AIRMAN’S DEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22724, 27 September 1945, Page 4

AIRMAN’S DEATH

SQUADRON-LEADER E. L. JOYCE TRIBUTE FROM FRENCHMAN The story of the death of Squad-ron-Leader E. L. Joyce, D.F.M., of Hamilton, who was reported missing in August, 1944, is told in a letter which has been received by his mother, Mrs C. Joyce, of Hamilton, from Abbe Gautier, priest of the Catholic Church of Marville-les-Bois, Eure et Loir, France. Abbe Gautier wrote as follows: “We were very happy, I and the inhabitants of Marville-les-Bois, to hear from the family of our airman, Ernest Joyce, who rests in our little cemetery. Ernest Joyce fell with his plane in flames on Saturday, June 17, 1944, about 5 o’clock in the evening. On the Monday morning we had for him a beautiful ceremony in the church. The whole population of Marville and neighbourhood was there. The casket was covered with numerous wreaths. The body was accompanied to the cemetery in a beautiful procession, young men and girls on both sides of the casket carrying the flowers. With this letter I am sending you a photograph of the grave, which is always well adorned with flowers. He rests in the cemetery besides the French soldiers who fell in 1940.” Distinguished Pilot Squadron-Leader Joyce was bom in Hamilton 25 years ago, and was educated at the Marist School, Hamilton, and the Hamilton Technical High School. He was keen on aviation and gained his A licence when he was 19. Leaving New Zealand in 1940 as a sergeant-pilot, he flew Hurricanes for a ’-•eriod, and was then transferred to the aircraft carrier Ark Royal. Squadron-Leader Joyce also took part in operations in the Kiddle East. In five nights he shot down three German bombers, and just before “D” Day he shot down a Heinkel 111. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in July, 1942. Squadron-Leader Joyce won a reputation for his unusually good eyesight and became a leading night fighter pilot, with eight victims to his credit.