ABOUT THE BOOK
This is the story of Flying Office Raymond George Norton, who left the safety of his home country, New Zealand after joining the RNZAF in 1940, and his many comrades who perished along the road whilst training, supporting army and navy and fighting the enemy in the skies.
On that journey, he ventures to Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland and finally France and Europe as the war is coming to an end. Along the way he experiences many desperate encounters, life-threatening misadventures and barriers in extreme conditions in the sky and on the ground. The fact that he survived is a miracle in itself!
The author wishes to acknowledge the courageous and brave young men who lost their lives for the cause as he recounts his and their experiences in the skies during the war.
Lest We Forget.
FORCES IN THE SKY
Listed below are all Airmen and Crew members of RAF, RCAF, RNZAF and RAAF who perished during training between 1940 – 1945 (WWII), and mentioned in the book.
It is a goal of mine to locate all living family members/relatives of these courageous young men who gave their lives and provide them with a copy of this book which may give some understanding and closure about their loved family member’s passing.
If, through some stroke of pure luck, you have any details of anyone on the list, I would be grateful if you could send me a message through the website.
Many thanks,
Rosemary Norton (editor)
In Remembrance of the Airmen who forfeited their lives in order of mention
1. Grant, Ian A. P.O. RNZAF
2. Edwards, G. Flt. Lt. RCAF
3. Kirby, Vin K. Sgt. Pilot RNZAF
4. Knight, “Tiny” L.A.C. RNZAF
5. Perrers, Fred L. Flt. Lt. RNZAF
6. Wilson, Leslie G.H. L.A.C. RNZAF
7. Hunt, Sel. L.A.C. RNZAF
8. Gillan, Leslie W. L.A.C. RNZAF
9. Cox, Johnny P.O. RNZAF
10. Switzer, S.A. Flt. Sgt. RCAF
11. Hees, P.O. RCAF
12. Rogers P.O. RCAF
13. Dion, W.L. Flt. Sgt. RCAF
14. Williams, Keith Sgt. Pilot RNZAF
15. Mantean P.O. RAAF
16. Hunt P.O. RAAF
17. Halland P.O. RCAF
18. Keacy Sgt. RCAF
19. Seaker, Ronnie A Flt. Sgt. RCAF
20. Beasley Flt. Sgt. RCAF
21. Albert, Yvon Sgt. RCAF
22. Clements Sgt. Pilot RAF
23. Abbey F.O. RAF
24. Svoboda Sgt. Pilot RAF
25. Bashforth Sgt. Pilot RAF
26. Joys Sgt. Pilot RAF
27. Cracknell Sgt. Pilot RAF
28. Linden P.O. RAF
29. Carter Sgt. Pilot RAF
30. Cross P.O. RAF
31. Walsh Flt. Sgt. RAF
32. McDonald Flt. Lt. RCAF
33. Rothwell, J. Flt. Sgt. RNZAF
34. Russell, John E. Lt. USAAF
35. Gillan, J.W., D>F>C>, A>F>C> Wing Commander RAF
36. Frantisvek, Josef, D>F>M> Sgt. Pilot RAF
37. Wright, J.H., D>F>C> Flt. Lt. RNZAF
38. Vance, “Skip” F.O. RCAF
39. Westlake, J. Squadron Leader RAF
40. Jenkins, Allan P. P.O. RNZAF
41. Mathews, Ian P.O. RAAF
42. Mee, George Sgt. Pilot RNZAF
43. Stevenson Flt. Sgt. RAF
44. Edmonds Flt. Sgt. RAF
45. Julski W.O. RAF
46. Hawkins Flt. Sgt. RNZAF
47. Gibbs W.O. RAF
48. Sturdee Sgt. RAF
49. Eccles, “Lucy” W.O. RAF
50. Horsfall Sgt. RAF
51. Newman Flt. Sgt. RAF
52. Ellis Flt. Sgt. RAF
53. Wallace, Jimmie P.O. RAF
54. Edwards Lt. SAAF
55. Medcalfe F.O. SAAF
56. Sampson, R.W. Flt. Lt. RNZAF
57. Pickard, P.C., D>S>O> & 2 Bars, D.F.C Wing Commander RAF
58. Broadly, J.A., D.S.O., D.F.C., D.F.M. Flt. Lt. RAF
59. Leigh-Mallory, Trafford, Sir Air Chief Marshall RAF
60. Green Wing Commander RAF
61. Mallon, Tom P.O. RNZAF
62. Brock, George P.O. RNZAF
63. Steele, Don F.O. RCAF
64. O’Gara, Rupert Sgt. Pilot RNZAF
65. Chesney, R. RCAF
