Families of N.Z. airmen sought

Press, 18 December 1989, Page 7

Families of N.Z. airmen sought

By

SUZANNE KEEN

An Irishman visiting Christchurch is interested in hearing from the families of three New Zealand Air Force men buried at a church near his home. Mr Desmond Wakely, the treasurer of the Causeway Coast branch of the Royal Air Force Association in Ireland, said the men died in the Long Kesh airfield during World War 11. They were among 21 airmen, including Australians, buried at Eglantine Parish Church in Antrim.

Mr Wakely said it was possible that the families of the New Zealanders were not aware where they were buried. The men were Flying Officer W. I. Holmes, who died in March, 1945, aged 23; Flight Sergeant A. G. Gibbison, died in November, 1943, aged 22; and Flying Officer A. J. Galvin, died March, 1944, aged 23. Mr Wakely said a fund had been set up to raise a memorial in the church in memory of the Air Force members who served and died at the airfields of Long Kesh, and its nearby satellite,

Maghaberry. The money raised will be used to install a stained glass window in the church, with the names of those buried there below. A service of dedication will probably be held next year and it is hoped that families of the airmen might visit the memorial. Anyone who believes they might be related to the New Zealand airmen, or who would like further information about the graves, can contact Mr Wakely by writing to 114 Radley Street, Opawa, Christchurch.