Waiuku and went on to have three boys; Brent, Grant and Stephen. As neighbours sold, Alan was able to expand the farm size and dairy herd with the help of all the family. Over the years he upgraded the shed and milking plant, eventually supplying Fonterra.Alan passed away on 3 May 1992 while working on the farm. Never retiring.Sources:Service personnel file of 629141 Alan Cochrane, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham campKaraka: Book Franklin Remembers – The war years 1939-1945 by Keith and Nona Morris Pages 23 & 24Family information: Brent Cochrane (son)Researched by Rachael Hill39

COCHRANE Charles PeterService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 391996Squadron: 6 (Flying Boat) Last Known Rank: Warrant OfficerMemorial Board: KarakaCharles was born 11 June 1914 to parents Peter COCHRANE and Esther Myrtle née HALIDAY. He had two sisters and three brothers and was known as Charlie.After finishing Karaka Primary School Charlie attended Pukekohe Technical High School. He was a Champion cyclist. Charlie trained and achieved A Grade Mechanic Certificate, December 1938, this was at Bycroft’s Garage, Runciman.Charlie enlisted 13 December 1939 and left New Zealand on 16 August 1943 for the Pacific. He disembarked at Fiji, and was posted to 6 (Flying Boat) Squadron, only a few months after the unit had been formed in May 1943. On 1 Apr 1944, Charlie left the non-operational area of Fiji and moved to the operational area of the Solomon Islands (Florida Island), while still posted to 6 (Flying Boat) Squadron. He remained in the Solomons until 1 Sep 1944, when he returned to New Zealand. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star and the Pacific Star for his service in the Operational area of the Pacific Theatre (Solomon Islands), in 1944, the Defence Medal for six months service in Fiji (NonOperational area of Pacific), in 1943,and the War Medal 1939-45 and the New Zealand War Service Medal for his service in New Zealand in 1939, prior to his service in the Pacific theatre. Charlie was discharged from the RNZAF on 31 August 1946.Charlie married Violet Joyce FRANKE (WAAF) 30 September 1944, only a few weeks after arriving back in New Zealand. After the war Charlie worked at Mechanics Bay, Auckland on flying boats until discharge. While there they lived in Auckland city. In August 1946 they moved to their own house at Runciman. Charlie and Joyce had 2 children, namely Brian and Beverley. Joyce remarried, after Charlie’s early death, to Jack COLMAN, and they had a daughter Kay.Charlie passed away on 6 April 1950, at Papakura, New Zealand.Sources:Service personnel file of 391996 Charles Cochrane, NZDF Personnel Archive, Trentham CampFamily information: Brian Coleman (son),Beverley Bonnar (daughter)Karaka MuseumResearch writer, Rachael Hill40

COCHRANE Ronald AustonService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 22928Regiment: ArtilleryLast Known Rank: SergeantMemorial Board: Karaka Ronald was born to parents Peter COCHRANE and Esther Myrtle néeHALIDAY on 19 August 1919. He had three brothers and two sisters. Ron, as he was known, attended Karaka Primary School. On leaving school he worked on Haliday’s farm in Karaka.Ron then enlisted 31 January 1940. When Ron embarked for the Middle East, he left Wellington on the ‘SS Aquitania’ on 1 May 1940, as part of the 1st Reinforcements, 2nd Echelon. They stopped over at Sydney Heads, Melbourne, Fremantle, Cocos Island, Capetown, Simonstown, Freetown, before finally disembarking at Gourock in Scotland on 16 June 1940. This convoy of ships from New Zealand (the Aquitania, Empress of Britain and Empress of Japan from Wellington, and the Andes from Lyttleton) had been diverted during their voyage at Colombo, from Egypt to the United Kingdom, following the German invasion of France. Six months later on 16 Dec 1940, Ronald embarked from the United Kingdom and finally entered Egypt on 16 Feb 1941. During the Battle of Crete, Ron was reported missing on 18 May 1941, on the island of Crete. On 26 September 1941, it was reported that Ron was now a Prisoner of War and held at the German POW camp Stalag VIIIB (8B) at Lamsdorf in Silesia, now Poland. He was later transferred to Oflag IIIC (3C) with a POW # 2735. Oflag IIIC was located at Juliusberg/Dobroszyce, also in Poland, and was later renamed Stalag 383. It wasn’t until 15 May 1945 that Ron was reported as being safe in the United Kingdom. While in the United Kingdom he completed a course on radar operation.When returning to New Zealand, Ron embarked from the United Kingdom arriving home on 22 October 1946 and was later transferred to the Regular Force of the New Zealand Army, on 21 November 1946. During his Regular service Ronald was posted to 10th North and was discharged after three years’ service on 13 November 1949. Ron married Dagmar Annie Bramah McDONALD, 03 July 1946 in Church of Scotland, Saint Colomba, Glasgow, Scotland. They went on to have two sons, Richard and Phillip. Dagmar was always known as Dorothy or Dot. Once out of the Army Ron and Dagmar had a dairy/milk bar in Papakura until 1951 then the same in Kohimarama and then Mt Albert. They moved to Australia 1961-1963, again owningdairy/milk bars. On returning to New Zealand, he worked as an AA driving instructor.Ronald passed away on 13 February 1985, in New Zealand.Sources:Service personnel file 22928 Ronald Cochrane, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampKaraka MuseumFamily information: Brian Cochrane (nephew) and Beverley Bonnar (niece)Researcher: Rachael Hill41

COMMON Raymond William MMService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 32821Regiment: 25 Battalion Last Known Rank: CorporalMemorial Board: Wesley CollegeRaymond William COMMON was born on 26 March 1917, in Hastings, Hawkes Bay. His parents were John Dodd Common (1888-1952) and Hilda Hannah née FARMERY (1895-1948).He had a brother Leonard John and a sister Ngaire Elizabeth. Raymond received his secondary education in Hawkes Bay and then in 1934 at Wesley College, Paerata where he excelled in distance running and debating. In 1938 Raymond was living in Napier where he was employed as a nurseryman. Raymond enlisted in the New Zealand Army in 1940 and joined the 25 Battalion. After a period of training, they embarked for the Middle East where the Battalion joined up with the Second New Zealand Division. The Division moved to Greece to help defend that country against the German invasion. It was here that Raymond was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery and mentioned in despatches. The citation reads:“On 24 April 1941 at Holos, Greece when the company was almost surrounded and under intense fire, volunteers were called for to take an order for withdrawal to the forward platoons. Private Common immediately volunteered and owing to his dash the withdrawal was successfully accomplished. He subsequently did good work in rallying the men under fire and waited behind to destroy a truck.”On 23 November 1941 his parents received a telegram from the New Zealand Minister of Defence informing then that their son had been killed in action in Libya. A friend of Raymond’s, Corporal Deryck Bach, in a letter to Raymond’s parents reported that:“We were in the thick of an engagement at the time in the Sid Rezegh, Hill 175 and Ray was a section leader of ten men of whom Ray and two others lost their lives. Ray has been given a proper Christian burial in the battle area. I am sorry I can’t tell you more……please pass on the information to his fiancé Miss Millar.”Raymond William Common MM is buried at the Knightsbridge War Cemetery in Acroma, Libya.Sources:The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for COMMON, Raymond William. (Ref. WO 373/27/364). Military Medal.Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum Wesley College ArchivesAncestry®Researched by Ian Shackleton42

