Operation: Training
Date: 03rd November 1944 (Friday)
Unit: No. 4 Operational Training Unit
Type: P-40M Warhawk
Serial: NZ3115
Code: 27493
Base: RNZAF Ohakea
Location: Bainesse, Himatangi, North Island
Pilot: Sgt. Stephen Hartley Samuel Webster NZ/4215767 RNZAF Age 20/ Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
During aerobatic training he was seen to recover after spinning through cloud. But continued to dive and crashed at the location shown.
Burial details:
Sgt. Stephen Hartley Samuel Webster. Hamilton East Public Cemetery. Public Area E2, Masonic Grave 147. Born on the 19th June 1924 in Hamilton. Educated at Whitiora School and Hamilton Technical College. Worked as an apprentice engineer for Mullan and Noy Ltd. With Air Trains Corp for a year. Enlisted at Levin on the 04th December 1942. After 11 months at the Ground Training Schools at Taleri and Delta, he went to the Initial Training Wing, Rotorua in November and then commenced flying at No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School, Taier 03rd February 1944.
First solo flight on the 11th February in a Tiger Moth.
On the 07th April he was posted to No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Woodbourne for further training on Harvard aircraft, qualifying for his flying badge on the 26th June and promoted to sergeant on the 16th August 1944. Joined No. 4 Operational Training Unit flying the P-40 on the 28th October. A total of 248 hours flying hours logged with 7 on the P-40.
Son of Thomas Samuel (died 22nd August 1956 age 72) and Vera Marguerite Webster (née Parker - died 23rd May 1970, age 75, of 38 Liverpool Street, Hamilton, 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”, New Zealand Cenotaph, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology.
Other pages that nay interest you:
Pages regarding losses due to accidents
Pages detailing RNZAF losses
Other sources as quoted below:
