More than a Name (Central Franklin)

O’CONNOR James WilliamService: Royal New Zealand NavyService Number: 5528Last Ship: HMNZS KiwiLast Known Rank: Petty OfficerMemorial Board: PuniJames (Jim) was born on 1 March 1921 in Auckland and was the son of Thomas Lewis O’CONNOR (1893-1961) and Elizabeth Grace TYSON(1891-1979). Thomas and Elizabeth were married on 2 October 1917. It is more than likely he attended Puni School because his parents were farming in the area from around 1922 and remained in the area until the late 1950s. Jim passed the Public Service entrance exam in November 1938 and he eventually ended up in New Plymouth employed as a Clerk for the New Zealand Department of Health. This is where he was working when WW2 broke out and where he filled out his attestation paper on 9 October 1940. Just two months later he started his service. His personnel file mentioned that he served with Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles from 3 February 1941 until 16 January 1942.On 30 July 1942 he transferred to the Navy and was involved with communications as he had passed an examination on radio mechanics. Initially he was posted to HMNZS Philomel (Navy shore base in Auckland) and from there he was posted all over the country to various places such as Wigram, Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands, Cuvier Island near Coromandel, Mokohinau Islands east of Waipu and HMNZS Cook -RNZN shore base, Wellington. From 10 May 1944 he was posted to the Russell Islands near Guadalcanal and served on board HMNZS Kiwi (pictured left) which was a Navy minesweeper until 3 May 1945. He was finally discharged on 27 April 1946.On 24 November 1945 he married Dorothy VICKERS in St Pauls Cathedral in Auckland. She was born 7 January 1916 in New Plymouth and was the youngest child of Samuel VICKERS (1867-1953) and Alice WRIGHT (1871-1931). Jim and Dorothy started their married life in New Plymouth where Jim was employed as a Radio Mechanic and then they headed north to Auckland where his occupation was listed as Manager. Around about 1960 they moved across to Queensland and raised their two children. It appears that Jim was one of the co-founders of the Queensland TAB in 1962 as it was mentioned in his death notice. Jim died on 6 November 2008 in Mt Gravatt, Brisbane. Dorothy had predeceased him.Sources:Ancestry®, Papers PastNZ Electoral Rolls, NZSG Kiwi indexOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumService personnel file of 5528 James William O’Connor, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampResearched by Ross Miller149

O’CONNOR Maurice FrancisService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 450484Regiment: 18 BattalionLast Known Rank: TrooperMemorial Board: PuniMaurice was born on 1 August 1922 in Matamata and was the eldest child of Francis Walter O’CONNOR (1899-1975) and Mary Ruth FLYNN (1900-2001). Maurice attended the Wardville School from 19 September 1927 until 6 June 1930 and then went to Matamata Convent School. By 1938 the family had moved to Ohaupo and in the early 1940s they were domiciled in Waller Road in the Puni area and Maurice was employed on the farm as a Driver/Farmhand.Maurice filled out his attestation form on 5 September 1941, his enlistment date was 7 July 1942 but it was almost two years before he was sent overseas. He embarked from Wellington on 31 March 1944 on board the SS Ruys with the 11th Reinforcements via Freemantle and Aden and arrived at Port Tewfik on 3 May 1944. After spending almost three months in Egypt Maurice was posted to Italy 26 July 1944.On Christmas Day 1944 Maurice died after an accident in a jeep about two miles north of Forli on the Forli – Faenza Road. The jeep that Maurice was in hit an oncoming three-ton truck about 2 o’clock in the morning. A court of enquiry was held on 30 January 1945, and it was found that the cause of death was classified as ‘Died of Accidental Injuries.’ Maurice was interred in the Forli War Cemetery. Reverend Rona McLeod Gourdie wrote the following letter to his mother dated 13 January 1945.As Padre of Maurice’s Regiment, I would like to offer you my deepest sympathy in your very sad loss. No doubt the Padre who buried Maurice will tell you what he can about the tragedy and I’m afraid I cannot give you any more information than that which I have received, namely, that he was brought in dead to one of the hospitals on Christmas Day. I should think it likely that he was knocked over by a motor lorry on one of the roads near Faenza as he was picked up by a Polish soldier. He had not been with us for many months but in his time he was here, he endeared himself to all who knew him and there were many sad hearts when eventually we received the news of what had happened. He was a courageous soldier and very popular with the men in his troop. Sources:Service personnel file of 450484 Maurice Francis O’Connor, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNZSG Kiwi Index, Ancestry®Archives NZ Wellington – Probates, NZ Electoral RollsResearched by Ross Miller150

O’TOOLE FrankService: Royal New Zealand NavyService Number: 3763Last Ship: HMNZS ArabisLast Known Rank: AB SeamanMemorial Board: KarakaFrank was born on 12 October 1923 in Helensville to Arthur Desmond O'TOOLE and Celina Ellen née BURDETT. Frank was the oldest of four siblings; he had a brother, Desmond, and sisters Edna and Irene.His father, Arthur, was one of five brothers who served in World War I.Frank joined the Royal New Zealand Navy on 24 October 1941 at age 18 years. At the time, he was living in Matamata and working as a farmhand. On his application to join the Navy he listed his contact address as Karaka, Papakura. Frank trained as a Radio Direction Finding Operator. A role that would later evolve into the RADAR field.Frank was based in New Zealand at the shore bases of HMNZS Philomel and HMNZS Tamaki until January 1942, when he was posted to the Royal Navy shore base HMS Lanka in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).He then served on HMS Warspite (Royal Navy Battleship) from April 1942 until November 1943, when he was posted to HMS Victory in Portsmouth, England, whilst awaitingassignment to another ship. In December 1943, he was posted to HMS Drake, the main naval barracks in Devonport, where he attended the Royal Navy Signal School. Shortly after returning to New Zealand, he was posted to HMNZS Arabis (a gift to New Zealand from the Royal Navy) and was based in the Solomon Islands in November 1944, where it carried out minesweeping and escort duties.HMNZS Arabis departed Guadalcanal for Auckland and arrived back in New Zealand in June 1945.Unfortunately, during his time aboard the Arabis, Frank contracted malaria and was hospitalised for eight days aboard the USS Tutuila. Despite recovery, he would suffer recurring bouts of the illness. Frank never married and lived a quiet life, passing away peacefully on 5 May 2007, at the age of 83, in a rest home in Pukekohe. He was laid to rest in Tryphena Cemetery on Great Barrier Island, next to his brother, Desmond.Sources:Service personnel file of 3763 Frank O’Toole, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers PastAncestry®Researched by Ian Shackleton151

OLIVER Michael GeoffreyService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 23339Regiment: ArtilleryLast Known Rank: BombardierMemorial Board: PuniSources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers Past: Missing, NZ Herald 13 Jan 1942; Photo NZ Herald 13 Jan 1942;Obit, Franklin Times 21 Jan 1942New Zealand electoral rollsNew Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearcher: Heather MaloneyMichael Geoffrey, known as Geoff, was born at Takapuna on 27 November 1914, the ninth child of ten, having four brothers and five sisters. His father Frederick OLIVER(1871-1933) was a postmaster in Takapuna at the time of Geoff’s birth, having come from Wanganui earlier. His mother Mabel, also née OLIVER (1876-1957) was a dressmaker while in Wanganui.Geoff was a member of the College Rifles Football Club and worked for the New Zealand Herald as a photo engraver. He had married Monica Kotska WEST.Geoff entered camp at Ngaruawahia in April 1940 but from the outbreak of war had been stationed with a coastal defence unit. He embarked as Lance Bombardier in the 30th Field Battery with the Third Echelon.Geoff was reported missing, then confirmed as killed in action on 1 December 1941. He is buried at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya and remembered on the College Rifles Football & Sports Club Roll of Honour and on the Takapuna War Memorial. Monica remarried in 1944.152

PARKER Stanley HendersonService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 631743Regiment: 21 Battalion Last Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Karaka and Pukekohe High SchoolStanley Henderson PARKER was the son of Onslow Stanley PARKER and Sibyl Clara née McCALLUM. He was born in Auckland on 12 December 1921, and had an older and a younger brother. He attended Pukekohe Technical High School in 1937 for a Woodwork course. He left school to work as a farm labourer. When he enlisted sometime in mid-late 1943, his address was given as Karaka, and he was a labourer. In his service records he said he played cricket, football and tennis. Stanley originally attested on 29 December 1939 as a Gunner with the First Heavy Group of the New Zealand Army but was judged medically unfit on 11 April 1940 and discharged. He attested again on 22 June 1940 as a Private in the 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment. His height was just over 5ft 9 inches, and he weighed 8 stone 6 pounds. He was said to be of slight build but “strong enough and fit for NZEF”. By December 1940 he was working as a Guard Vital Point (GVP) at the naval base and had a bout of influenza. In April 1941 he transferred back to 1st Battalion Auckland Regiment and in September transferred to 3rd Battalion Auckland Regiment. He suffered with influenza and dermatitis off and on for several months. On 21 July 1943 he embarked for overseas service as a Provost (GVP) to Alexandria, Egypt. On 17 November 1943 he embarked from Alexandria to Italy and joined the 21st Battalion in December 1943. He was killed on active service on 21 March 1944 at Cassino and he was buried at the Cassino War Cemetery in Italy. He was awarded the War Medal 1939-1945, the Italy Star, 1939-45 Star and the New Zealand War Service Medal. He is remembered on the Papakura-Karaka War Memorial, the Karaka War Memorial Hall Honours Board and exterior wall, the Auckland War Memorial Museum 21st Battalion Roll of Honour and the Pukekohe Technical High School Honours Board. Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumNZ Births Deaths & Marriages Online, Papers Past, Ancestry®Souvenir Booklet Silver Jubilee, Pukekohe Technical High SchoolService personnel file of 631743 Stanley H Parker, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampResearched by Karen Grainger Cassino War Cemetery, Italy153

PITTENDRIGH Noel LeonardService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 42502Unit: No: 6 Observers School, United Kingdom Last Known Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)Memorial Board: Wesley CollegeNoel Leonard PITTENDRIGH was born in Point England, Auckland on 9 June 1921. He was the eldest son of Harold Oliver Pittendrigh (1887-1968) and Florence Edith CRAMP (1887-1974).He received his secondary education at Wesley College, Paerata and Auckland Grammar. After leaving school Noel was a machinist in the employ of J. Grant and Co., Auckland. Noel served three months in the Territorial Army before enlisting with the RNZAF on 11 January 1942. He was assigned to No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School as a pilot under training. On 10 May 1942 he embarked for Canada to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme where he was awarded his flying badge and promoted to sergeant. He was posted to the United Kingdom, and after additional training was transferred to No. 6 Air Observer School based at RAF Cark, Lancashire, near the village of Warton.On 21 April 1943 at 4:15pm Sergeant Noel Pittendrigh piloted an Anson aircraft on a practise flight. He was 45 minutes into the flight when the aircraft suffered a port wing failure. As the wreckage began to fall on the main street of Warton village, Noel was thrown from the aircraft at about 300 feet, and with no parachute he was killed instantly. Following a RAF investigation into the crash, four additional Anson aircraft were discovered to have the same defect.At the age of 21 Sergeant Pittendrigh was buried on 24 April in a private grave rather than that with a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) headstone with the whole village turning out. It is said that his headstone was possibly from a girlfriend from the village of Flookborough.In 2018 a local man, Frank Lomas aged 82, discovered Noel’s grave in a collapsed state and beyond repair. The CWGC was contacted to finance a new headstone, but they refused to replace it, so with no family to be found the village came together and collected funds to erect a new headstone.Noel was buried in St John the Baptist Churchyard, grave 87. Flookborough, Lancashire, England.Sources:Online Cenotaph Auckland War Memorial MuseumArchives NZaircrewremembered.comAncestry®Researched by: Ian ShackletonAnson AircraftFrank Lomas with new headstone154

POLLOCK Cyril NixonService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 539188Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: DriverMemorial Board: PuniBorn 9 September 1913 to James and Ada POLLOCK, née ATTEWELL, Cyril grew up in Pukekohe with six siblings. He was fifteen when his mother died at the age of fortyseven and James was left with seven children to look after. By 1935 Cyril had joined the Police Force and worked from O’Rorke Street in Auckland and then atCentral Police Station. The young constable was very busy around Auckland’s CBD, interruptingscuffles, burglaries and drunk drivers as reported in newspapers. The Gazette showed Cyril resigned from the New Zealand Police on 1 April 1939.Cyril had arranged work as a carpenter by 29 March when a lengthy column appeared in Franklin Timesabout his marriage to fiancée, Lila May BALLANTINE. Many guests joined them to celebrate at St. Lukes Anglican Church in Te Kuiti and later at the Kelvin Hotel. Lila’s parents were William and Eliza Ballantine,who ran the hotel until they moved to Auckland at the end of July.Cyril and Lila lived at the Empire Hotel in Victoria Street West, in Auckland when a son made their family three in August 1941. Less than a year later Cyril and brother Oswald enlisted with NZASC. Younger brother Horace had already left our shores for the fighting. Cyril left Auckland the day after Boxing Day in 1942, arriving at Noumea on New Year’s Day. A trip to the cinema at 8 Brigade HQ six weeks later was not the light relief intended when the truck Cyril was in collided with another and rolled. With a fractured hip, Cyril remained in hospital care in New Caledonia for three and a half months.In July 1944 Cyril was returned to New Zealand aboard USS Pinkney for medical attention, which resulted in his medical discharge on 4 January 1945. Cyril’s building skills may have influenced thisdecision, considering his health along with Auckland’s 30,000+ waiting list for housing. After the war, Cyril worked mainly as a builder around Auckland and sometimes drove taxis. He was living at Point Chevalier when he died suddenly on 6 April 1981. His service was held at the Presbyterian Church in Pukekohe. Cyril Nixon Pollock, Driver, was buried in RSA Plot 233 at Pukekohe Cemetery. Sources:Service personnel file of 539188 Cyril Pollock, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNZ Gazette: Police Career, 13 January 1935, 1 April 1939Papers Past: Franklin Times 29 March 1939, marriage; Franklin Times 28 July 1939, Ballantine’s moveNew Zealand electoral rollsResearcher: Karen Bowmer155

POLLOCK Horace McDonaldService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 21525Regiment: 21 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PuniHorace was born on April Fool’s Day, 1918, the youngest son of James and Ada POLLOCK. Ada died a few weeks after Horace’s 10th birthday. Horace was contracting at Waiuku when he enlisted in the army in 1940 and left for the Papakura Military Camp for training in January 1941. After they embarked from Wellington for Europe, they were diverted to England where an attack seemed likely. Months later they joined the rest of the 2nd Echelon in Egypt, only to be sent on to Greece. There, 21 Battalion fought many rear-guard actions and when it seemed Greece would fall, they were moved to Crete – without Horace, who had been captured and held as a prisoner of war. With Horace listed as missing, his father contacted the International Red Cross in Geneva at the start of September 1941 and soon after official word came back that Horace had been captured. James Pollock received a cheery letter from Horace in Greece in October. By February 1942 Horace was in Germany, his arrival at Stalag 18A as prisoner #4165, shown in the photo above. The POW camp at Wolfsberg in southern Austria raged with Typhus between December and March, just one of many things Horace failed to mention in his letter home in February. His father read of cigarettes issued, Red Cross parcels and that prisoners were allowed unlimited mail but could only write once each week -- without mention of Stalag 18’s horrors.In February 1945 Horace was one of 1,500 New Zealanders and thousands of others under the control of Stalag 18A when the Germans surrendered on 8 May and on 24 May 1945 the Nelson Evening Mail published a long list of liberated 2nd NZEF prisoners of war who were now safe. Horace’s name was on the list. On Tuesday 18 September,1945 ignoring horrendous weather and a lot of sickness in the area, Puni celebrated with a big ‘do’ at the Puni Hall to welcome home their boys.Horace married Mabel JAMIESON in 1947, who was usually called Polly. The couple had 3 sons and a daughter. When daughter Mary died, Polly created “The Glade” on Memorial Drive, Devonport in Mary’s honour. Polly died in 2011. Horace died on 28 October 1972 and was buried in the Wesleyan Area, Row C, Plot 019 at Pukekohe Cemetery with several family members. Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers Past: Franklin Times,19 Jan 1940 to Papakura Camp, POW Greece, Franklin Times 15 Sept.1941; POW Germany, Franklin Times 13 Feb.1942; Prisoner Release, Nelson Evening Mail, 24 May 1945; Puni Homecoming, Franklin Times, 21 Sept.1945: Ada’s death Waikato Times 30 April 1928Find a Grave - death of HM PollockResearcher: Karen Bowmer156

POLLOCK OswaldService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 251810Regiment: ArtilleryLast Known Rank: GunnerMemorial Board: PuniAda POLLOCK, née ATTEWELL (1881-1928) said she and James (1875-1966) lived in Waingaro for the first 5 years of their marriage – their eldest son Oswald was born there on 15 March 1906. Having moved to a farm on Pukekohe Hill, Oswald attended Puni school and was sporty, dislocating an elbow playing rugby. He also passed several music exams. Oswald had a dairy farm at Pukekawa and with his call up imminent he took his entire herd to Pukekohe saleyards, 34 cows and 20 heifers due to calve in July-August, his herd had produced 10,000lb of butterfat that season.And so it was, that Oswald signed his Attestation papers on 24 October 1941, and then embarking from Wellington on the SS Aquitania (HMT 55) on 10 December 1942 for Egypt. Oswald had a Corps change from the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) with the rank of Driver to the New Zealand Artillery (NZA) with the rank of Gunner on 28 February 1943, while in Egypt. He then embarked from Alexandria, Egypt for Italy on 17 October 1943 arriving in Taranto, Italy a few days later. On Sunday 20 May 1945, our National Broadcasting Service had Paul CRONIN and Oswald on its radio show, ‘With the Boys Overseas.’ The pair were two of several chosen by an army ballot and the winners would queue outside a small recording booth in the middle of nowhere, holding their scrap of paper with their 15-20 second message on it. By October 1945 Gunner Pollock was home at the Welcome Home ‘do’ in the Puni Hall, speaking about how good it was to be home among people who spoke the same language as he did.Oswald was discharged a few months later on 15 December 1945.In 1951 he married Grace Irene née DOUGLAS and they had four children. They continued to farm and had been married forty years when Oswald died in Middlemore Hospital on 17 August 1991. He was buried in the RSA section in Pukekohe Cemetery.Oswald is also remembered on the Pukekawa Roll of Honour Board.Sources:Service personnel file of 251810 Oswald Pollock, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumNew Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages OnlinePapers Past: Waikato Times 30 Apr 1928 Ada’s obit; Franklin Times, 1 Jul 1942 selling herd; Sara Johnstone’s story - radio show; Franklin Times 29 Oct 1945, Welcome Home; NZ Herald – death noticeResearcher: Karen Bowmer157

POTTER Seager Ryman DenizeService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 45493Regiment: YMCA SecretaryLast Known Rank: Warrant Officer 1st ClassMemorial Board: Puni and Aka AkaSeager, also known as Graham Seager, was born on 17 November 1914 in Waiuku and was the eldest child of Desmond POTTER (1886-1960) and Myrtle Hannah DENIZE(1886-1956). Desmond and Myrtle were married on 26 November 1913 in the Otaua Church. He started school in Onehunga and then from 1 February 1926 until 20 December 1929 he attended the Aka Aka school. From there he attended Auckland Grammar and went to Auckland University wherehe began a Bachelor of Arts degree but in hard financial times, he could not finish it without a job. He found one with Briscoes & Co, a large hardware firm, in Customs St, Auckland so he resumed his studies until WW2 broke out. Seager enlisted on 11 June 1941 but because he only had 20% vision in his left eye, he was deemed ineligible for overseas service. He then applied to the Welfare Division of the YMCA and undertook further training, then leaving with the 5th Field Ambulance sailed for the Middle East with the6th Reinforcements, aboard the Aquitania on 27 June 1941. Before he did so, he removed the reference to his eligibility for overseas service from his personnel file. He looked after the welfare centre at Maadi Camp in Egypt and later on he was appointed welfare officer to different brigades including 21 Battalion, the anti-tank regiment in Palestine and Syria and to a convalescent depot near Tel Aviv. Seager spent six months in Italy in 1944 and in September 1944 he was posted to the UK to take up the position as the YMCA secretary for the 2nd NZEF until he was discharged on 31 January 1946. Seager was then seconded to the British Forces in Germany in the same role as their YMCA Secretary. He finally got back to New Zealand on 12 October 1947. After the war Seager lived in Puni and worked as a Clerk and then became a Land Agent in the late 1950s. On 18 December 1954 he married Phyllis Creemer PETERSEN in Palmerston North. She was born 3 February 1928 in Palmerston North and was daughter of George Conrad PETERSEN (1900-1978) and Elizabeth Stella Asherta CAIRNS (1900-1963). George and Elizabeth were married on27 December 1926. Seager and Phyllis eventually farmed on 800 acres in the Pongakawa area near Rotorua for about 28 years and raised their family of four children. They then spent their retirement in Rotorua. Seager died on 12 June 2011 in Rotorua and was interred in the Kauae Cemetery in Ngongotaha and Phyllis died on 24 January 2022 in Rotorua.Sources:Service personnel file of 45493 Seager Potter, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPapers Past, NZ Electoral Rolls, NZSG Kiwi index, Ancestry®Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPhoto supplied by family member Alvin RussellResearched by Ross Miller158

PREECE Geoffrey IvanService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 622325Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: DriverMemorial Board: PuniGeoffrey Ivan was the ninth child of ten born to William PREECE(1876-1936) and Maybelle née ASHWIN (1875-1940). The first two children in the family died as infants, so Geoffrey grew up with four brothers and three sisters on the farm at Puni. Although he was born on 28 January 1915, he did not start school at Puni until 1 February 1921, leaving to go to Pukekohe Technical High School in December 1929.He followed his brothers in the carrying business, advertising regularly in the local paper as a collector of bobby calves for Borthwick’s in the Pukekohe Hill area in 1935. When he enlisted on 5 February 1942, he was driving trucks for Waiuku Transport.Geoffrey married Catherine May HANFLING (1919-1967) on 8 March 1941, and they live initially in Waiuku. Geoffrey attested in Auckland on 21 February 1942 and entered camp at Gloucester Park in Onehunga two months later. He was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall (173cm), 12 stone 2 pounds (77kg), with black hair, grey eyes and fair complexion and was married with one child.He embarked from Wellington for the Pacific on 22 November 1942 on the SS Brastagi as part of the Kiwi Force and disembarked eight days later at Nepoui in New Caledonia. He served as a driver with the 16 Composite Company and the 29 Composite Company until 20 September 1944, arriving back in Auckland on 25 September and was later discharged on 26 November 1944. He received the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-45 and the New Zealand War Service Medal.By 1954 Geoffrey and Catherine had moved to Ponsonby in Auckland where he worked as a cargo handler.Catherine died in 1967 and Geoffrey on 29 June 1979.Sources:Service personnel file of 622325 Geoffrey Preece, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPhoto: Waiuku Transport trucks – thanks to Waiuku Museum School records: NZ Society of GenealogistsNZ electoral rollsResearcher: Heather Maloney159

PREECE Keith MartinService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 432492Squadron: 5 Flying BoatLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftsmanMemorial Board: PuniKeith Martin was the eighth child of ten born to William PREECE (1876-1936) and Maybelle née ASHWIN (1875-1940). The first two children in the family died as infants, so Keithgrew up with four brothers and three sisters on the farm at Puni. He was born on 9 March 1913, andstarted school at Puni on 21 April 1919, leaving in December 1926 to attend Pukekohe Technical High School.In March 1936, Keith applied for a carrier’s licence to cart general goods within a seven-mile radius of Pukekohe Hill. He also collected bobby calves as a cash buyer at farmers gates on Mondays and Thursdays according to the many advertisements in the local paper. He served on the committee of the Franklin Master Carriers Association in 1939 and 1940.Keith married Jessie Mary Margaret CRAIG (1914-1989) on 26 March 1938. He joined the Home Guard in late 1940 and the Pukekohe Fire Brigade at about the same time. He and Jessie lived in Jellicoe Road, then in Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe before Keith enlisted in March 1943. He was driving for Stembridge Transport at this time.Keith joined the air force in March 1943, doing his initial training at Levin, followed by time at Hamilton, Ohakea and Harewood bases. He left for the Pacific on 20 November 1944, serving with the 13 Servicing Unit and 5 (Flying Boat) Squadron, his time spent mostly at bases on Fiji. He returned home on 5 November 1945 and was discharged six weeks later.By 1946 he and Jessie were living in Hamilton and Keith drove buses until about 1966. He changed his occupation to a clerk when he was living in Glen Eden, Auckland.He died on 11 May 1971 and is buried at Waikumete Cemetery. Jessie died in 1989 and is buried with him.Sources:Service personnel file of 432492 Keith Preece, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages Online and electoral rollsPapers Past: Franklin Times -Licence application 27 Mar 1936; Wedding report (part above) 1 April 1938; Home Guard 4 Dec 1940; 3 yr service Fire Brigade 19 April 1944; Carrier Committee 12 Aug 1940Researcher: Heather Maloney160

PURCELL Frank EarlService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 76570Regiment: Infantry BrigadeLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PuniFrank Earl was the middle child of five born to Nora Denton née PERRY (1890-1918) and Alfred EdgarPURCELL (1884-1956). He probably had a hard upbringing as it appears his father left the family and there was a warrant for his arrest for failing to comply with a maintenance order to support his family. Born on 7 May 1911, Frank and his three brothers and one sister’s school records show that they attended Meadowbank primary from the Leslie Orphanage after their mother died during the flu epidemic in 1918. Frank had started school at Grey Lynn but was at Meadowbank from 3 February 1919 to 9 December 1924 when he left to find work.In 1941 Frank was working as a farmhand for D. POTTER at Puni and was described as 5 feet 6 inches (168cm), with fair hair and blue eyes but when he attested in August of that year, he stated he had been working for one month in Auckland for a timber company, after twelve years of farming. He named his next of kin as a friend, Darcy BROWN but on the 1943 nominal roll he gave his next of kin as Mrs E ANDERSON, a friend of Mt Roskill.Frank gave his parents’ names as Edgar Peter Purcell and Laura May Perry when he married Kate McCORMICK on 27 September 1945. This may have been a genuine mistake as he would have scarcely remembered his mother as she died when he was seven and it appears that he was estranged from his father.Frank embarked from Wellington as part of the 9th Reinforcements bound for Egypt, on SS Dominion Monarch on 14 May 1943. Arriving in Port Tewfik, Egypt on 11 June. Later Frank took part in the Italian Campaign, leaving Alexandria on 19 January 1944 and disembarking at Taranto in Southern Italy with the 21st Battalion a few days later.On his return to New Zealand, Frank embarked at Port Tewfik on 7 August 1945, arriving in Wellingtona month later. He was finally discharged on 31 January 1946.After the war Frank lived in Auckland, working at the glassworks then later working as a porter and living in Otahuhu. His marriage to Kate ended in divorce in 1954 but they had a son Alfred.Frank retired to Onehunga and died on 4 September 1988 and was cremated at Purewa, Auckland.Sources:Service personnel file 76570 Frank Purcell, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampSchool records: NZ Society of GenealogistsMarriage Certificate: Ancestry Stoneham/McCormick Family teeNZ Gazettes, dated 1941 and 1943Researcher: Heather Maloney161

PUSSELL Raymond JohnService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 4313534Unit: 3 Servicing UnitLast Known Rank: Aircraftsman Class 1Memorial Board: Karaka Raymond John, known as Ray, was born 5 June 1925 to parents William (Bill) Frederick PUSSELL(1901-1959) and Phoebe née SMITH (1905-1971). He was the second eldest of four boys and was also called Bluey owing to his ginger hair. He grew up on Oira Road in the Runciman area and left school at14 ½yrs. Prior to enlisting Ray worked as a farm hand for his father on their dairy and sheep farm for more than four years.Ray attested in July 1943, about a year after his elder brother Bill, and was initially drafted into the army but two weeks later on 13 August he applied to join the Air Force. He was accepted and enlisted on 29 October 1943, being described as 5 feet 10 1/4 inches (178cm), 10 stone 7 pounds (67kg) with auburn hair, fair complexion and blue eyes. He stated that prior to enlisting with the RNZAF, he had served with the Home Guard.Ray was initially sent to Harewood but also spent some time training at Nelson and Ardmore before becoming involved in the Pacific theatre. In the Pacific he was in the following places - Solomon Islands (Green Island, Guadalcanal); Espiritu Santo with the No 3 Servicing Unit. He was promoted to AC2 on 1 November 1944.He served from October 1943 until September 1945 – with six months of that time overseas and wasdischarged on 16 September 1945. Ray was awarded the 1939-45 Star and Pacific Star for his service in the Solomon Islands (Operational area of Pacific). He was also awarded the War Medal 1939-45 and the NZ War Service Medal.On returning from the war, Ray farmed on Beach Road, Papakura and married Vonia June Mary SMITH on 12 March 1947, but this marriage was to end in divorce and with new wife Shirley, he share-milkednear Cambridge for several years before moving to Hamilton. Here he worked as head yardman then manager before retiring to Te Puke with third wife Suzanne Claire (Sue). Ray was a life member of the Te Puke RSA. He passed away 27 July 2009 after a short stay in Carter House, Te Puke.Sources:Service personnel file of 4313534 Raymond Pussell, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand electoral rolls and Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineAncestry® Family TreesResearched by Rachael Hill162

PUSSELL William FrederickService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 4211118Squadron: 62 SquadronLast Known Rank: Leading AircraftsmanMemorial Board: Karaka William Frederick (Bill) was born 14 July 1923, the eldest of four boys ofparents William (Bill) Frederick PUSSELL (1901-1959) and Phoebe née SMITH(1905-1971). He attended Karaka Primary School and at the school picnic in March 1936 he won the egg and spoon race and the wheelbarrow race. His sporting success continued after he left school, winning or being placed in many cycling road races between February 1939 and 8 April 1942. The races varied in length from 800 yards to 100 miles and he was selected to represent the Papakura Cycling Club against other Auckland clubs in June 1939. Bill worked for his father, who was a farmer and had a trucking business, for five years before he enlisted.Prior to his service with the RNZAF, Bill served in the New Zealand Army. He entered camp on 20 April 1942 at Cornwall Park and was posted to 5th Battalion Auckland Regiment with service number 801025.On 18 September 1942, Bill was transferred from the Army to the RNZAF. While he was posted to No 58 Radar Unit in the Solomon Islands, his unit was under the Command of 62 Squadron where his role was ground trades and driver. He was promoted to Leading Aircraftsman on 1 May 1945. Bill served a total of 3 years and 67 days and was discharged on 24 November 1945.He married Gladys Margaret APLIN on March 3, 1945, at the Pitt Street Methodist Church, Auckland. They initially farmed at Mangatawhiri then at Fencourt near Hamiltonbut after Gladys died in January 1954 aged 29, Bill changed careers and moved to Paeroa as a linesman. He moved to Papatoetoe about 1968 with second wife Elva and continued his work as a linesman. Bill died on 22 September 1985 and is buried in the RSA section at Papatoetoe Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 4211118 William Pussell, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPapers Past: School sports, Franklin Times 23 Mar 1936, Two-mile cycle race Akl Star 4 Feb 1941, Engagement Franklin Times 30 Oct 1942New Zealand electoral rolls and Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearched by Rachael Hill163

REEVE Alfred ArnoldService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 2896Regiment: InfantryLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PatumahoeAlfred Arnold, known as Alf, was the youngest of seven children born to Frederick REEVE (1872-1954) and Clara Louise née OLNEY (1878-1935).He had four sisters and two brothers and was born 22 November 1917 at Waikino. The family moved to Belmont in Pukekohe, farming here when Alf started school on 7 February 1923. They were later to farm on the hill. Alf remained at Pukekohe School until December 1931. He won the Anzac essay competition in 1930 for Pukekohe and was also the winner from all the schools in the district. He came second in the same competition the following year. Alf was an early volunteer, enlisting 3 October 1939, embarking from Wellington 5 January 1940 aboard the SS Orion as part of the 1st Echelon. They stopped over at Freemantle, Colombo and Aden before finally disembarking at Port Tewfik, Egypt 13 February. According to his military records, Alf was a bush hand, splitting posts and a fencing contractor, giving his father, then living in Albert Street, Pukekohe, as his next of kin.Shortly after arriving at Maadi Camp, where the New Zealanders were based in Egypt, Alf fractured his ankle during a football match. This resulted in many periods in hospital while in Egypt. He served with the 18th Battalion and the Public Relations Service while overseas. The family believe he was secretary to wartime artist Peter McIntyre in this role.After disembarking in Wellington, Alf returned home on the hospital train 9 November 1942. He was welcomed back at a function in Pukekohe in April 1943.On 29 July 1943 he married Lucy Kathleen WADE (1923-1989) and they had a family of two daughters and one son. In February 1946, Alf applied to re-enlist with the army for Jayforce service in Japan.This was declined due to his previous injury. Alf worked as a watersider for a few years, while living in Newton Road in Auckland. Other work included being a cannister worker for Alex Harvey IndustriesLtd, a Harbour Board employee and a labourer until he retired about 1980. Son Fred recalls his father’s nickname was “Tickets”, as he liked to gamble. Alf was a skilled two-up spinner and astute card player – solo Whist being his specialty. His mates always tipped their hats when addressing his Mum as “Mrs Tickets”.Alf died 17 October 1991 and is buried at Purewa Cemetery in Auckland.Sources:Service personnel file of 2896 Alfred Reeve, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPhotos and info: Family – son FredPapers Past: Franklin Times Essay 23 May 1930, 29 May 1931; Farewell 28 March 1941, Hospital train 9 Nov 1942, Welcome home 12 April 1943Researcher: Heather Maloney164

RICE Harry Kenneth LillingtonService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 4216075Unit: 132 Operational Training UnitLast Known Rank: Flying OfficerMemorial Board: KarakaHarry Kenneth Lillington was born on 14 July 1923 in Taumarunui, the son of Eric John Guthrie RICE (1892-1964) and Dorothy née LILLINGTON (1894-1976).He would have started school in Wairoa in 1928 where his father had been appointed bank manager but by 1935 the family was living in Auckland and Harry received his secondary education at Seddon Memorial Technical College in Auckland. He enjoyed football, tennis and swimming and in 1938 he passed his Ruakura Scholarship examination. After leaving school he gained practical experience on a variety of farms and was working for Mr. B CHARLES at Karaka when he applied for war service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.He enlisted on 5 December 1942 and worked at several bases as ground crew while waiting to commence his aircrew training. On 27 May 1943 he started his Initial Training at Rotorua and two months later he was posted to No 1 Elementary Flying Training School at Taieri. Harry embarked for Canada for further training in October and was posted to No 15 Service Flying Training School in Alberta where he gained his Flying Badge on 7 April 1944 and was promoted to Sergeant, this was latersuperseded by his commission as a Pilot Officer.April 1944 saw him stationed on Prince Edward Island for 3 months, followed by a few weeks in Nova Scotia as he awaited embarkation for England. Harry was at Pedgate, Lancashire from 19 July 1944 until 23 August 1944 when he was then posted to Smitherfield, Warwickshire. On 1 January 1945 he joined the 132 Operational Training Unit in East Lothian, Scotland for training on Beaufighter aircraft.On the 2 May 1945, Harry was the pilot on a training flight that left base just before midnight and crashed into rising ground near Dunbar, Scotland, losing his life along with the New Zealand navigatorAubrey John CLARKE. He had flown a total of 371 hours as a pilot.He is buried in St Martin’s Cemetery, Haddington, Scotland. A memorial plaque on a rock was unveiled on 25 April 2019 on the remote site of the crash, now the Aikengall II wind farm owned by Community Windpower.Harry is also remembered on the Papakura-Karaka Monument on Great South Road, Papakura.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumBiography written by his mother, on CenotaphPhoto: Dunbar Community Councilhttps://dunbarcommunitycouncil.org.uk/2019/04/unveiling-a-memorial-for-twoyoung-new-zealand-aircrew-from-ww2/New Zealand electoral rolls and Births Deaths & Marriages OnlinePortrait photo. RNZAF Museum WigramResearcher: Heather MaloneyAikengall II Wind Farm Memorial165

RICHARDSON Charles RaymondService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 271594Regiment: 16 Composite CompanyLast Known Rank: Lance CorporalMemorial Board: PuniRay was born at 13 Renall Street, Ponsonby, Auckland on 4 November 1920 to Charles (Charlie) Thomas RICHARDSON (1884-1962) and Violet Victoria ROWE (1901-1944) and was named Charles Raymond. Charlie was a driver and stableman then worked as a foreman. Ray had a half-brother Leslie John (1912-1976, WWII 413777) and younger brother Frederick David (1937-1956). Charlie, Violet and Ray lived at Church Street, Onehunga then moved to Huia, a coastal settlement in West Auckland where Ray attended schools at Onehunga and Huia including a year at secondary school.On 22 October 1940 Ray joined the army. He was single and a farmhand working for A H IRWIN of Puni, near Pukekohe. He entered camp on5 March 1942 however he was immediately granted special leave to get married. On 14 March at St Andrews Church, Pukekohe Ray married Blanche (Olive Blanche, born 7 October 1920), the daughter of William James MCCARTHY (1888-1963) and Eulalie HOLMES (1889-1962). They were to have two sons (Lew and Trevor) and three daughters (Raewyn, Lorraine and Glenda). It was back to camp on 22 November when he embarked as driver with the 3rd New Zealand Divisional Ammunition Company. Blanche was his next of kin c/- her father Mr W J McCarthy at AkaAka. Blanche and her sister served in the World War II Women’s War Service Auxiliary. In this photo of the sisters, Blanche is on the right.On 27 February 1943 Ray was promoted to Lance Corporal. He served in the Pacific theatre of war in the New Hebrides, Guadalcanal, Vella Lavella, the Treasury Islands and Nissan Island. Ray returned to New Zealand after serving one year 134 days and was discharged on 18 July 1944. He received the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945 and the New Zealand War Service Medal.When he returned Ray and Blanche lived in Russell Road, Manurewa and Ray drove a truck for Philips Transport. He then went farming for Bill HOSKING at Waitakaruru, for Charles SHIPHERD at Puni, for Bill HOLMES at Karioitahi and later for Athol KAYES at Gordon Road, Waipipi. He left farming and became a Dispatcher for J J CRAIG (at the Waiuku concrete depot - later taken over by Winstone Ltd) and lived in Warriston Ave. There was a move to Queen Street and Ray became a Shipping Officer at New Zealand Steel until he retired and by then they had made a final move to Hermitage Road.Over the years Ray was a keen hunter and fisherman so enjoyed surf casting on the west coast, boat fishing, white-baiting and duck shooting.Ray died suddenly on 5 May 1981 at his son Trevor’s home at Te Puke and was buried in Waiuku Cemetery: Row 49 Plot 19. Blanche, who passed on 19 June 2000, was also laid to rest there.Sources:Family provided information, records and photosResearched by Penny Prescott166

ROBINSON B.Service: UnknownService Number: UnknownRegiment: Unknown Last Known Rank: UnknownMemorial Board: KarakaEvery attempt has been made, including talking to the Defence Force, to try and identify B. ROBINSON.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 theirstory can be added to the online version of this publication.167

ROGERS Claude BrayService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 12333Regiment: InfantryLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PuniJames Henry ROGERS and Emily COLTHURST married Christmas Day 1901 and were living in the Waihi area, mining, when Claude was born 3 April 1909. The family moved to Puni in 1916 and James’s death there 20 years later jarred his community. The prominent dairyman with few peers, cared what went on in Puni and established the Franklin Racing Club. Emily and the family were farewelled in 1940, reportedly a milestone in the history of Puni.On 14 May 1940 Claude enlisted, leaving Auckland 11 November that year as part of the 6th Reinforcements, disembarking at Lautoka three days later. He served with the 30 Battalion in Fiji until May 1941 when the Battalion returned to New Zealand. Claude, still part of the 6th Reinforcements, left for his second tour of duty from Wellington on the SS Aquitane, arriving at Port Tewfik, Egypt 30 July 1941. He served with the 24 and 33 Battalions in Egypt, North Africa and Italy.In 1944, Driver Russell KIDD from Puni wrote to his mother about a footy game between two battalions, one with a lot of Matamata boys, the other with a lot of Pukekohe boys playing for the Peace Cup-somewhere in Italy. Claude Rogers, Len WRIGHT and Ned STEMBRIDGE were among no end of Kiwis barracking for one or other of the teams, until the Spud-Kickers took the (6-pounder shell case) Peace Corp Challenge match with 3 points. Claude left Port Tewfik 21 March 1945 as part of Freyberg’s new Tongariro Furlough Draft. The draftreturned home all men who had served overseas for 3 years, other than a few specialists. The menwould return home for discharge having done their duty – and more. Claude Bray Rogers disembarked Wellington a month later and was discharged 31 July 1945. After the war, Claude continued farming, mainly at Puni. He was 63 when he died 16 September 1972, a year after his brother Cecil, who had farmed at Tuakau. Private Claude Bray Rogers of the New Zealand Infantry was buried in RSA Row 11, Plot 96 atWaikumete Cemetery on 20 September 1972. Sources:Service personnel file of 12333 Claude Rogers, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPapers Past: Pukekohe/Waiuku Times, At Puni 15 August1916; Franklin Times Death of James Henry Rogers 21 Aug.1936; Family farewelled, 5 April 1940; Peace Cup Challenge 22 Dec.1944Researcher: Karen Bowmer168

ROGERS Desmond FrancisService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 83188Regiment: Armoured CorpsLast Known Rank: CorporalMemorial Board: PuniDesmond Francis ROGERS was born on 11 April 1917. Des, as he was known, was the eldest of five children born to Francis and Adelaide ROGERS néePULLING. These were Puni people, born to Puni people. Des’s grand-parents, John and Annie Rogers née NOONAN, originally from County Clare in Ireland, came to New Zealand from South Africa where they had spent some years and were Puni settlers who cleared forest to produce land for farming. Des worked as a farmhand for his father in Puni before the war. Frank Rogers did not enjoy good health and in October 1941 applied to the Armed Forces Appeal Board for Des to remain at home as manpower. They said Des would not be called up before 10 December 1941 and he enlisted with the NZ Army Corps on 13 January 1942. With worsening health and scant manpower available for milking and cropping, Frank Rogers applied unsuccessfully for Des’s release in September the same year. Des had left NZ as part of the 9th Reinforcements on 14 May for Egypt.Frank Rogers died 3 months later, remembered with a lengthy obituary published by Franklin Times on 13 September. Des remained in Egypt until he left Alexandria on 17 October 1943 for Italy. He went back to Egypt in February 1945 and left Port Tewfik for New Zealand on 6 September and was discharged on 7 November 1945. Des and Dorothy MARSHALL married in St Patrick’s Church at Pukekohe in 1948. Dorothy’s parents were Saverio and Hilda Marshall. The new Rogers couple continued farming and cropping but by the mid-1960s had moved to Attewell Road where Des worked for Dalgety’s as a stock agent. The couple moved into Pukekohe, first to Crisp Ave and then Notre Dame Court, a few minutes away.Des died when he was 86, on 11 June 2003 and a Requiem Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on 16 June. Corporal Desmond Francis Rogers was interred in Pukekohe Cemetery, RSA Plot 353. Dorothy died 6 May 2008 and shares the plot.Sources: Service personnel file of 83188 Desmond Rogers, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampPapers Past: Des born as local man, CF Shipherd goes to camp, Pukekohe/Waiuku Times, 13 April 1917; Frank Rogers death 13 Sept 1943; informal reunion 7 Feb 1945; Des back from war NZ Herald 6 Sept 1945.Find a Grave: Desmond and Dorothy’s cemetery notices include death noticesResearcher: Karen Bowmer 169

ROPER Thomas MelvinService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 62348Regiment: 21 Battalion Last Known Rank: Lance CorporalMemorial Board: Waiau Pa SchoolThomas Melvin ROPER was born in Hastings on 13 April 1915. He was the son of Thomas Samuel Roper (1885-1960) and Lenora (sometimes written as Leonora) DEAN (1885-1969) and had a younger sister, Hilda. His parents lived at Ruakura Farm at the time of Thomas’s enlistment, then they were living at Waiau Pa by 1946. His uncle, Charles Roper and his family also lived at Waiau Pa.Educated at Hamilton East Primary and Hamilton High Schools, Thomas was a prominent athlete, competing in short distance races, also being part of the winning relay team in 1938 against Auckland teams. He also played cricket, both at school and for the senior grade at the Hamilton East Club andwas a Hamilton junior rugby representative.In his obituary, it was later recalled that when his unit was surrounded in the early Libyan campaign, his running prowess stood him in great stead when he made a dash for it and despite bullets which whipped up the sand around him, he managed to escape unscathed.In 1940 the engagement of Thomas Roper and Phebe THOMAS was announced. They married 5 March 1941 before he left for overseas with the 21stAuckland Battalion of the 5th Infantry Brigade.Thomas made his will at Papakura Military Camp on 9 March 1941, stating he was a clerk before serving in the Army. He was reported missing in the Western Desert, North Africa in July 1942 and had by then been promoted to Lance Corporal. It was not until much later that he was officially declared dead, with the date given as 15 July 1942.He is remembered on the Alamein Memorial, El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt as well as at Hamilton Memorial Park, in the Hall of Memories at Auckland War Memorial Museum and at Waiau Pa School.Sources:NZ Herald 26 Jan 1938; Athletics, relay winNZ Herald 3 Aug 1940; EngagementWaikato Times 6 Aug 1942; ObituaryArchives NZ; ProbateCenotaph: Auckland War Memorial MuseumResearcher: Heather Maloney170

RYDER Robert McChesneyService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 432788Squadron: UnknownLast Known Rank: Aircraftsman Class 1Memorial Board: PatumahoeRobert McChesney, Bob as he was known, was the second and youngest child of Robert Ewing RYDER (1890-1962) and Agnes Elizabeth McCHESNEY (1888-1974), who were farming near Marton when he was born 23 May 1923. His older sister remained unmarried. The family had shifted to Patumahoe before Bob started school there on 1 July 1929. He obtained his proficiency certificate at the end of 1936 and finished his schooling after three years at Pukekohe Technical High School. At the time of enlisting, Bob stated he had been working as a clerk in the telephone exchange in Patumahoe for fifteen months, his employer being the Post & Telegraph Department. He was described as 5 feet 11 inches (180cm), with fair hair and complexion and grey eyes.Bob was attested into the army 14 July 1941 and entered camp at Avondale 1 August. He was posted to the 1st Signal Company and was later posted to camps at Wairakei, Taupo, Auckland, Ngāruawāhiaand Whangarei. His service number was 443362, and his rank was Signalman. On 11 March 1943 hetransferred to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He gave as one of his referees on application,Mr W.H. ROBINSON, the postmaster at Patumahoe.Bob was with the radar service and was awarded the Pacific Star for his time in the Operational area of the Pacific Theatre, being Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The Defence Medal recognised his service in Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) and Norfolk Island. He also received the War Medal 1939-45 and the NZ War Service Medal and was discharged in 1948.Bob married Dorothy Joyce (Dot) née GLASGOW on 3 April 1948, and they had two children – a son and daughter. After a brief spell as a farmer in Patumahoe, he went back to working for the Post & Telegraph Department firstly as a linesman, then working himself up to a supervisor, an engineer and finally, an overseer before retiring. The couple moved to Papakura in the late 1960s and although they moved houses, remained in that town for the rest of their lives. Dot died in January 2015 and Robert a few months later, on 7 September. Their ashes are laid to rest in Papakura South Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of Robert Ryder 432788, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand electoral rolls and Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineSchool records: NZ Society of GenealogistsPhoto: Fountains of PapakuraResearcher: Heather Maloney171

SARGENT Claude JamesService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 76331Regiment: 29 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaClaude James was the second child of Claude Kirkwood SARGENT(1891-1970) and Mary née WESTBURY (1891-9177), born in Te Awamutu. He had an older brother and four sisters. Although his obituary stated he was working in Katikati until he entered camp, he was in fact working as a farmhand in Karaka when he enlisted and is remembered on the Papakura-Karaka Monument on the Great South Road in Papakura as well as the Karaka board.Claude was serving in New Caledonia, as was his brother,and in a letter home Fred says he was informed his brother had been wounded and was shocked to find when he arrived at the hospital that he had died.His Commanding Officer, Lt Col F.L. DAVIS, in a letter to his parents informing of his death, described Claude as “a very popular lad, always cheery even under the most trying conditions and will be missed very much. He was severely wounded during a heavy shelling about midday and taken to the American Red Cross where he died that afternoon”.Claude died on 27 October 1943 and is buried in the New Zealand War Cemetery at Bourail, New Caledonia.In his will he left his 50 acres in the Bay of Plenty, to his brother Fred.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers Past: Obituary, Bay of Plenty Times 10 Nov 1943 New Zealand Electoral Rolls and Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearcher: Heather Maloney172

SAUNDERS Trevor OswaldService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 1070Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: Corporal (RNZAF)Memorial Board: Mauku, Glenbrook and WaiukuTrevor Oswald SAUNDERS was born on 17 June 1919, four years after his brother Cyril Allan. His parentsCyril Oswald Saunders (1891-1945) and Alice May Saunders née WYMER (1891-1938) had married in 1913 and moved with her family from the Wymer’s market garden at Sylvia Park to Glenbrook. It was here, on the property still farmed by the Wymer family, that Trevor grew up.Trevor attended Mauku School where he gained his Proficiency Certificate in 1938. His formal education ended in Form 6 when he began working for his father as a farm labourer. He represented his school at tennis and later excelled playing hockey.Trevor enlisted in the Army on 27 September 1939 and attested that he had previously served in the Territorials for three years, having joined in Rotorua. Trooper Saunders was with the 1st Echelon, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force when they embarked for Egypt from Wellington on5 January 1940 aboard the SS Rangitata. The ship stopped over at Sydney Heads, Fremantle, Colombo and Aden before final disembarkation at Port Tewfik, Egypt on 14 February 1940.Five weeks later, soon after arriving at Maadi Camp where the New Zealanders were based in Egypt, Trevor had the first of several hospital admissions that year with appendicitis and chronic colitis. An appendectomy was performed on 26 June 1940, and he was later returned to New Zealand, disembarking here on 3 January 1941, and medically discharged on 31 January 1941.During his time in Egypt Trevor became friendly with the war artist Peter McIntyre and throughout his life treasured a painting given to him by the artist.On 10 April 1942 Trevor re-enlisted with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, service number 422558, as Ground Trades/Armourer, serving in New Zealand with posts to Harewood, Levin, Seagrove, Ohakeaand Whenuapai airbases.He was discharged on 31 December 1943, shortly after his marriage to Althea Violet NEEDHAM.Returning home to Mauku, Trevor worked as a motor driver until he purchased a taxi business in Patumahoe, later operated by Althea while Trevor worked at the Springs quarry. In 1960 he moved to Auckland and proved his versatility across a wide range of occupations until his retirement which wasspent in the Garnet Road home he had set up with his second wife Laura. Laura sadly passed away in 1991. Trevor was by now unwell himself and had only a short time with his third wife Nube before his death on 19 September 1995. He was survived by two sons and two daughters. Trevor’s funeral was held at Grey Lynn Returned Services Club which he had served as President for five years.Sources:Service personnel file of 422558 Trevor Saunders, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampGrant Saunders (son), Tania Saunders-Lelisi (daughter), Caroline Saunders (daughter-in-law)Researched by Val Gillanders (niece)173

SCHOOLER JohnService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 404175Regiment: Infantry BrigadeLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaJohn’s father, Thomas (Tom) Robert SCHOOLER (1898-1998), was born at Paxton in Scotland where his family had worked as joiners for centuries. He and his wife Anne (1902-1971) lived at Broughty Ferry, Dundee until June 1924 when they boarded SS Corinthic at Southampton and sailed for Auckland. They arrived on 22 July, three of about 400 other immigrants on board. John was nearly 4 years old then, born on 17 November 1920. The Schooler family settled in Karaka where Tom worked as a farmhand.John was a farmhand at Karaka too when his name appeared on the ballot sheet on 3 December 1941, and he enlisted with the Infantry Brigade joining the 21st Battalion. On 10 August 1944 his name was among those sick and wounded and three months later, on 10 November, Private John Schooler was back – home from the war with seven others from the district.John married Mary Doreen (known as Doreen) MAUNSELLfrom Waiuku in June 1947 and the couple lived in Panmure.They had two children, a son and a daughter. John worked as a cabinet maker living on Tenterden Ave, Balmoral for many years. By the 1960s his parents had moved to the same area and lived on Hazelhurst Road nearby. John died on 23 October 1996 and Doreen was 87 when she died on 17 April 2011. Their ashes were buried in the Erebus Memorial Garden, Plot 57 at Waikumete Cemetery. Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumNew Zealand electoral rollsFamily information: Golden Wedding, Berwickshire News 19 May 1936Papers Past: More Immigrants, Akl Star 22 July 1924; Ballot list, Franklin Times 3 Dec 1941; Casualty list, Evening Star 10 Aug.1944; Back from war, Franklin Times 10 Nov.1944; Engagement NZ Herald 11 April 1945Researcher: Karen Bowmer174

SCOTT Leslie McKenzieService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 401291Squadron: RAF 12 Squadron Last Known Rank: Flight SergeantMemorial Board: Wesley CollegeLeslie McKenzie SCOTT was born on September 3, 1916, in Ponsonby, Auckland. His parents were Robert Alexander Scott (1871–1954) and Ivy Beatris Scott née CLARK (1889–1961). He had no siblings.Leslie received his secondary education at both Wesley College and Auckland Grammar School. At Wesley College, he demonstrated his versatility and excellence by participating in the debating team, winning awards for music, and achieving the top academic position as the Dux of the school in 1931. That year he passed the university entrance examination. His father, Robert, made a generous contribution by donating a Rimu Honours Board to the school. In 1932 Leslie continued his education at Auckland Grammar School due to the absence of a sixth form option at Wesley College.In 1932 Leslie enrolled at Auckland University with the goal of obtaining a science degree.After completing his university studies, he began his career as an audit clerk at a firm of public accountants.In 1939 Leslie applied for war service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. After completing his flying training Leslie earned his flying badge and was then promoted to the rank of sergeant on 22 November 1940. He was posted to England, arriving January 1941.Following several postings to training units in England and Scotland, Leslie completed his training on Wellington bombers. He was posted to No. 12 Squadron as a pilot of a Wellington bomber. In September 1941 he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. Leslie participated in fourteen operational flights over Germany and France. Tragically, during his final mission targeting Boulogne, the aircraft failed to return to base, and all crew members were classified as missing. After the appropriate period, Flight Sergeant Leslie Scott's death was officially presumed to have occurred March 13, 1942, when he was 25 years old. Leslie McKenzie Scott’s memorial is at Runnymede Air Forces Memorial, Surrey, United Kingdom.Leslie is also remembered at Auckland Grammar School and at Howick & Pakuranga Memorials.Sources:Auckland City Council recordsCenotaph-On line Cenotaph Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers Past: Franklin TimesAncestry®Wesley College ArchivesResearched by Ian Shackleton175

SHADBOLT Frederick CharlesService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 445027Regiment: 24 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaFrederick Charles Shadbolt’s parents were Frederick George and Nancy Alice Annie née OLIVER, who were known as Fred and Annie Shadbolt. Fred snr was shipped from Etaples to recuperate from the flu in London, when he married Annie on 1 June 1918. They returned to New Zealand with twochildren in 1919 aboard SS Athenic. They lived in Whitford when Frederick Charles Shadbolt was born 25 February 1923, the fourth of five children. Annie died in August 1926, shortly after the birth of her fifth child, when Fred was only three years old. Extended family played a big role in raising the family.Both Fred and brother George were farmhands in Karaka in 1943 when they enlisted with the army. Both would be Privates in the Infantry Brigade. Fred listed his sister Eileen as his next of kin and George listed V. CARLTON, his aunt, both women living at the same address in Parnell.A Private in 24 Battalion, Fred was part of 6th Infantry Brigade and active in the Western Desert Campaign. A few months later, two days before Christmas of the same year, newspapers throughout the country carried the list of men on the 2nd NZEF casualty list. Fred, aged 20, was listed amongstthe wounded.Fred worked as a labourer after the war and was living at Parnell with his sister, his aunt, and George, who was a storeman. In early April of 1950 Fred married Valerie Adelaide RUSSELL and the couple produced six children.The family moved to Opotiki where Valerie was from, and by 1957 lived on Buchanan Street, about 6km from Albert and Flora, Valerie’s parents. George lived with them and worked as a butcher. The youngest brother Wallace was also a butcher in Maketu. Fred worked as a process worker for several years before moving to Ohauiti Road in Tauranga, 130km up the coast from Opotiki. Private Frederick Charles Shadbolt died in Tauranga on 20 August 2011 when he was 88 years old. Fourteen grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren were some of those left to mourn him. His funeral was held at St. James Union Church in Greerton. He is buried at Pyes Pa in Tauranga, where there is a plaque for Fred and Valerie in the new RSA block, Row 3, Plot 115. Sources: Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumFrederick George’s story:https://glimpseofmyfamilytree.wordpress.com/2018/03/24/frederickgeorge-shadbolt-jr/Papers Past: Annie’s death Akl Star 31 Au 1923; Fred wounded, Akl.Star 21 Dec 1943New Zealand electoral rollsAncestry® Nominal Roll No.11Find a Grave: PlaqueResearcher: Karen Bowmer176

SHADBOLT Oliver GeorgeService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 282152Regiment: 24 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: KarakaOliver George SHADBOLT was called George. He was born 5 October 1920 to Frederick George and Nancy Alice Annie Shadbolt, née OLIVER. She preferred to be called Annie. Sent from Étaples in France to London to recuperate from the flu, Sergeant Frederick George Shadbolt married Annie Oliver 1 June 1918. This Shadbolt family of four arrived in Wellington in early September 1919, with other returning soldiers aboard SS Athenic. They lived on Wellpark Avenue in Grey Lynn initially. George was born a year later, not long before the family moved to Whitford. He was three when his mother died in 1926 leaving Fred with a farm to run and five children, including a newborn, to care for.George liked to play rugby and on 19 August 1940 Franklin Times reported George in a white jersey with blue hoops playing for Auckland B against South Auckland at Eden Park. South Auckland won to avenge their loss at Pukekohe several weeks earlier.Both George and younger brother Fred worked in Karaka as farmhands in 1943 when they enlisted with the army. At the time George worked for family friend, Ernest George NEAL and listed his next of kin as V.CARLTON, (Violet Carlton, née O’DONNELL), his aunt living in Parnell. Both were Privates in 24 Battalion with the 6th Infantry Brigade. They embarked during the middle of that year for the Western Front in Europe. A year later papers reported the return of sick and wounded men, home from the Middle East, and George was one of them. After the war George lived in Parnell working as a storeman. By 1949 George was a butcher in Opotiki living with younger brother Fred and his wife Valerie. Their sister Eileen and husband Henry also lived in Opotiki. Youngest brother Wallace lived in Maketu, also working as a butcher. The family remained close. George was 94 when he died 6 days after his brother Wallace on 11 May. He was buried in the Opotiki Lawn Cemetery on 14 May 1915. Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumAncestry® Nominal rolls, and photoNZ Electoral rollsPapers Past: Rugby game, Franklin Times 19 Aug 1940; Sick & wounded home Akl Star, 14 June 1944George’s parents’ online story – glimpseofmyfamilytreeResearcher: Karen Bowmer177

SHARPLIN Victor ClarenceService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 62218Regiment: Infantry ReinforcementLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Karaka My brother, Vic, entered this world in Tauranga in 1917, the second of four sons and a daughter born to Ivy Rose, née LAND and Edward Gundry SHARPLIN. From our first days at Whakamarama School, I followed in his footsteps. I sat with him in class, two to a desk. We shared the same bed and later, the same bunkhouse. Vic left school before his fourteenth birthday, having no desire to linger after gaining his Proficiency Certificate. His working life began at Omokoroa where our father, although still involved in the timber industry, had purchased 140 acres of mostly unimproved farmland.Vic became my father’s right-hand man. Turning scrub to paddocks meant cutting, burning, ploughing, sowing seed and manuring. Except for the ploughing, all was done by hand, as was the milking of the cows. During the Great Depression the herd grew from 15 to 40 before the family could afford milking machines. Vic was horseman, cowman, and pigman while others of the family found work off-farm.Tough and wiry, and with the benefit of a very slow pulse rate, his endurance in sport (and work) was uncanny. He played most sports well and could have excelled in tennis, cricket and rugby but seemed satisfied by being one of a team. He had no wish to dominate. His enjoyment was to take part and do his best. We worked and played together. He was my mentor.In 1938 my parents sold the farm and bought another in Karaka. A year later Vic and two cousins travelled for the first time – fruit and hop picking in Nelson. War broke out while they were there. Vic volunteered and was drafted for training at the Papakura Military Camp. He was on leave when our 19-year-old sister, Val, tragically died in a car accident. He shared the family’s grief and saw the effect on Mum and Dad. He could only guess at their worry when he left for war.He would never know their feelings when news came that he was “Missing”, nor the grief when the black-edged letter arrived with the words “Killed in Action.” He died at the Battle of Sidi, Rezegh, Egypt on 30 November 1941. Those two losses bore heavily on Mum’s health. She passed away five years later, aged 49.Vic was a much loved and loyal son and, to others, everyone’s friend. He gave his best for all and finally, with his mates, gave his life for his country – doing his bit.Source:Memoirs by Reg Sharplin aged 93, May 2012, provided by his son, Bill SharplinGrateful thanks to the Sharplin familyResearched by Wendy Clark 178

SHIPHERD Charles RonaldService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 630180Squadron: UnknownLast Known Rank: Leading Aircraft ManMemorial Board: PuniCharles Ronald Shipherd liked to be called Chas and was named after his grandfather who came from Cornwall when he was only 3 years old. The NZ Herald showed Chas born to Thomas and Fanny Shipherd on 14 July 1924. The Shipherds were a prominent farming family in Puni. In September 1942 Chas was working as a clerk at the BNZ Bank in Pukekohe when his name appeared on the Ballot List. In the RNZAF Leading Aircraftman is an enlisted rank that originated in the Royal AirForce and, after training, LAC Shipherd flew off into the Pacific where the war rumbled, screeched and boomed ever closer to New Zealand. The very active Women’s Division in Pukekohe received a letter from the grateful 20-year-old Chas in October 1944, thanking them for the much-appreciated comfort parcel they sent him. A few months after receiving the parcel, Chas was on furlough and shared a big do at the Puni Hall on 30 April, welcoming home servicemen from all around the district. New Zealand fighter squadrons in the Pacific usually spent six weeks in Espirito Santo before they were sent to the combat zone. Six weeks later they returned to New Zealand for rest and reorganisation. Lt.Col. Oliver Gillespie said, \"The periodical rotation of active squadrons made for greater efficiency and reduced sickness.\"After the war Chas had his sights set on banking, working banks in Whakatane, Opotiki, Putaruru, Remuera, Otaki and Tawa. On Saturday 19 February 1955, Charles Ronald SHIPHERD married Sybil Margaret DENNIS, born 1929 to James and Kathleen Dennis.By 1966 Chas was the accountant back at BNZ Pukekohe. His last career move was to the role of Bank Manager at Thames 1977-1983. They then retired to Kitchener Road in Waiukuand remained there for the rest of their lives. Chas, theretired bank manager died on 21 October 2002. Sybil died four years later, and they are together in Waiuku Cemetery.Sources: New Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages Online and electoral rollsDaughter, HelenAncestry Family Trees – Marriage; Headstone – Franklin Branch NZ Society of GenealogistsPapers Past: Women’s Division parcel FT, 13 Oct 1944; Home on Furlough, FT: 30 April 1 1945 Researcher: Karen BowmerFranklin Times. 24 January 1945 UNIVERSITY TESTSSitting for sections of the Diploma in Banking examination, at an examination centre at A.P.O. 361, somewhere in the Pacific, L.A.C. Charles R. Shipherd, only son of Mr and Mrs T. S. Shipherd, of Puni. haspassed in the subjects of Banking No. 1 and Bills of Exchange. Prior to going overseas L.A.C.Shipherd was a member of the staff of the Pukekohe branch of the Bank of New Zealand.179

SIM Alexander GeorgeService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 418934Regiment: Light Anti-AircraftLast Known Rank: GunnerMemorial Board: KarakaAlexander was born on 17 February 1917 and was the second child of Alexander Cumming Ross SIM (1891-1960) and Isabella CLUNAS(1899-1966). Alexander and Isabella were born in Scotland, and they were married there in 1914 in Elgin coming to New Zealand shortly after their marriage. When they arrived in New Zealand the electoral rolls show that they lived in the Runciman area. In 1928 the address becomes Karaka, Runciman and when Alexander George filled out his attestation form his address was Karaka, Papakura. It is unknown which school he attended but he left school after reaching Standard IV. Once the family got established and settled, they raised a family of five boys and three girls that we can trace on New Zealand birth records. Their eldest child Peter also served in the Pacific Theatre during war WW2 with the 35th Battalion, he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Peter was fortunate to come home and lived a full life until his death in 2004.When Alexander enlisted for service in WW2 on 6 March 1942 he was employed by his father on the family farm in Karaka. After his initial training he was posted overseas and arrived in Egypt on 11 December 1942. He was in action in Tunisia and at 1800hrs on 9 April 1943. He was wounded when hit by explosive shells. He suffered severe gunshot wounds to the left side of his abdomen, both thighs and multiple other wounds. In spite of the efforts of the medics his injuries proved to be too much for Alexander and he died of his wounds the following day on 10 April. Alexander had served in the 14th Light Anti-Aircraft Regimentwhich was an air defence regiment of the New Zealand Military Forces raised during the second world war. It saw service as part of the 2nd New Zealand division during the North African, Tunisian and Italian campaigns before being disbanded in October 1944.He is commemorated on Face 39 of the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial (pictured below) in Tunisia. Alexander is also remembered at St James Presbyterian Church, Pukekohe.Sources:Ancestry®Papers PastNZ Electoral RollsOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumService personnel file of 418934 Alexander George Sim, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampResearched by Ross Miller180

