Blencowe John Warwick 1916

John Warwick Blencowe

Known as Warwick

1916-1978

Father Nm: Richard Blencowe, b. 1891, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England d. 25 Sep 1966, Wellington, New Zealand

Mother Nm: Evelyn Fanny Florance, b. 25 Oct 1892, Wellington, New Zealand d. 7 May 1973, Wellington, New Zealand

Marriage Dt:

K comments: Father served in The NZ army in WW1
Spouse comments: Madeleine Emily Watts, b. 10 Aug 1932, Napier d. 13 Nov 1980, Auckland

Children.

Born 1915

3 Dec 1915 Wellington, New Zealand

1938

Residence 22 Mein St. Island Bay, Wellington

Occupation Tailors Cutter

WW2

Flying Officer, 39738, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

Synopsis

Although Warwick attained the rank of Flying Officer it may have been a non-operational role that he was to perform. The only supporting evidence outside of gazetted announcements is a presence in Rotorua in 1942 and a photo of him playing for the Headquarters Rugby Team. This may indicate he was for the duration of the war with HQ staff in New Zealand.

1942

Enlisted with the RNZAF in Wellington to be trained as a Pilot, Navigator or Bomber

Note: Evidence in Rotorua in May 1942 but what reason not given. A possibility is he attended initial air training at the Initial Training Wing (ITW), RNZAF Station Rotorua, Group 5.

Candidates were broadly classified as ‘PNB’ (Pilot, Navigator, Bomber) until the end of their ITW course, and were then selected into categories according to their results.

ITW was an introduction to the military; medical, uniform issue, drills, shooting, and Military law. It also covered principles of flight, aero engines, armaments, the basics of radio, photography and navigation, and aircraft and ship recognition. Gerry was part of Group 5, a Composite course covering all the air trades.

Unlike most units, the Rotorua station was not housed in an Air Force camp – trainees and staff were quartered in several hotels and boarding houses in the town.

4 May, The City Hotel Rotorua. Staying at the ciity hotel in Rotorua and rank of Sergeant as reported in Evening Star, Issue 24185, 4 May 1942
July. Played in the RNZAF HQ Rugby Team and this photograph of him second from left

1943

1 November. Promoted to Flying Officer from Pilot Officer

1944

1945

Medals

Sources

1. Find My Past and BFA database

After the War

1972

Residence Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand