CHEERIO MESSAGES

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 123, 3 November 1941, Page 2

CHEERIO MESSAGES

AIRMEN ON THE AIR GREETINGS TO PARENTS Two local airmen—Sergeant-Gunner Hector Jamieson, son of Mr and Mrs N. Jamieson, of Buckland, and Ser-geant-Gunner Rowley Beatson, son of Mr and Mrs Beatson, of Pukekohe Hill —broadcast messages to their parents and friends from England, in the National Broadcasting services series, “With the Boys Overseas,” yesterday morning. \ These young members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, after undergoing preliminary training at Levin, left for Canada where they completed their training. They are now in England, and apparently attached to a Bomber Squadron. GRANTED A COMMISSION Eric Grant, who, prior to joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force was teaching at the' Pukekohe primary school, has been granted a commission and in future will carry the rank of Pilot-Officer. Pilot-Officer Grant underwent his preliminary training at Levin and Harewood, after which he left for Canada where he .completed his course as an air observer. He is probably in England now.

NEWS OF OTHER AIRMEN

Sergeant-Pilot David Russell, who left New Zealand early in the year for England, lias been posted to a fighter squadron. Sergeant-Pilot Russell sustained an injury to one of his eyes which necessitated his undergoing an operation from which he has recovered.

News from L.A.G. Jack Bower and Gordon Svendsen, who are in Canada, is to the effect that both are making good progress in their respective courses. The former has practically completed his training as an air gunner.

SQUADRON LEADER A PRISONER Mr and Mrs 11. N. Svendsen, of Pukekolie, have received advice from their eldest son, Squadron Leader Neil Svendsen,. D.F.G., who is a prisoner of war in Germany, lie describes how his aircraft failed on a bombing raid over Germany and that he and his crew were compelled to bale out. He parachuted to earth safely and was captured. In a previous letter Squadron Leader Svendsen said one of the first airmen he met in the prison camp was Flying Officer Max Nixon, son of Mrs and the late Rev. S. Nixon, formerly of Pukekolie.