SIM JohnService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 263797Regiment: 35 BattalionLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Karaka John was born 3 March 1921 to parents Alexander Cumming Ross SIM (1891-1960) and Isabella néeCLUNAS (1889-1966). He had three sisters and four brothers. John was always known as Jock. Jock attended Karaka Primary School finishing with his Proficiency Certificate.Prior to enlisting, Jock worked on Perry’s dairy farm at Paerata. He was also part of the Territorials Force for three years. Jock enlisted 3 March 1942, his 21st birthday.He embarked from Wellington, on 2 March 1943 for the Pacific, on the USS Fuller, as part of Kiwi Force, disembarking six days later on 8 May at Noumea, New Caledonia. In August 1943 when moving to the Operational area of the Pacific, Jock embarked from New Caledonia for Guadalcanal (code name: Mainyard). Then on the first part of his return to NZ, John embarked from Guadalcanal on the ‘USS Mintaka’ in June 1944 and disembarked in New Caledonia a few days later. Approximately. two months later on 12 August, he re-embarked from New Caledonia and disembarked in Auckland after five days at sea on 17 August. He was discharged approximately. six weeks later on 30 September 1944. Jock’s father had requested release of his sons (Peter and Jock) from the Army to return to the family farm contracting business and assist in ground preparation for the planting of peas for canning in the Karaka area, hay and silage work and ploughing. This being part of the “Essential Industry” work.Upon returning home Jock married Gretta HEALEY of Huntly West, October 1945 and they had three children; Barrie, Bev and Murray. Jock worked with his brother Peter in the farm contracting business. He also ran a dairy farm until 1960 when they shifted to a farm near Wellsford. By 1966 they were back in Franklin, farming at Ramarama until they retired to Seddon St in Pukekohe in 1972. Later they moved to Otorohanga but spent a couple of years with family at Coroglen before moving back to Otorohanga.Jock was awarded the 1939-45 Star and the Pacific Star for his service in the Solomon Islands, the Defence Medal for six months service in New Caledonia. He was also awarded theWar Medal 1939-45 and the New Zealand War Service Medal for his service in New Zealand in 1942, before deploying to the Pacific.Jock passed away on 16 January 2007 and Gretta on 8 March 2010.Sources:Service personnel file of 263797 John Sim, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampKaraka MuseumResearched by Rachael Hill181

SIM Peter JamesService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 67018Regiment: 35 BattalionLast Known Rank: SergeantMemorial Board: Karaka Peter was born 18 November 1915 to parents Alexander Cumming Ross SIMand Isabella née CLUNAS. He had three sisters and four brothers. Peter attended Karaka Primary school and achieved his proficiency certificate.Peter had served in the Territorials prior to his enlistment on 15 July 1941. He listed himself as a farm hand and tractor driver, working for his father and with his brother Joe. Joe (Alexander George) was killed in action on 10 April 1943. The family farm contracting business undertook all manner of farm work, but summer was spent mainly on hay-making.Peter embarked from Auckland on 2 January 1942 for the Pacific and his first tour of duty. He disembarked four days later on 6 January at Lautoka, Fiji, and was posted to 35 Battalion. When Peter returned to New Zealand, he left from Suva on 1 July 1942 on the ‘USS President Coolidge’,arriving in Auckland, five days later on 6 July. On his second tour of the Pacific, Peter embarked from Wellington, on 2 February 1943 on the ‘USS Fuller’, disembarking in Noumea, New Caledonia six days later on 8 February 1943. In August 1943 when moving to the Operational area of the Pacific, Peter embarked from New Caledonia for Guadalcanal (code name: Mainyard).On the first part of his return to New Zealand, Peter embarked from Guadalcanal on the ‘USS Mintaka’ in June 1944 and disembarked in New Caledonia a few days later. On 10 July 1944 he re-embarked from New Caledonia on the ‘USS Pickney’, and disembarked in Auckland on 14 July. He was discharged a couple of months later on 23 September 1944. His father had made repeated requests for he and his brother Jock (John) to be discharged back to the farm for essential service work. One of the reasons given was contracting for ground preparation for the growing of peas in the Karaka district, and the fact that contracting equipment was lying idle while his sons were in the Pacific.On 25 June 1949 Peter married Mary (May) Aikenhead SPENCE in St James Presbyterian Church at Pukekohe. May had been born in Scotland and emigrated with her family when 3 years old. They had two daughters, Christine and Debbie. Peter was a farm contractor and farmer at Karaka working with his brother Jock until 1957 when they shifted to Matatea Avenue, Pukekohe. His occupation in the electoral roll was given as a carrier from 1957 until 1975 when he became a clerk, retiring by 1981. He and May lived in Matatea Avenue for the rest of his life.Peter died 12 January 2004 and is buried in the RSA section at Pukekohe Cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 67018 Peter Sim, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampKaraka MuseumResearched by Rachael Hill182

SLADE-GULLY John AylmerService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 49197Regiment: ArtilleryLast Known Rank: Lance SergeantMemorial Board: KarakaJohn Aylmer was born on 26 April 1920, his parents were Frederick SLADE-GULLY (1889-1980), a dairy farmer, and Mildred Geraldine née BRODRICK (1891-1931), who had married at St Paul’s Church in Wellington in 1917. He had a younger brother, Philip.Mildred was just 39 when she died in 1931 and the Waotu farm was sold shortly after, and the family shifted to a new farm near Morrinsville. John attended Wanganui Collegiate, where he excelled at sports, especially cricket.In 1937 Frederick bought the farm at Karaka and was there on 6 August 1941 when his name was published on the ballot list of men joining the Armed Forces. John lived at Fort Takapuna, a soldier with the 61st Battery. Takapuna was considered a good camp and even had a rugby paddock, much to John’s delight. John knew guns and enlisted as Corporal with 2nd Division Artillery. He embarked in early 1942 as a Gunner. Gunners dragged, manipulated, camouflaged, fixed and fired those big gunsbanging and booming all through the war. John’s last rank was Lance Sergeant, which is a corporal who takes on Sergeant duties when necessary.By March 1945 John was back playing rugby for Matamata. He’d always loved sports – and he played a lot of rugby, first for Matamata and then for Waikato. The Waikato Players Archive shows he played11 games for them, scoring 3 tries between 1945 and 1946. He had been farming in Tirau in the late 1940s and in 1952 John Slade-Gully married Elsebeth Kirstine MADSEN. Her parents were Neils and Johanne MADSEN who had been naturalised in 1924, the year before Elsebeth was born in Matamata. John and Elsebeth lived on Drivers Road in Taupiri and farmed there for many years. Taupiri was their community. John was appointed to the Taupiri Mountain Domain Board which had control of the reserve. They had three children; a son and two daughters.John died on 19 May 1987 and was buried in the Jackson Street RSA Lawn Cemetery in Ngaruawahia. He was 67. Elsebeth remained in Taupiri until the mid-1990s when she moved to Hamilton. She was 78 when she died in 2003 and was buried in Ngaruawahia, with John.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumNew Zealand electoral rolls & Births Deaths & Marriages OnlinePapers Past: Birth notice Evening Post 1 May 1920; FJ farming in Karaka prior to 1940, Franklin Times 9 March 1938Researched by Karen Bowmer183

SLADE-GULLY Philip NortonService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 44167Squadron: UnknownLast Known Rank: Corporal Memorial Board: KarakaPhilip, also known as Phil, was born on 5 March 1925 in Waotu, Putaruru. He had one older brother, John Aylmer SLADE-GULLY. Their father, Frederick John Slade-Gully, was a dairy farmer and had served in the First World War Mounted Rifles in Gallipoli. Their mother, Mildred Geraldine BRODRICK, was the daughter of Thomas Noel Brodrick, Surveyor and Undersecretary for the Lands and Survey Department. Mildred sadly passed away in 1931 at the age of 39, Philip was just 6 years old. The Waotu farm was sold shortly after, and they shifted to a new farm in Morrinsville where Philip attended school.In 1937 they bought the Karaka farm, Philip was aged 12. He attended the Karaka School and South Auckland Primary School, then attended Kings College in Otahuhu in 1940, aged 15. They moved again to a new farm in Papakura in 1944 where 19-year-old Philip was working as a farmer when he enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Airforce in 1944. Philip trained at Harewood Training Camp in Christchurch; Flight No. 5 Royal New Zealand Airforce.He was posted to Norfolk Island and Emirau Island the same year and he was overseas for 334 days, within New Zealand for 1 year and 84 days. He was discharged from service 9 March 1946 receiving War Medals, Pacific Star, NZ War Service medals.Philip continued farming upon returning home after the war. He married Dora Ismay TRIPP on 4 September 1954 and they were balloted a farm in Rotorua, but unfortunately the land was not viable and they had to walk away. They then purchased a new home in Preston Road, East Tamaki where they had one daughter, Marion, born 11 September 1959. Philip was working at the Dairy Company, when he was hospitalised at St Marys Hospital in Rotorua. He was diagnosed with severe arthritis and was unable to return to work. This changed the course of their working life,shifting to Takanini, then Epsom and owning businesses along the way.Philip shared a love of horses and the outdoors with his daughter, Marion. From driving the tractor to fixing fences and taking care of the local pony club grounds. He had a quick-witted sense of humour. Philip was a great historian and well documented his family involvement in both wars, photos and memorabilia. In retirement, they shifted to a new property in Papatoetoe where Philip enjoyed gardening and family time. Sadly, Philip was hospitalised in 1999 after a stroke and passed on 13 April 2004. Writer: Marion Livingstone - DaughterResearcher Rachael Hill184

SMITH Norman RoyService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 36352Regiment: Medical CorpsLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Mauku Norman Roy SMITH was born on 6 March 1916 in Ohaeawai, Far North District, New Zealand, to Abraham (Pera) SMITH and Maria Eleanor Smith (née CAMPBELL). He faced significant challenges at an early age with the loss of both parents—his father passed away when he was just four, and his mother died when he was six. Norman was the third youngest of eleven siblings which included six brothers and four sisters. Norman completed Secondary school in Dargaville and was working for J FRASER in Mauku, Franklin as a labourer, prior to his enlistment.Norman enlisted on 25 September 1940, and after a period of training with the New Zealand Medical Corps (5 Field Ambulance), he embarked from Wellington on 19 December 1940 for Egypt as part of the 4th Reinforcements. He disembarked in Egypt on 28 January 1941.From March to May, he served during the battles of Greece and Crete. He was reported safe in Crete on 18 May 1941, but over a month later, he was reported missing. By 21 October, it was recorded that Norman had been held as a prisoner of war at the German camp Stalag VIII (8B) in Lamsdorf since June 1941. During his time as a POW, he sustained a chemical burn to his left eye while loading lime into a barrel for whitewashing a room. On 5 November 1943, he was finally repatriated to Egypt through a prisoner exchange agreement.Norman embarked from Port Tewfik, Egypt, 24 November 1943 on the Hospital ship HMHS Oranje. He disembarked in Wellington 14 December 1943 and was later given a medical discharge on 20 May 1944.After demobilization, Norman went to Morrinsville to live with his sister, Daphne, and her husband. He got engaged to Brenda Lois HANSEN in August 1945, and they married in Wellington on 3 May 1947. Norman worked as a labourer in Morrinsville until the late 1950s, when he moved north to run a farm as a sharemilker in Waihue, near Dargaville. By 1969, Norman and Brenda had relocated to Dargaville, where he was employed as a storeman until his retirement in 1981.Norman passed away on 8 August 1982 in Dargaville, Kaipara District, Northland, New Zealand, at the age of sixty-six. He is buried at the New Mount Wesley Cemetery. Brenda died on 24 March 1993 and is also interred at the same cemetery.Sources:Service personnel file of 36352 Norman Smith, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers Past, Ancestry®Researched by Ian Shackleton185

SOMMERVILLE William ArthurService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 211203Regiment: 24 Battalion Last Known Rank: Lance SergeantMemorial Board: MaukuWilliam (Bill or Billy as a child) Arthur SOMMERVILLE was born on 26 January 1920 in Pukekohe to William James Sommerville and Eva Eugenie Phyllis née WRIGHT. His father was born in Mauku in 1879 from Irish parents and ran a dairy farm at Mauku. Billy grew up with his younger sister, Phyllis Evelyn, attending local schools in Mauku and Pukekohe. His education ended at the age of thirteen when he began assisting his father full-time on the farm milking cows, feeding pigs and market gardening. For this he took no wages, just keep and clothing. Shortly before the outbreak of WW2 Bill joined the Waiuku branch of the Mounted Rifles. He was conscripted into military service in August 1941 and served in the 24th Infantry Battalion. The Battalion saw action in various theatres of war, including North Africa, and Italy. He returned to New Zealand on Christmas Eve 1945. Tragically, his mother passed away while he was overseas. Bill married Mary Elizabeth KIDD in 1947, and together they raised six children: Beverly, Janice, Gregor, Donna, Baden and Viv. After returning from military service, Bill purchased his first farm in Patumahoe. While living with his father, he cleared the land and constructed sheep yards and a wool shed. In 1955 he built his first home on the property. He began showing draught horses in 1947, and in 1957 he started a Border Leicester sheep stud. His sheep won numerous awards at agricultural shows.In 1965, Bill and Mary purchased \"Surrey Farm\" in Maramarua. It was here that Bill decided to establish a Murray Grey cattle stud. He imported two purebred Murray Grey cattle from Australia. At \"Surrey Farm\" Bill achieved notable success in prime ox competitions, winning the Auckland Easter show competition no less than six times,showcasing his dedication and expertise in farming and livestock breeding. Bill was a very skilled farmer and exceptional stockman. He represented the New Zealand Sheepbreeders Association for forty years and was a breed Inspector for the Murray Grey Society. Bill was a Life Member of the Franklin A&P Association, remembering coming to his first show as a six year old.In 1984 Bill moved to Bombay for semi-retirement. Despite this, he continued to breed and show his beloved Border Leicesters until his passing. Prior to his passing, Bill was awarded the Royal Agricultural Society’s National Service Award in late 2005.Bill passed away 21 January 2006 just six days before his 86th birthday and is buried in Mauku Cemetery. Mary passed away 19 May 2019 at the age of 92.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumBill's daughter Donna McKelveyResearched by Ian Shackleton186

STEENSON HenryService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 518461Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: DriverMemorial Board: Patumahoe Henry STEENSON was the fifth in a family of six children, born to William Steenson (1877-1957) and his wife Selina née WALLER (1880-1940). He was born in Pukekohe on 2 March 1913 and educated at Paerata and Puni schools until 1927. By 1935 he was working for his mother on a property in Pukeoware as a farmhand, as his father had previously left home and Henry became the main breadwinner for the family during the depression years. Henry rented a small holding on Pukekohe Hill and milked a few cows and worked for market gardeners between milkings. Henry was very mechanically minded and pre-1938 had built a motor car in which the family had much enjoyment. During this time Henry was courting Louise Wray WILSON(1919-2017) having known each other since Wray was nine. He then moved to Frankton Road, Waihi as a sharemilker for a number of years, and Henry and Wray married quietly on 8 August 1938 at St James Presbyterian Church, Pukekohe.Henry was called up in April 1942. Now 28 years old and a Dairy Factory worker of Tuakau, he enlistedin the army on 16 March 1942, joining the New Zealand Army Service Corps, 8th Reinforcement draft at Papakura. He sailed from Wellington on the SS Aquitania on 10 December and arrived at Maadi Camp, Egypt on 5 January 1943. Henry served with various units of the NZASC. He spent time with 2 Ammunition Company, NZ Catering Depot, 6 Divisional Supply Company. In September 1943, 2nd NZ Division sailed to Italy and Henry was posted to 1 Supply Company, where he served for the duration of the Italian campaign. Henry returned to New Zealand on the SS Strathmore disembarking at Wellington on the 30 September 1945 having served three years and 271 days. He received the1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, The Italy Star, The War Medal, The New Zealand War Service Medal.Henry came home to Hunter Road, Patumahoe, where Wray had been living and continued his farming life, moving to Ridge Road, Riverhead for some years but by 1960 Henry and Wray were living at 78 Marne Road, Papakura, with Henry working as a Garage Attendant.Henry passed away in hospital on 14 November 1996 aged 83 years, his ashes were buried in Waiuku Cemetery RSA section Row S6 Plot 01. Wray continued to live at 12 Colombo Road, Waiuku and always missed her beloved Henry. When Wray passed away on 19 October 2017 aged 98 years her ashes were buried with Henry and she is acknowledged on their RSA plaque.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War memorial MuseumService Personnel file of 518461, Henry Steenson, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampSteenson familyResearched by Gillian Conroy187

STEPHENS Allan PearceService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 455140Regiment: 21 BattalionLast Known Rank: CorporalMemorial Board: Mauku, Glenbrook and Waiuku Allan Pearce STEPHENS was born at Clevedon 12 December 1922, second child with an older brother, Newton. His father George Herbert (1888-1973) served in WWI (Second Lieutenant 10396) and had married his mother Kate Eleanor PEARCE (1891-1982) in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, England. They soon set up home farming in Ness Valley, Clevedon where other family lived. In June 1926 they moved to Glenbrook Station Road, Glenbrook. Allan attended Mauku School and the functions in the Mauku Victory Hall were a highlight. He took part with others in a play or at a concert and dance,often in fancy dress. (Franklin Times: 3 December 1930 and 25 October 1933). He had a year at secondaryschool then worked on the dairy farm.Allan enlisted on 5 September 1941, trained and then spent two years as an instructor. He embarked from Wellington 29 June 1944 on the SS Highland Princess as part of the 12 Reinforcements, stopping at Freemantle, Trincomalee and Aden, before arriving at Port Tewfik, Egypt on 2 August. On 24 September Allan embarked from Alexandria for Italy. While disembarked in Italy, he was posted to 21 Battalion. Allan embarked from Italy 10 January 1946, and disembarked in Auckland 10 February, and was discharged 8 April 1946, having served 4 years and 65 days. Allan received the 1939-45 Star, the Italy Star, the War Medal 1939-1945 and the New Zealand War Service Medal.In April 1945 newspapers had written of the gallantry of individual members of the 21 Battalion in Italy including “Private Allan Stephens of Waiuku who has since been promoted to Corporal, following fine work in the preliminary fighting”. (Auckland Star 18 April 1945- IN THE FIELD)When Allan returned, his brother was running the farm at Glenbrook. However, by July 1946 Allan had been successful in obtaining a Ballot farm at Whatawhata (Te Awamutu Courier 19 July 1946), a newly broken in farm now accessed at the end of Houghton Road. On 3 August 1946 he married Nita Joyce THOW (1922-1998), who had also been a Corporal in the Army. They had two sons and three daughters; Suzanne, Joan, Craig, Kay, Paul.Allan played rugby and became secretary of the Whatawhata Rugby Club, and spent time on the Koromatua School Committee. Allan later enjoyed playing golf, being an integral member of the Te Kowhai Golf Club, becoming a life member. Allan and Nita left farming, moving to Newcastle Road, now Dinsdale, Hamilton. Allan was a spare parts assistant for Mercedes trucks for several years atCable Price, Te Rapa until his retirement. Allan passed away 21 November 1999. Nita had died the previous year and they were both interred in Hamilton Park Cemetery: MAPLE-49-58.Sources:Family information and photoService Personnel File of 445140 Allan Stephens, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampResearched by Penny Prescott188

SWINBOURN James IanService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 62253Regiment: Infantry ReinforcementsLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Mauku James Ian (Jim) SWINBOURN was born 15 May 1916, in Morrinsville New Zealand, the youngest son of Harry Swinbourn and Edith Mary Swinbourn née MULCAHY. Jim’s father first farmed land in Morrinsville before moving to Mauku in 1920s. Jim had an older brother Basil. Jim lived in PUKEKOHEarea and was employed as a labourer in 1941 when he enlisted.Jim was in the New Zealand Infantry and had postings to Egypt, North Africa and Italy and served with the 18th Battalion. Jim embarked from Wellington 7 April 1941 for Egypt. He was part of the 5thReinforcements on board the RMS Mauretania, Disembarking at Port Tewfik, Egypt 15 May 1941. One of the first things Jim had to do on arrival in Egypt was on the day of his 25th birthday, to seek an interview with his CO to get signed a letter from his lawyer that he had brought with him to confirm he had attained that age and was “mentally stable” so that he could receive his inheritance from his grandfather – a man of very fixed views. (comment by Joan his wife from the story she wrote)Jim was wounded in action at Sid Rezegh in Libya, North Africa during Operation Crusader. Jim had received a shrapnel wound to his right buttock due to a mortar fragment. He was admitted to the 18(British) General Hospital on 10 December 1941, his recovery was long and arduous, spanning multiple hospitals until he was fit enough to return to his unit in September 1942.Jim embarked from Alexandria, Egypt for Italy 17 October 1943. This tour was cut short when he returned to Egypt a little over five months later, disembarking at Port Said 3 April 1944.On his return to New Zealand, Jim embarked from Port Tewfik 17 April 1944. He spent time in Australia before returning to New Zealand. He disembarked at Wellington 12 August 1944 and was later given a medical discharge 3 November 1944.Jim returned to the Pukekohe area after the war and later moved to Wellington where he married Joan Alexandra Swinbourn 16 November 1957. Jim took up employment as a joiner and together they lived in Wellington until 1969. After Jim’s retirement they moved to Tauranga.Sadly, Jim died at age 82, 16 November 1998 in Tauranga, New Zealand, on the same day he had married Joan 41 years earlier.Joan also died in Tauranga in 2014 at age 95.Sources:Service Personnel file of 62553 James Swinbourn, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampComments by JoanPapers Past, Ancestry®, Online CenotaphResearched by Ian Shackleton189

TARVER JohnService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 520107Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: SergeantMemorial Board: PuniJohn was born on 15 September 1910 in Ngaruawahia, the youngest of five siblings. His parents, William and Charlotte TARVER, had farmed in the area for several years and John was enrolled at Horotiu School in 1916. After the war the family moved to Puni where John was enrolled at school in October 1920. He was among hundreds to turn up at the Puni Hall on Friday 12 December 1924 at the school fancy dress party, a great success that lasted until just after midnight. John dressed as a Red Indian; George McNeil, another Puni School boy who would fight in WW2, was a sailor, enjoying the fun with a bride, a knitting bag, a pompom amongst others.In June 1929 John met with a motor bike accident. The following year, 1930, John married a local girl Thelma Annie RYAN, daughter of Sydney and Ruth. The new Tarver couple had a daughter in 1931 and another in 1934 when John was working as a motor mechanic, and they were living in Edinburgh Street in Pukekohe.The family was living in Waterview and John was driving taxis when his name appeared in 1943 on Nominal Roll 12 -- he would join the NZ Army Services Corps (ASC). Nominal Roll 15 said the same in 1945 and that Corporal John Tarver would be a driver with the ASC.John was home again by 1946, with his family in Grey Lynn and continued to drive taxis. They were still there in 1960, but John and Thelma divorced in 1964.By 1969 John and his new wife Ailie Jessie née HORTON were living at Tahi Place in New Lynn before moving to the Far North. The couple retired to Du Fresne Place at Tapeka Point near Russell and this is where Sergeant John Tarver died on 25 January 1979. He was buried in the St. John the Baptist Anglican churchyard at Waimate North in the Bay of Islands. This heritage-listed Anglican Church was built in 1831 by the Church Missionary Society.Sources:Photos: Ancestry® Family tree of Winsome PriorNew Zealand electoral rollsPapers Past: Motor Cycle accident Auckland Star18 June 1929Researcher: Karen Bowmer190

TAYLOR Orton HaroldService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 67041Regiment: Infantry ReinforcementsLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: Patumahoe Orton Harold was born in Pukekohe on 19 February 1918, the youngest of three sons born to Thomas Edward TAYLOR (1874-1954) and Sarah Beatrice née PARKINSON (1876-1929). Tom and Beatrice, as they were known, had a sheep and beef farm at Patumahoe but when Beatrice died in 1929, the two youngest boys went to live with their uncle Arthur Taylor in Wairoa.The Poverty Bay Herald reported on 5 August 1937 that Orton was leaving the district and returning to his father’s farm at Patumahoe. It was from here that he enlisted as a single farmhand, naming his father at “Hillside”, Patumahoe as next of kin.Orton and his brother Bill were part of the Infantry Reinforcements and headed off to Egypt in 1941. They were involved in the North African campaign and the Battle of Monte Cassino. Orton was welcomed home at a function in the Waiau Pa Hall on 24 September 1945.In the early 1960s Orton met and married Jocelyn THOMPSON. They were to have three children, a daughter who sadly died before she was two years old and two sons. One of the sons, Richard, died in 1990, aged 25.After the war Orton farmed near Patumahoe with his brother Eddie, but following his marriage he farmed in Taylor Road, Patumahoe on his own account with the help of his wife and oldest son. Orton died on 31 August 1991 and his ashes are buried at Papakura Cemetery.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumNZ Ancestor Search HelperNZ electoral rolls and Births Deaths & Marriages OnlinePhoto: Returned servicemen 1947 in Waiau Pa book by Jewel DellFindagravePapers Past: Welcome Home, Franklin Times 21 Sept 1945Researched by Heather Maloney191

THICKETT Arthur EdwardService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 71059Regiment: 236 Field Company Royal EngineersLast Known Rank: MajorMemorial Board: KarakaAn exceptionally talented young man, Arthur Edward, youngest of three children of Joseph Hedley THICKETT (1880-1971) and Annie Elizabeth née TURNER (1882-1944) was born on 27 March 1917 in Bournemouth, England.He came to New Zealand at age nine, with his parents and two older sisters. They settled in Auckland and Arthur attended Auckland Grammar School from 1930, where he won class prizes, special prizes in science and was named as the most efficient N.C.O. in 1934.The family had moved to a dairy farm at Karaka about 1934. His mother and sister Joan appeared to manage the farm while his father accepted various positions overseas.In early 1935 he applied for a cadetship at the Royal Military Academy in England. While there he also took an honours degree in engineering at Cambridge University and was president of the New Zealand Club.He went to France with the Third British Division in 1939and was wounded in Dunkirk. He became Major in 1941 at the young age of 24 and passed into the Staff College at Camberley. After a period as Chief Instructor, he went to India where he joined the planning staff of Lord Louis Mountbatten. In January 1945 he was appointed Commanding Officer of a field company of engineers at Kyaukmaw, Burma (now Myanmar).It was here on 17 February 1945, at the climax of four days of fighting by Indian troops against the Japanese that Arthur lost his life. His Field Company of the Royal Engineers was supporting the Indian troops and while looking for a suitable place to cross the Kin Chaung River, he was killed in a Japanese ambush.Arthur is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery in Rangoon, pictured on left, and is remembered at Auckland Grammar School and on the Papakura-Karaka Monument on Great South Road, Papakura.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumAuckland Grammar School Archives – photo and informationPapers Past: Acceptance to Military Academy 14 June 1935; Obit NZ Herald 26 April 1945Researcher: Heather Maloney192

THORNE Clifford Charles HenryService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 4417Regiment: Service CorpsLast Known Rank: Lance CorporalMemorial Board: PuniClifford Charles Henry THORNE was born 29 July 1912 in Pukekohe. He was the second child of sevenborn to Samuel John THORNE (1883-1920) and Ella Gertrude ROGERS (1883-1932) and had five brothers and one sister.Known as Cliff, he worked as a farm labourer for Colgan’s in Settlement Road, Puni and was one of the first in the district to enlist on 3 October 1939. His parents had both died by this time and Cliff gave his brother Wilfred at Mercer as his next of kin but gave his last address as c/- Mrs. FLAXMAN, New Lynn(she was to become his mother-in-law). He served with the Army Service Corps in the 1 New Zealand Petrol Company, seeing action in Egypt, Greece and Crete from 5 January 1940 until 10 February 1944and was discharged on 16 June 1944.Cliff met Pauline Mavis GOODWIN, (known as Paula) at the orphanage in Avondale and this led to lots of wartime letters and 54 years of marriage. They were married on 18 March 1944.Welcomed home by the Puni community, Cliff was encouraged to apply for a ballot farm in Settlement Road and it was here that they farmed until the late 1960s. They were a popular couple, taking part in sporting, school and social activities in the district, with their two chosen sons. A move to Port Waikato saw Cliff and Paula quickly become part of this community. They were stalwart volunteers at the Cobourne Reserve gardens, and the surf and yacht clubs. Their house was never locked,and people dropped in all the time. Locals remember Cliff’s love of making concrete – he arrived to help whoever was laying concrete, always wanting to be on the concrete mixer.Cliff is also remembered on the Roll of Honour at the New Lynn RSA.Cliff died on 7 July 1998 and his ashes are laid to rest in the RSA section at Pukekohe Cemetery.Sources:Eulogy by son BobStatement of Service of 4417 Clifford Thorne, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampNew Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineResearcher: Heather MaloneyCliff and Paula standing by the cherry tree planted in their honour at Coburne Reserve, Port Waikato193

TIBBS Bernard HumphreyService: Royal New Zealand NavyService Number: 2869Last Ship: HMNZS AchillesLast Known Rank: Ordinary SeamanMemorial Board: PuniBernard Humphrey, known as Humphrey, was born on 20 June 1920 while his parents were farming at Taupaki, north of Auckland. His father was Hugh Wilfrid TIBBS (1891-1954) and his mother Ruth née CLARK (1892-1971). He had a sister who was four years younger.Humphrey attended Whitikahu Primary School before the family shifted to Puni where he started on 31 March 1930. After two years at Puni, he received his secondary education at Mt Albert Grammar.The slump of 1937 forced him to go into business instead of university, but he took accountancy at night school while working in a bank and had passed 60% of subjects before he went to war in 1941.In September 1941 Humphrey sailed to Liverpool on Dominion Monarch for naval training and served at Plymouth, Madagascar and Alexandra from where his ship was used to escort convoys to Tobruk and Malta. Following a six-month tour of duty on the Achilles, he was invalided out of the navy and was welcomed home at Puni in April 1943 and went back to his pre-war career in banking.After various transfers with the bank, in 1949 Humphrey moved from Blenheim to Temuka and in that year he married Georgina Agnes WATERS (1929-1988). They had three children.A career change saw Humphrey working as a financial controller for a large wool broking firm. Later he and his wife, by now living in Christchurch, owned a company supplying Masonic regalia, a business they expanded into exporting and ran until their retirement. Humphrey had become involved in Freemasonry while in Blenheim and became dedicated to a continuing goal of creating harmony and bettering mankind. He held various titles within the movement, culminating in his election as Grand Principal of the Royal Arch Order of New Zealand in 1992.Georgina died in 1988 and Humphrey on 24 July 1996. They are buried in the Holy Trinity Cemetery in Christchurch.Sources:New Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineCentral Leader- 18 March 1992– photo and article on his 1992 electionPapers Past: Ballot list 1941; Welcome home 14 April 1943NZ Electoral rollsResearcher: Heather Maloney194

TIRIKATENE John AperehamaService: Royal New Zealand Air ForceService Number: 422634Unit: No: 4 Training Unit Last Known Rank: Sergeant (pilot)Memorial Board: Wesley CollegeJohn Aperehama TIRIKATENE was born in Lyttleton, Christchurch on 19th April 1923 and was the third son of the Hon Sir Eruera Tihema Tirikatene MP (1895-1967) and Lady Rute Mate Kino Tirikatene née SOLOMON (1898-1980). John had five brothers and four sisters.John received his education at Rotorua Native School and Wesley College in Paerata. He displayed a keen interest in various sports, including rugby, hockey, tennis, and cricket. After leaving school John found employment as an electrical wireman at H.C. Urlwin Ltd in Christchurch. In May 1941 John faced initial disappointment when he didn't meet the qualifications to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a pilot. However, undeterred, and after a period of self study, he reapplied and was accepted at the Ground Training School Harwood. He completed his ground training and was assigned to ground staff duties. After months of determination and perseverance John finally received the long-awaited news of his transfer to No. 3 Elementary Flying School. Additional training at No.2 Service Flying Training School saw John finally qualifying as a Service Pilot. He was awarded his flying badge and promoted to sergeant on 15th April 1944.At the end of April, he went to No. 4 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit in Ardmore, Auckland to undergo training as a fighter pilot on Harvard and Kittyhawk aircraft.On 6th June 1944 Sergeant John Aperehama Tirikatene’s life ended tragically. Whilst engaged in formation flying over Papakura Military Camp John’s aircraft collided with another. The leader had asked to change formation and John’s aircraft had moved up too fast on the aircraft ahead of him and whilst passing underneath struck the starboard wing and aileron with its tail. John lost control of his aircraft and it dived steeply to the ground and crashed into power lines. The other pilot regained control of his badly damaged aircraft and returned safely to base. Sadly, John had lost his life at the age of 21.He is buried at Kaipoi Maori Cemetery.Sources:Cenotaph-On line Cenotaph Auckland War Memorial MuseumArchives NZ Papers Past: Auckland StarAncestry®Aircrewremembered.comResearched by Ian Shackleton195

URQUHART Frederick JohnService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 14386Regiment: InfantryLast Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: PatumahoeFrederick John Urquhart, known as Fred, was born on 29 March 1915. His father, Trooper Frederick Ernest URQUHART, was also in the military. In 1902 The Mudgee Guardian (New South Wales) published a long article that showed huge pride for one of its sons, Frederick’s father, and his efforts in South Africa. He later came to Coromandel and married Helen CAMPBELL at the registry office in 1904 and the couple became parents of five children. The Urquhart family was farming at Patumahoe by 1920 and lived on Waiuku Road when young Fred (as he was known) was called up. The 5 feet 11 inch (180cm) farmhand with black hair and blue eyes entered Burnham Camp on 3 October 1940.Ten months after embarking, Frederick was with his regiment when they were captured on 13 December 1941. The Franklin Times reported war casualties fighting in Libya and that Frederick was missing in January 1942. Thought to have been captured in early February he was confirmed to be in Campo 66, in Italy on 7 April. This was the start of Fred’s movement through several Italian camps including Aquilla, Chiavari and Torviscosa. In April 1944 he was transferred to Stalag V11A in Germanyand spent a year there until his three- and half-year custody ended. He was reported safe in the UK on 23 May 1945 and was one of the many men who returned to New Zealand in September of that year. Back home again with his parents at Patumahoe, Fred resumed working on the farm.Private Frederick John Urquhart died eight months after his father on 23 April 1964 and was buried just five plots away from him in the RSA section of Pukekohe Cemetery. The same will he made when heading to war in 1940 was used for his probate.Sources:Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumTrove: Mudgee Guardian.New Zealand electoral rolls; New Zealand Births Deaths & Marriages OnlineFamily: Information and photo, Jeff DownsPapers Past: Frederick missing 7 Jan 1942; POW 16 Feb 1942; Akl Star, Men Returning home, 4 Sept 1945.Researcher: Karen Bowmer196

WALLER William FrederickService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 71689Regiment: 36 Battalion Last Known Rank: PrivateMemorial Board: MaukuWilliam Frederick (Fred) WALLER was born 25 December 1911, at Dannevirke, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand. He was the second youngest of five siblings born to George Robert Waller and Hilda Olive Waller, née BIGGS. He had three sisters -- Georgina, Leila, and Gwendoline, and an older brother George. After leaving school, Fred ventured into the world of retail as a draper, where he honed his skills in selling fabrics and clothing.When Fred's name appeared on the 1941 Ballot list he enlisted in 3rd New Zealand Division, 36 Infantry Battalion, B Company. The 3rd New Zealand Division were garrisoned throughout the Pacific. On his first tour of the Pacific, Fred embarked from Auckland on 10 January 1942 for Fiji where he was employed in defensive duties, preparing the island against a possible Japanese invasion. He returned to New Zealand 7 August 1942. On his second tour of the Pacific, Fred embarked Auckland 12 October 1942 for Norfolk Island. This Tour was known as N Force, a small New Zealand Army unit of infantry and artillery that garrisoned the Australian territory of Norfolk Island. The Island was a hub for radio and radar transmissions, aiding the allies with primary intelligence on ship locations and movements. At its peak in 1942, N Force consisted of 1,488New Zealanders.Fred returned to New Zealand 2 April 1942 on medical grounds. On arrival, he was placed in the care of a convalescent facility at Ravensthorpe Hospital on the Great South Road between Ramarama and Bombay. After over a year of healing, he received a medical discharge on August 7, 1943.On 1 February 1944 Fred married Edna Bessie (Betty) GLADDING. They did not have any children. Fred transitioned from his role a salesman in 1957 to become a Company Director. He passed away at age fifty-five on 9 October 1967 in Auckland and is buried at Waikaraka Cemetery, Auckland. Edna died in 1983 and she shares the same headstone as Fred. Sources:Service personnel file of 71689 William Frederick Waller, NZDF Personnel Archives, Trentham CampOnline Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial MuseumPapers Past, Ancestry®Researched by Ian Shackleton197

WALTERS Frances JoyceService: New Zealand ArmyService Number: 34996Regiment: Nursing ServiceLast Known Rank: Staff NurseMemorial Board: Karaka Known as Joyce and a twin to Marjorie, Joyce was born to parents William Harold (Harold) and Noelie Mary (Noel) Walters on 17 November 1908. She had one brother and another sister. Joyce lived in Walters Road as a child, moving from Papakura and having to go through Drury to get there as the Hingaia bridge wasn’t built then. She arrived riding a Shetland pony. The two-storied home was then built on the property.After attending Primary school locally, Joyce then attended Ladies College Remuera. Driving the horse and gig to Papakura station with Majorie and catching the train to town. The horse grazed at her grandmother’s property near the station during the day.After training as a nurse in Auckland, and later enlisting with the New Zealand Army Third Echelon, Joyce specialised in working with burn victims, firstly in Egypt, and later back in New Zealand at Burwood and Middlemore Hospitals. Joyce worked with Dr William Maxwell Manchester while in Egypt, then again in Burwood. When he became the Founding Plastic Surgeon at Middlemore, she moved there as Head Nurse to continue in that area of nursing. Majorie joined the WAAC signal division during the war.Joyce was very involved with photography, developing her own films and entering competitions with success. She was also a keen golfer. The twins enjoyed fishing, firstly with a fishing dinghy and then a launch that enabled them to take out their nieces and nephews.At age 84 Joyce and Marjorie moved to Selwyn Oaks from the family home after living there for 72 years. Joyce passed away on 18 August 1994 and is buried at Papakura with her twin Marjorie.Sources:Franklin County News article 23 June 1992Family Information: David Yates, NephewResearch/Writer: Rachael HillPlease note: A transcribing error in some records (Cenotaph) show Joyce’s surname as Frances Joyce WAITERSSister Joyce Walters with wounded August 1944198