Christchurch Press  -  January,  February,  March   1944   - 

War News
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                                                                          January War News
Monday 3 January 1944
Photo - 001
BELL - Major-General Peter Harvey, awarded D.S.O. in 1918  ---  lots more --

Photos -002
OTTEN - Private,  A.E. (Ted)  in casualty lists --
McGREGOR -  Flight Sergeant F.E.  son of Mr & Mrs F.L. McGregor,  ---

Photos - 003
WRIGHT - Sergeant John W.   received his wings in Canada.
KNIGHT - Flight Sergeant G.J.  formerly Ashburton,  gained his wings in Canada.


Thursday 6 January 1944
Photos - 004
ADAMS - Flight Lieutenant W.E.F.  son of Mr & Mrs W.J.  Opawa,  been promoted --
DALLARD - 2nd lieutenant S.N.  son of Mr & Mrs C.H. Riccarton, 

Photos - 005
SOMERVILLE - Trooper T.G.,  son of Mr & Mrs W.J.  Riccarton.
BEATTY - Signalman Ira D.  son of Mr & Mrs A.T.  Darfield,  been seriously injured in Pacific


Friday 7 January 1944
Awards for Bravery  - 005a
Brigadier Robert Amos ROW ---  (Christchurch)
Second-Lieutenant Leslie Thomas George BOOTH -- (Christchurch)
Sergeant William Albert COWAN -- (Taumarunui)
Sapper Jack Keith DUNCAN ---  (Auckland)
Private Edward Joseph SMITH --  (Waiheke)
Corporal Frederick Arthur ARMSTRONG --- (Napier)
Private Edward Valentine OWEN ---(Tauranga)

Article - 006
BOOTH - Lieutenant,  on 27 Oct. took part in an assault on Japan -- lots more ---

Award  DCM  - 007
COWAN - Sergeant,  distinguished conduct --- in the Solomons area ---  more ---

Award -  008
DUNCAN - Sapper,  for bravery in the landing on 27 October ----  more ---

Award -  009
OWEN - Private, age 40,   for bravery in the field after the landing on Treasury Islands  -- more ---

Photo - 010
ROW - Brigadier R.A. ----  more ----

Article - 010a & 010b
ARMSTRONG - Corporal,  on 5 Nov. a member of a fighting patrol,    with Sgt. Ilala ---   more ---

Article - 010c
OWEN - Private, award for bravery in the field  during and after landing on Treasury islands -- age 40 showed outstanding diligence ------ more --

Article -  010d
SMITH - Private,  for gallant conduct  during enemy attack on Soanotalu on 2 Nov. ---  more ---

Saturday 8 January 1944
Photos -  011
McQUILLAN  - Private Alexander, son of Mrs M.J.  Woodend,  wounded in Italy --- 
DUNN  - Private Arthur Sears, son of Mr & Mrs E.J.  -- killed in action ---
SPARKES - Trooper Richard Arthur,  son of Mrs I.   reported wounded 
McALEER - Private L. hus. of Mrs L. of  Selwyn,  was killed in action ---

Photo - 012
TREMAIN - Lieutenant (Auckland)  and
ANNING - Private A.C.  (Christchurch)  among Italians on the Taranto waterfront.


Monday 10 January 1944
Photos - 013
1. Vella Lavella,  NZ troops using a washing machine constructed of drums ---
2. Obelisk erected in memory of NZ gun crew killed in action at Vella Lavella, unveiled by Major H.G.TURNER ----
3. fully equipped NZ troops scale the landing  net in mock exercises in the Pacific ----

Photo -  014
PILET - Pilot officer W.H.  awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross son of Mr & Mrs P. Pilet, Halswell ---  

Photo - 015
GERARD - Rt Rev. G.V.   awarded Military Cross while serving in France -- 


Wednesday 12 January 1944
Photo - 016
MACLAINE -  Private Douglas R. son of Mr & Mrs -- Christchurch,  killed in action --
SATTEWRTHWAITE -  Sergeant N.T. son of Mrs T.W.  of Timaru, and hus. of Mrs E.A.M.    recently killed in action.

