Operation: Training
Date: 03rd January 1942 (Saturday)
Unit: No.53 Operational Training Unit. 81 Group
Type: Spitfire Ia
Serial: P9491
Code: -
Base: RAF Llandow, Glamorgan, Wales
Location: Near Ton Pentre
Pilot: Sgt. Philip Neville Shaw NZ/405330 RNZAF Age 20. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off on a routine training flight when the aircraft failed to return to base.
It was found the following day to have crashed into a hillside just over 2 miles SSW of Ton Pentre.
The young New Zealand pilot killed,
Burial and personal details:
LAC. Philip Neville Shaw. Llantwit Major Cemetery. Section C, Grave 22. Born on the 11th of May 1922 at Gisborne. Educated at Gisborne High School. An apprentice motor mechanic for Ormond Motors in Gisborne. Enlist at Levin as a pilot under training on the 21st December 1940. With No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School 08th February 1941.
Embarked for Canada on the 29th April 1941. With 34 Service Flying Training School on 16th May 1941 (no flying) Joined 32 Service Flying Training School on the 27th May 1941. Pilots badge awarded and promoted to sergeant on the 25th September 1941.
Embarked for England on the 07th October 1941. With No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre 19th October 1941 With No. 9 Service Flying Training School 03rd November 1941. Hurricane/Spitfire training with 53 Operational Training Unit on the 16th December 1941. A total of 160 flying hours were logged.
Son of John Nicholson Shaw (died 24th June 1964, age 82) and Emma Shaw (née Beaufoy - died 03rd December 1938, age 56) of Gisborne, New Zealand.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot, 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:
