INTERESTING VISITOR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3249, 7 April 1943, Page 7

INTERESTING VISITOR

FLYING-OFFICER J. S. KNOBLOCK

REST LEAVE AT WHITIANGA One of the members of the first New Zealand, squadron ever to leave the shores of New Zealand for a war zone, Flying-Officer J. S. Knocklock, is spending a short period at Mercury Bay while on rest, leave from duty in the Pacific area. Flying-Officer Knoblock, who comes from Waipawa, Hawke’s Bay, was the guest of Mr and Mrs Rose, Mercury Bay, and many a thrilling story could he tell of combat with the Japanese.

Flying-Officer Knoblock spoke of the trying climatic conditions of the zone from which his squadron did operational work and an interesting watch band, worn by Flying-Officer Kno'block, and made out a piece of metal from a Japanese plane, bore witness to the fast that even leather watch straps rotted away under the climatic conditions.

Flying-Officer J. S. Knoblock is one of four sons who joined the services and, with the exception, of one serving in the Scottish Battalion all have seen service with the Air Force. Of these three, Reginald Knoblock was lost over Germany last April. Although Flying-Officer Knoblock is recuperating from an ear injury caused through an exploding bomb, he will rejoin his squadron at the conclusion of his rest period to do his part further in the battle with the Japanese. •