Christchurch man  wins B.E.M. - 017
SIMPSON -  Flight Sergeant Reginald Morris Fitzallen Simpson,  RNZAF ----  lots more ---

Photos -  018
WILSON -  Flight Lieutenant L.M.  son of Mr & Mrs N. Wilson, Port Levy, ---   promoted
STEVEN -  Sergeant Pilot R.Craig,  son of Mr & Mrs R.C.Steven, Christchurch, gained his wings in Canada recently

Military New Year Honours - 018a
STEVENS - Brigadier William George  -- (Wellington)
BOYD - Col. James Roberts,  (Wellington)
GERARD - The Rt Rev. George Vincent  (Napier)
BUTTON -  Lieut.-Col. Eardley Lorimer (Wellington)
FULLER - Lieut.-Col. James Ferris,  (Dunedin)
CLARKE - Major David Adamson  (Wellington)
KNAPP - Major Alban Vincent,  (Wellington)
MARCHBANKS - Major Donald Stuart Gore  (Wellington)
BROWN - Matron Doris Irene  (Hamilton)
WILSON -  Sister Edith Jo   (Tuakau)


Thursday 13 January 1944
Photo - 019
HEAPHY -  Squadron Leader W.D. RAF son of Mr & Mrs P.C. Heaphy, Greymouth,  awarded Air Force Cross ---

Photo - 019a
SIMPSON - Flight Sergeant Reginald Morris Fitzallen hus. of Mrs N.F.Simpson,  awarded British Empire Medal ---


Friday 14 January 1944
Photos - 020
MacKENZIE - Second-lieutenant Colin Maxwell, hus. of Mrs P.M. MacKenzie, Ashburton,  -- wounded --
DAVIS - Private A.C. son of Mrs B.M. Davis, Papanui, Christchurch -- killed in action
HASLETT - Private Norris (paper has Morris) G.  son of Mr & Mrs G. A. Haslett,  Rakaia,  killed in action Italy  --
GINDERS - Private T.E. son of  Mr & Mrs H. S. Ginders, Hawarden,  died of wounds on active service --
MacLENNON - Private Hector,  hus. of  F.A.  Riccarton, Christchurch, son of Mrs D.F.  Cashmere,  killed in  action -
SOUTHWARD - Flight Sergeant Arnold, son of  Mrs A.  of Somerfield, Christchurch,  killed in action.


Saturday 15 January 1944
Photo - 021
HEAPHY - Squadron leader W.D.  of RAF  son of Mr & Mrs P.C. Heaphy, Greymouth,  awarded Air Force Cross ---


Tuesday 18 January 1944
Photo -  023
DRAGE - Private W.J.  hus. of Mrs V. S. Drage, Rangiora,  wounded on service in Italy --
REID - Gunner L.B.  son of Mr & Mrs J. H. Reid,  Bennetts, died of sickness on overseas service.


Wednesday 19 January  1944
Photos - 024
EVANS - Private Alex Leslie,  son of Mrs C.T. Evans, Timaru, and late J.B. Leslie, Fairlie,  killed in action
MURPHY - Acting-Warrant officer Maurice J.  hus. of Mrs K.M. Murphy, Addington,  believed killed on active service.


Friday 21 January 1944
Photos -  025
STANLEY - Trooper George, 4th son of Mr & Mrs R.E., -- Amberley,  killed in action.
POOLE - Lance-Corporal William M., son of Mr & Mrs W.H. Gowan Bridge, Nelson,  killed in action in Italy.

Photos -  026
WATERS - Sergeant Navigator George, son of Mr & Mrs W.K.Waters, Ashburton,  gained his wings in Canada.
PREBBLE -  Pilot Officer F.E.  2nd son of Mr & Mrs M. Prebble, Redcliffs,  gained wings and commission in Canada.

Monday 24 January 1944
Photo of 7 people -027
McINTOSH - Private R.W. (Chch)  and
GRANT - Nurse I.G. (Chch)   patients at the 4th NZ General Hospital in the Pacific ----


Thursday 27 January 1944
Photo - 028
IRVINE - Private Gordon, hus. of Mrs G. Irvine, Geraldine,  killed in action
WHITTA - Flight Sergeant N.B.  son of Mrs C.E. Whitta, Chch, believed killed on air operations.

Photo -  029 & 029a & 029b & 029c
MILLS - Sergeant Pilot,  leaving his hut to go on another fighter sweep.

Photo - 030
PAGE - Pilot Officer G.  son of Mrs J. Page, Leithfield,  received his commission --
HOLDSWORTH - Pilot officer A.  son of Mr & Mrs W.N.Holdsworth,   Spreydon, received his commission -- West Africa.

Photo - 031
SCOTT - Group Captain D.J.   D.S.O.    D.F.C. and Bar,   recently promoted  --


Friday 28 January 1944
Photo -  032
MURPHY - Colonel ---  commissioned in 1917 --- awarded Military Cross in 1919

News - 033
McKAY -  Major,  has outstanding service as an engineer officer in Fiji, New Caledonia,  Guadalcanar,  and Vella Lavella --- more --
GILLISPIE - Capt. well known journalist ---  
MORGAN - Capt.  -- quartermaster of a battalion in Pacific ---
HALL -  Matron,  -- outstanding work as matron of a general hospital in the Pacific ---  more ---
ROMANS - Sergeant,  serving with infantry battalion --   3rd division ---
NEWBERRY - --- artillery regiment   -----


Monday 31 January 1944
Photo -  034
HENRY -  Mrs J.  received photo of amateur theatricals in a prison camp  from her son ---  more ---

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                                                                                             February War News

Saturday 5 February 1944
Photo -  035
CAREY -  Acting - Flight Lieutenant Arthur,  son of Mr & Mrs Carey, Templeton,  awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery --- ---

Photo -  036
POLSON -  photo of Canterbury prisoners of war at Stalag 383, Germany,  received by wife of Staff Sergeant L.A.


Monday 7 February 1944
Photo - 037
MONSON - Second-Lieutenant Allan,  hus. of Corporal R.M.  -----    
LOWRY - Second-Lieutenant  K.J.  hus. of Mrs K.J. Lowry, Ashburton,  received his commission overseas.

Photo -  038
Dunsandel & Selwyn men  at a recent re-union overseas --   11 men,  no names.


Thursday 10 February 1944
Photo - 039
WALLINGFORD -  Air Commodore S.G. being decorated by
CARNEY - Rear- Admiral Robert B.  -- 

Photo - 040
GOODHART - Acting -Group Captain jack,  who with wife and son  and mother in law was recently killed in an air raid.  son of Mrs H. Goodhart,  Opawa, Chch.
BLUETT -  Flight Sergeant Roy,   --- dangerously injured on active service  son of Mrs E. Bluett, Beckenham.


Friday 11 February 1944
Portrait of a NZ Hero  - 041
HULME - Sergeant, painted by Archibald F. NICOLL  presented to the residents of Nelson to the Nelson City Council to hold it in trust for the district.


Tuesday 16 February 1944
Photo - 042
DUFF -   L.A.C.   I.W. Duff  of Reefton,  gained his commission in Canada.
GREIG - Lieutenant G.A.J.  eld. son of Mrs M. Greig, Rangiora,  been promoted in Italy.


Wednesday 17 February 1944
Photo -  043
CHAMBERS - Flight Sgt. C.A. sent photo of NZ and Australian prisoners in Stalag 1XA Germany to his parents Mr & Mrs V.Chambers Motukararra.


Thursday 18 February 1944
Photo -  044
CORNWALL - Lieutenant-Colonel F.C.  M.C.  who led the NZ troops in commando raid on Nissan Islands on 31 Jan. ---

Photo -0405   & 045a
photo of  Wareham  and  passing out parade  and list of names.

Photo - 046
WARHAM - L.A.C.  R.P.  one of 2 trainees who gained distinguished passes   receiving his wings from Air-Commodore Sir Robert Clark-Hall  K.B.E.  C.M.G.


Friday 19 February 1944
Photo - 047
TINGEY - Pilot Officer N.R.  -- been promoted to his present rank, son of Mr R.B.Tingey, Auckland (formerly of Christchurch) -----
BERRY -  Pilot Officer C.J.  hus. of Mrs C.J.  received his commission in West Africa    son of Mr E.J. Berry, Papanui.


Tuesday 22 February 1944
Photo - 048
RHIND - Lieutenant Commander H.A.   and
CRITCHLEY - Commander T.S.  R.N.Z.N.  Naval Officer in charge, Lyttelton,  with  26  men in photo, Naval Auxiliary patrol disbanded.


Wednesday 23 February 1944
Photo -  049
BARNES - Sergeant Walter,  with 8 men   crew of long range flying boat operating somewhere in Pacific --  one was a member of "The Press"


Friday 25 February 1944
Photo -  050
ASHWORTH - Pilot Officers C.P.   and
HOULTON  -  J.
STRACHAN - Flight  Lieutenant I.  P
YEATMAN - Pilot Officer
STEAD - Flying Officer A.


Saturday 26 February 1944
Photo - 051
NURSE -  Pilot Officer R.H.  son of Mr H. and late Mrs Nurse,  Riccarton. received his wings ---
PILKINGTON - Sergeant Pilot Maurice,  son of Mr & Mrs R.F. Pilkington, Southbridge,   gained his wings --

Photo - 052
RODGERS - R.K.  son of Mrs A.R.Rodgers, Linwood,  one of 4 men who arrived in Algiers after a 100 mile trek on foot across the desert -----


Tuesday 29 February 1944
Photo - 053
SMITH -  Second-Lieutenant Ludstone W. son of Mr & Mrs Smith, Woolston, 
HANRAHAN -  Second-Lieutenant Terence, son of Mr & Mrs F.J. Hanrahan,  Ashburton  were commissioned recently

Photo -  054
INNES - Corporal D.D. broadcasting from London  --- "Anzacs" calling New Zealand"   hus. of Mrs Innes, Greymouth,  and son of Mr & Mrs R.J.D. Innes, Springfield.

Photo -  055
MARTYN -  Sergeant Pilot J.B.  son of Mr & Mrs L.Martyn, Rangiora,  reported missing  now presumed dead.
BALLANTYNE - Sergeant J.M.  son of Mr & Mrs J.D.  Ballantyne,  Christchurch,  has died,  of wounds in Italy ---

Photo -  056
NOBLE - Pilot Officer Lloyd, son of Mr & Mrs L.A.Noble, of Lynnford,  received his wings and commission overseas.
HAWKER - Pilot Officer D.E. hus. of Mrs Hawker, Christchurch, son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Hawker,  gained his commission in England.

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                                                                       March War News

Thursday 2 March 1944
Photo -  057
FISHER - Corporal G.R.  son of Mrs C. Fisher,  in German prison camp 13 men altogether, no other names.


Friday 3 March 1944
Photo -   058
HARPER -  Rev. A.C.K.  1st NZ Army chaplain to be killed in action in this war,  app. vicar of Akaroa in 1941  but did not go there.
SHUTTLEWORTH -  Lance-Sergeant J.L. (Wynne) son of Mr & MRs L.R.Shuttleworth, of Atarau, West Coast,  died of sickness in Italy.


Saturday 4 March 1944
Photo - 059
SWORDS - Gunner W.M.  son of Mr M.J.Swords, of Papanui. died of wounds in Italy.
RICHARDS - Private R.T.  son of Mr & Mrs J. Richards,  Woolston,  been wounded.


Tuesday 7 March 1944
Photo and article -  060
JONES - Flying Officer  Douglas L.  reported missing  in Pacific -- son of Mr & Mrs T.L. Jones, St Martins. --- more ---

D.F.C awarded   - 061
WARD - Flying Officer Neal Aubrey,  of New Plymouth  and
FOURNEAU - Pilot Officer Samuel John, of Napier ----   more ---


Wednesday 8 March 1944
Photo -  062
SUGDEN - Sergeant A.  son of Mr & Mrs J.W.Sugden, Spreydon,  killed in action.
HARGREAVES - Captain Edgar, son of Mr and Mrs E. Hargreaves, Christchurch,  taken prisoner of war while attached to British Army.


Thursday 9 March 1944
Photo - 063
PRICE - Squadron Leader C.W.  eld. son of Mrs C.W.  and late C.W. Price, Riccarton,  been promoted -- hus. of Mrs Beth Price, Auckland.
CRAWFORD - Lieutenant A.M.  recently promoted  son of Mr & Mrs F.J. Crawford, St Albans.


Saturday 11 March 1944
Photo -  064
LUKEY - Flying Officer F.H.C.  son of Mr F.C. and late Mrs Lukey Waikari,  recently promoted --
O'CONNOR - Pilot Officer J.J.  son of Mr & Mrs P.J. O'Connor,  Sumner,  recently received his commission.


Tuesday 14 March 1944
Photo - 065
ANDREWS - Able Seaman John,  of Christchurch, went to sea age 14   now serving with Netherlands mercantile marine, ---  more --

Photo -  066
READ - Flight Sergeant Albert R.  son of Mr & Mrs R. Read,  Christchurch ---


Friday 17 March 1944
Photos - 068
CALDWELL - Group Captain K.L.  photo of men at  passing out parade at Wigram ----

Wigram Passing Out Parade - 069
List of names of those who gained their wings at Wigram -----  45 new pilots.
email for a copy ---


Saturday 18 March 1944
Photo -  070
HINDENACH - Major J.C.R. only son of  Mr & Mrs Hindenach Richmond, Chch,  promoted ---

Photo -071
HAMILTON - D.G.   receiving  a trophy from Group Capt. K.L. CALDWELL at Wigram ----

Photo - 072
McKENZIE -  Bombaedier Roy, son of Mr & Mrs J.R. McKenzie, of Royden Lodge, Yaldhurst,    completed a bombing course in Canada -----


Monday 20 March 1944
Photo - 075
FREYBERG - Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C. on a visit to a brigade on 3 Jan.