COOGAN Francis EdwardService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 60983Regiment: 14 Light Anti-AircraftLast Known Rank: GunnerMemorial Board: PuniFrancis, sometimes called Frank, was born on 19 January 1913 in Taumarunui, the son of Joseph COOGAN (1876-1960) and Norah Cecelia O’SULLIVAN (1881-1957). Joseph and Norah were married in Blenheim on 6 April 1904. One would assume he attended school in the district as his parents were farming at Taringamotu near Taumarunui from around 1911 until 1957. Frank next pops up in the 1935 electoral roll for Rotorua where it shows that he is employed as a Farm Hand in Richmond Downs and is followed up in 1938 when he was also working as a Farm Hand for John & Grace GOLDSMITH in Waiau Pa but soon after moving up to the area it would appear that he purchased a milk delivery business sometime in 1938 as he had placed a notice (left) in the Franklin Times on 20 September 1940. Frank also had spent time working for Reginald and Alice PARTON on their farm in Puni.With the outbreak of WW2 Frank had filled out his attestation form on 19 March 1940 and he eventually enlisted on 8 January 1941.Several soldiers from Pukekohe and surrounding districts were given a huge farewell in the Masonic Hall on Thursday 6 March 1941. Frank gave the following reply to those assembled…“This is indeed a touching moment,” said Gunner Coogan. “We realise that this a war to the bitter end and that we have a job to do. No matter how hard or long the struggle will be, the New Zealand boys on sea, land and in the air will play their part as it should be played. We will not shirk our responsibilities. It is only too clear now that if we lose this war we will lose everything. Britain and her Allies are going to put an end to Nazism forever, and preserve the freedom of the British Commonwealth.” Gunner Coogan, in conclusion, said words could not adequately express their appreciation of the many farewells they had received. He thanked all responsible for the hearty send-off function… Not long after, he was on his way to Egypt with the 5th Reinforcements. He saw action in North Africa and then he was posted to Italy and served there from 6 December 1943 until 20 February 1945. He returned to New Zealand and was released from the Army on 30 July 1945.In 1946 we find Frank working as a Milk Vendor in Hamilton and again in 1949. He next shows up in 1960 and 1963 employed by AFFCO as a Labourer and Freezing Worker at Horotiu and then there is a gap in the electoral rolls until he appears in the 1978 roll for Hamilton East and has retired. It was in Hamilton that Frank died on 10 July 1989, and he was interred in the RSA Section of the Hamilton Park Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 60983 Francis Edward Coogan, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPhoto courtesy of Maxine (née Petch) CooganPapers Past, NZ Electoral Rolls, Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumAncestry®Researched by Ross Miller43

COOK John FrederickService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 435471Squadron: No. 1 Group Palikulo BayLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftsmanMemorial Board: Mauku John Frederick COOK was born on August 13, 1922, in Pukekohe, to Rawson Cook and Martha Cook (née ACFORD). His father had a farm in the Pukekohe district, where John grew up with his two younger brothers, Harold and Reginald. He attended local schools and completed three years of secondary education. At the time he enlisted in the army, John was working as a farmhand on his father’s farm. He enlisted in the RNZAF on April 29, 1943, and his attestation took place on June 10, 1943. Declaring himself a motor mechanic by trade, John served at various bases throughout New Zealand. On 4 October 1944, he was posted to Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, with No. 1 Group. The New Zealand forces were stationed at the American airfield at Palikulo Bay, where the RNZAF operated a base depot that assembled aircraft arriving aboard U.S. ships, which were then assigned to RNZAF squadrons.Prior to his service with the RNZAF, John served with the New Zealand Army from 10 January 1942 to 28 April 1943. His service number was 448423, and he held the rank of Corporal. He was posted to the 3rd Auckland Provost Corps (predecessor to the Military Police). John was demobilized on 23 October 1945, after serving 344 days with the Army and 2 years and 177 days with the Air Force.For John’s operational service in the Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal), he was awarded the 1939-45 Star and the Pacific Star. He was awarded the War Medal 1939-45 and the NZ War Service Medal for his service in New Zealand prior to being posted to the Pacific theatre.John married Joyce Kathleen MITCHELL on 23 April 1947and they moved to Auckland, where they lived in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn while John worked as an engineer and motorman. In 1963, they relocated to the small town of Ruakaka, where John took a position as a mechanic. The couple later retired to the quiet town of Warkworth, Northland.Sources:Service Personnel file of 435471 John F Cook, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumNZ Ancestor Search HelperWikipediaResearched by Ian Shackleton44

