NEW ZEALAND PILOT KILLED

Southland Times, Issue 23585, 12 August 1938, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND PILOT KILLED

AEROPLANE CRASHES INTO SOLENT LONDON, August 10. Acting Pilot Officer R. A. Robertson, a son of Mrs A. G. Robertson, of Okaiawa, Taranaki, New Zealand, was killed when a Royal Air Force aeroplane in which he was participating in tor-pedo-dropping exercises crashed into the Solent. Acting Pilot Officer Robertson was flying solo in formation with two others from the Royal Air Force station at Gosport. The three dived in formation and two pulled out, Acting Pilot Officer Robertson’s aeroplane crashing after the release of a torpedo. The body was recovered. EARLY AVIATION TRAINING IN TARANAKI (United Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, August 11. Acting Pilot Officer R. A. Robertson was a son of Mrs A. G. Robertson, of Okaiawa. Mrs Robertson is at present living in New Plymouth with her daughter. Early this year Mrs Robertson suffered a severe shock through the death of her husband, who was formerly a wellknown garage proprietor and contractor at Okaiawa.

Acting Pilot Officer Robertson was about 25 years of age. He received his early training in aviation at New Plymouth and went to Britain two years ago to join the Royal Air Force. He was educated at the Okaiawa primary school and the Hawera Technical High School. He took a keen interest in sport and was a member of the Te Ngutu Golf Club and the Okaiawa Tennis Club.