FLAG FOR DEAD FLYERS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30687, 1 March 1965, Page 1

FLAG FOR DEAD FLYERS

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Feb. 28.

Families of four New Zealand flyers killed in a torpedobomber attack in Norway in World War II met today for the first time in the quiet garden of an Auckland suburban home.

They had come together to see a New Zealand ensign which is destined for a Norwegian memorial to the four airmen.

The flag will be taken to Jossingfiqrd—the scene of the wartime attack —by Mr S. W. Moen, who will return to Norway to become technical manager of a rubber factory, after nearly 13 years at Reid New Zealand Rubber Mills. Ltd., Auckland.

Mr H. G. Body, an Oranga nurseryman, had the flag

made after learning that a plaque had been erected at Jossingfiord to commemorate the four airmen from No. 489 Squadron who died during the attack on a U-boat and tender on April 14, 1945. It will be given in the care of Girl Guides from the village of Haugue who attended as flag bearers at the unveiling of the plaque.

The four airmen were Warrant Officer J. M. Brightwell, Warrant Officer E. J. Foy, Flying Officer R. L. Nugent and Flying Officer G. G. Parkin.

Mr Body was best man at Flying Officer Nugent's wedding and they were fellow teachers together before the war.

The gathering today was arranged by Mr and Mrs Body and was held at their home, 9 Oranga avenue, One Tree Hill. The mothers of two of the dead airmen, Mrs J. G. Foy, of St. Heliers, and Mrs A. E. Brightwell, of New Plymouth, were present, a father of another, Mr A. L. Nugent, of Clevedon, and the brother of a fourth, Mr L. J. Parkin, of Lower Hutt. Other family members

were present, also five former members of No. 489 Squadron, Messrs D. H. Hammond, L. A. Robertson, H. H. Blampied, P. F. Southernwood and R. Pulham, and the ViceConsul for Norway, Mr J. P. Nannestad.

The short message which will accompany the flag to Norway reads: “This flag is for the Girl Guides of Haugue. It is a token of our gratitude for what the Norwegian people, and these girls in particular have done for us. The Girl Guides are to use and lend it as they see fit. “Perhaps each April 14 it could be flown in some suitable spot as a memorial to our four airmen now remembered in Jossingfiord and as the years pass by it may become more and more a symbol of our international co-, operation and friendship.” ,