• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Training
Date: 25th January 1943 (Monday)
Unit: No. 1 Squadron (RNZAF)
Type: Hudson III
Serial: NZ2024
Code: -
Base: Whenuapai, New Zealand
Location: Waitemata Harbour, Auckland
Pilot: P/O. Rolph Joseph Benfield NZ/42362 RNZAF Age 31. Killed
Pilot: P/O. Cyril Henry Comrie NZ/416458 RNZAF Age 26. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
stalled on approach to Whenuapai AFB and crashed in the upper Waitemata Harbour between Hobsonville and Pine Island (now Herald Island) at 13:35 hrs.
Both crew killed.
Burial details:
P/O. Rolph Joseph Benfield. Karori Cemetery. Grave 17.E/3(S). Born on the 15th October 1911 in Wellington. Educated at Wellington School. Enlisted at Levin on the 11th January 1942. With No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School 03rd May 1942. With No. 1 Service Flying Training School on the 24th July 1942. Pilot badge awarded 19th October 1942. Commissioned on the 19th September 1942. Joined 1 squadron on the 02nd January 1943. A total of 136 flying hours logged with 3 on the Hudson.
Son of Joseph (died August 1924) and Violetta Harriett Benfield, of Wellington, New Zealand. Husband of Sarah Jean (née Griffin - died 15th December 1989, age 75) Benfield (née Leatherland - married 17 October 1942), father of Rolph Alistair born 17 October 1943 of 73 Devonshire Road, Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand.
P/O. Cyril Henry Comrie. Karori Crematorium 13.A1. Brick wall. Born on the 05th January 1917 in Wanganui. Educated at Wellington Technical College. A porter for New Zealand Railways. Enlisted at Levin on the 30th November 1941. With No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School 10th January 1942. With No. 1 Service Flying Training School on the 13th June 1942. The pilot badge was awarded on 15 June 1942 and commissioned on 05th September 1942. Joined 1 squadron on the 31st December 1942.
Son of Henry Pearson Comrie (died 19th April 1945, age 62), and of Olga Mary Narome Caddy Comrie (née Lane - died 28th May 1949, age 69), of Paekakariki, Wellington and husband of Helen Comrie (née Smith - died 02nd August 2002, age 82), of 4a Hutt Road, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, other sources as quoted below:
KTY 10-06-2022
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed
by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior
permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2024
Last Modified: 10 June 2022, 15:03