MILITARY FUNERALS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 25, 1 February 1943, Page 4

MILITARY FUNERALS

TWO WANGANUI AIRMEN LARGE PUBLIC ATTENDANCE Personnel from a nearby Air Force station attended the funerals of PiiotOflieer Louis John Norfolk Gumbley, R.N.Z.A.F., and Corporal Eric Courtney Bell, R.N.Z.A.F.. which took place at the Aramoho Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. Both lost theii lives during a night flying test last week. In addition there was a large attendance of representative citizens, relatives and personal friends. The Wanganui City Council was represented by the Mayor, the Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C.. the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. J. J. Scott, and the town clerk. Mr. C. R. White. The Army was represented by Major D. W. Curham. M.C. Mr. G. R. Holmes represented the Wanganui Tramways, Mr. W. J. Robinson, Londontown Enterprises Ltd., Mr. J. C. Batt the Gonville School Committee, and Mr. W. R. McElwain the Board ot Managers of the Wanganui Technical College Paster Godfrey Fretwell, assisted by the Rev. W. J. Henderson, Patea, conducted the services over Corporal Bell. Personnel of the R.N.Z.A.F., under Pilot-Officer K. L. Pedersen, acted as pall-bearers at the graveside. The funeral of Pilot-Officer Gumbley was conducted by the Rev. L. Taylor. C.F., Trentham. Personnel of the R.N.Z.A.F. under Flying-Officer N. L. Cowan, D.F.C., acted as pall-bearers at the graveside. Personnel of B Company of the Second Battalion, W.W.C. Regiment, under Sergeant H. Graham, provided a firing party for both funerals. The ceremony at each ended with the sounding of “The Last Post” by Bugler K. Chapman. Among the many beautiful wreaths were those from the Mayor, councillors, and citizens of Wanganui. Pilei-Officer Gumbley was a former pupils of the Gonville School and the Wanganui Technical College. Before enlisting in the Royal New Zealand Air Force he was employed in the Manchester Department of London-to-.vn Enterprises, Ltd., for five years. In h‘s business career he was particularly popular with his employers, members of the staff and customers. He visited Wanganui recently on leave.

Corporal Bell was born in Wanganui. He was educated at the Mosston School and the Wanganui Technical College. Before being called for service hr was employed by the New Zealand Railways in the Wanganui Station office. Only a few months ago he transferred from the Army to the Air Force.

As a mark of respect to both men, the flag of the Gonville School was flown at half-mast on Saturday.