Tuesday 21 March 1944
Photo - 076
GARLAND - Pilot Officer John,  obtained his "wings"  and commission overseas.
RICKARD - Flying Officer F.G.  son of Mr & Mrs P.G. Rickard, Ashburton,  recently promoted in England.

Photo - 077
MANNING - Second-Lieutenant A.M.   son of Mrs C. MOUNCER, St Martins,  -- received commission overseas.
McPHAIL - Second-Lieutenant C.H.  hus. of Mrs McPhail, Bealey Ave.  promoted  -------

Photo - 078
SIMMS - Pilot Officer D.E.  son of Mrs M.Simms,  West Melton,  killed when aircraft crashed on returning to Malta ---
MULLIGAN - Leading Aircraftman J.D.  killed on active service,  son of Mr & Mrs R.J. Mulligan, Lismore.


Wednesday 22 March 1944
Photo -  079
JOHNSTON - Sergeant Robert, son of Mrs J. Johnston, Riccarton,  with 18 other prisoners of war at Stalag 383 Germany.


Friday 24 March 1944
Photo - 080
BASSETT - Lieutenant-Commander T.M.  Fleet Air Arm,  of Sumner,  received promotion overseas.
DEW -  L.B.C.  of RNZAF  son of Mr & Mrs Dew, Christchurch,  gained wings and promoted overseas.

Photo -  081
HARRISON - Acting-Flight Lieutenant N.D.,  son of Commander & Mrs W.L. Harrison,  Rakaia,  awarded DFC  promoted from pilot officer. ----


Saturday 25 March 1944
Photo -  081a
HALKETT -  brothers Privates A.J.  and S.R.   arrived back in Canterbury -------


Monday 27 March 1944
Photo - 082
McKECHNIE - A.  (Oaro)  and
McCONWAY - R.J. (Blenheim)  in Italy testing out ground lines after snowstorm ---- 

Photo - 083
BOXER - Wing Commander A.H.C.  of Hastings and Nelson,  awarded Virtuti Militari   also awarded DFC.

Photo - 084
TRIPP -  Lieutenant David Mowbray Howard,  2nd Div. Canterbury reg. died of wounds on Cassino front ---   
                    brother Hugh Mowbray Howard Tripp 7th Batt. was killed in action Jan. 1943 in Tunsia --
ROWLEY -  Private Leonard,  hus. of Mrs J.L. Rowley, Greymouth,  died of sickness in Egypt. ----


Tuesday 28 March 1944
Photo -  085
DOODY - B.  (Malvern)
ROBERTSON -  ---  (Christchurch)
OLLIVER - Ray (Southbridge)  
MILLER -  Ray, (Lincoln)
GRAY - Bob,  (Christchurch)  all in Stalag 383 in Germany ----

Two Airmen Honoured - 085a
WADDY - Squadron Leader Ian Dousland,  mother Mrs E. Waddy,  of Seddon. and
WALKER - Flight Lieutenant Peter MacGregor , mother Mrs M.E.Walker, of Auckland ----  more ----


Thursday 30 March 1944
Photo -  086
GASSON - Trooper William Guy,  son of Mr & Mrs E.A. Gasson,  killed in action in Cassino --
FOGARTY - Second-Lieutenant G.D.  son of Mr & Mrs M.J. Fogarty, Greymouth,  killed in action in Italy.


Friday 31 March 1944
Photo -  087
DAVIDSON - Pilot Officer G.G.  son of Mrs A. Davidsom, Riccarton,   gained his commission in England.
FLOWER - Pilot Officer R.C.  son of Mr & Mrs G.Flower, Ashburton,  gained his commission overseas.
BENNETT - Signalman R.C.  son of Mr & Mrs E.C.Bennett, Kaiapoi,  gained his commission overseas.
LILLY -  Sergeant Pilot Morris George,  son of Mr & Mrs Arthur Lilley,  Stanmore rd,  gained his wings in Canada.

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Beverley Evans
Christchurch NZ
24 August 2013.