COSSEY Leslie AlbertService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 444226Regiment: 21 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaLeslie Albert, known as Les, was born on 27 May 1922 in Drury, Auckland.His father was Herbert Joseph COSSEY and his mother Winifred Amy, néeTORRINGTON, but known as Amy. Les was the youngest child with a brother and two sisters. His mother excelled at dressing the children for fancy dress competitions and Les appeared as a swagger, a scarecrow, and an All Black among other things, as reported in the local paper. He was educated at Drury school, starting there on 24 November 1927 and having his last day on 26 October 1937.An interesting rugby game was reported in local papers in 1939 when a team of 14 Cossey grandsons, including Les, and one great grandson of James Cossey beat the Drury rugby team in a fundraising match.Les enlisted on 10 January 1942 as a farmhand working for W.A. PATERSON at Karaka and named his mother of Pidgeon Park, Drury, as his next of kin. He spent some time training with the 3rd Auckland Battalion in 1942 but did not embark until March 1944 with the 21st Battalion, initially for Egypt, then to Italy. He was wounded in action on 3 August 1944 when his battalion was faced with the last obstacle before entering Florence, Italy.He was discharged on 15 April 1946.Les returned to work for Paterson at Karaka before working for P.C. JOHNSON, general carriers in Papakura. Later he was to be an owner-driver while living in Papakura.On 23 March 1949 Les married Hazel Joyce GOODHUE in Papakura. This marriage was to end in divorce in 1978.Les died on 23 March 1992 in Papakura and is buried in the Papakura RSA Lawn Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 444226 Leslie Cossey, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPapers Past: Fancy Dress - Franklin Times 1929,1932,1935,1937; Rugby game NZ Herald 19 April 1939New Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineNZ Society of Genealogists – school recordsKaraka Museum – photo of Les CosseyResearcher: Rachael Hill45

COTTINGHAM Richard EdwardService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 30295Regiment: 27 Machine Gun BattalionLast Known Rank: SergeantMemorial Board: KarakaWe have not established a link between R E Cottingham and the Karaka district but as he is the only R Cottingham killed in action; we are including his story.Maybe his time on furlough was spent in the Karaka district.Richard Edward, known as Dick, was born in Gisborne on 2 July 1917. He was the third child in a family of nine, having six brothers and two sisters. His father Wolfran COTTINGHAM (1885-1943) was a farm labourer at Mangapapa when Dick was born but was recorded as a French Polisher in the 1919 electoral roll, living in Gisborne with Dick’s mother, Sophia née JOHANSON (1892-1978). Dick started school in Gisborne and had probably completed his education before his parents shifted to Wellington around 1935. Dick was working for E.J. BOYCE at Maharahara, Dannevirke as a labourer and truck driver before he entered camp on 16 January 1940.He was described as 5 feet 5 inches (165cm), with dark hair, brown eyes and medium complexion. After training at Trentham, Dick arrived in England in June 1940 and was admitted to hospital twice in the next two months with tonsilitis. He embarked for Egypt with the 27 Machine Gun Battalion in March 1941 and on the completion of the No 17 weapons course was promoted to Lance Corporal. A further promotion to Corporal followed in March 1943, just a few weeks before he was wounded but not evacuated.A welcome home on furlough was reported in the NZ Herald on 13 July 1943 but by January 1944 Dick was back in Egypt. Two months later he embarked at Port Said, bound for Italy and received a promotion to Sergeant on 24 May 1944 – just 10 days before he was killed in action.In a letter to his mother, Sergeant Alec Fletcher wrote “Dick was well liked for his cheery personality at all times and willingness to work on any occasion and at any time. I also had the good fortune to spend four days leave in his company and it was one of the most enjoyable leaves I have had on this side of the world”.Richard Edward Cottingham was killed in action on 3 June 1944 and is buried in Cassino War Cemetery in Italy.Sources: Service personnel file of Richard Cottingham, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand electoral rolls, NZ Births Deaths & Marriages Online, Probate recordsResearched by Heather Maloney46

CRISPE HeywoodService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 76436Regiment: Divisional EngineersLast Known Rank: SapperMemorial Board: Mauku Heywood CRISPE was born in Pukekohe, Auckland 10 May 1914 to Heywood Melvill CRISPE and Frances Amy CRISPE née BURROWS. Heywood had three brothers: Selwyn, Desmond and Lawrenceand five sisters: Alma, Myra, Robina, Amy and Frances.Heywood attended Mauku School and Pukekohe Technical High School, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding scholar. He consistently excelled in his studies, earning prizes for his academic achievements and standing out in his form classes. When he left school Heywood worked on his father’s dairy farm at “Te Mahoe” in Mauku as a farm hand. He was a member of the Mauku Cricket Club and played in the local cricket competitions.Heywood passed his medical examination on 13 November 1940 and was declared fit for active service. In January 1941, he entered Waiouru Military Camp to begin training with the 20th Field Company, New Zealand Engineers. In March and April of 1941, while stationed at Waiouru, Heywood contracted pneumonia. After recovering, he was later deployed to Fiji. On 15 May 1942, he embarked for Fiji, where his unit was assigned to vital construction tasks. The 20th Field Company was responsible for building airfields, defensive positions, and other essential infrastructure, playing a key role in supporting the Allied effort in the Pacific theatre.Upon his return to New Zealand on 20 July 1944, he was admitted to Auckland Hospital, suffering from symptoms consistent with malaria. As a result, he was discharged from military service on 22 July 1944. After military service, Heywood returned to farming in Mauku and on 16 June 1945, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Muriel ROWE at St Bride's Church in Mauku. Together, they had two children, Graham and Vincent.Heywood passed away October 26, 1965, in Mauku, at the age of 51 years. He was laid to rest in the churchyard of St Bride's Church. Betty lived until 2010, passing away at the age of 86 years.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers PastAncestry®NZ Ancestor Search HelperResearched by Ian Shackleton47

CUMMING Lindesay Roy GordonService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 63423Regiment: ArtilleryLast Known Rank: GunnerMemorial Board: KarakaLindesay was born on 13 January 1913 in Auckland and was the only son of Roy William CUMMING (1879-1948) and Isabel Eva Elizabeth LINDESAY (1876-1956). Roy and Isabel were married on 3 May 1905 in St Mary’s Cathedral in Auckland. Roy served in WW 1 and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The family was living in Ellerslie around the time of Lindesay’s birth so he probably went to one of the schools in the area and then he went onto secondary school.At the outbreak of WW2 Lindesay was employed as a Farm Labourer with R. URQUHART in Karaka. He volunteered, filled out his attestation paper and had a medical on 19 August 1940 in which it mentioned that he stood 6 feet 3 inches (1.9m) tall, weighed 10 stone 3 lbs (65kg) and was of a fair complexion. Lindesay had also spent four years previously training with the Field Artillery and held the rank of Lance Bombardier.Lindesay’s enlistment date was recorded as 16 April 1941 and the following month he embarked from Auckland on26 May 1941 onboard the SS Monowai as part of B Force disembarking in Suva four days later. He spent just over a year in Fiji and on his return to New Zealand Lindesay embarked on the USS President Coolidge from Suva on 1 July 1942 disembarking in Auckland five days later on 6 July. Lindesay was discharged from the Army on 6 March 1943 in Wellington.Lindesay was admitted to Ellerslie Emergency Hospital as a case of influenza on 9 October 1942 with a history of headaches and general pain. His condition worsened over the next week, and he was sent to Auckland Hospital on 16 October where he was diagnosed with acute Meningococcal Meningitis. He recovered after treatment,and he was given an early discharge on medical grounds. After the war Lindesay never married and he lived with his parents in Ellerslie. He was employed as a farmer up to around 1960 and then he shifted across to Epsom and was employed as a Rubber Worker. He shared the house in Epsom with his sister Inez, who also never married. She was employed as a Librarian. Lindesay passed away on 7 May 1982 and is at rest in the Purewa Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 63423 Lindesay Cumming, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNZ Electoral RollsSS Monowai - Torpedo Bay Museum – Ref. AAH 0004Ancestry®Researched by Ross MillerSS Monowai48