PRO PATRIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 66, 20 April 1943, Page 5

PRO PATRIA

LOSS OF LOCAL AIRMAN

PILOT OFFICER N. W. W. WARNER In the death in action of Flying Officer Nelson W. W. Warner which occurred in the course of operations on March 26th l!ast, Whakatane has lost yet another promising young life. Born and bred in this town, he was 26 years of agp "when he made tjie supreme sacrifice. Of a studious turni of mind he early developed! a flair for writing and quickly madte up hi!s mind to follow journalism' as a career. Whil'e at the Whakar tane High School he distinguished himself by writing, producing and actively participating in a number of plays which were staged to assist the school funds. He joi'ned the staff of the New Zealand Herald as a cadet and whilst in Auckland) wrote two plays which were accepted l and put over the air from the Auckland 1 station. He changed hist occupation when he became interested! in the Land's and Survey Department and joined up with the local office at Thornton. Later on being transferred to Auckland he immediately arranged to join the University. Four years later he gained his B.A. dtegree, and within the last nine months he was actually granted' his M.A. whilst on active service. Realising the need for men in the Air Force he joined the service and gained his commission in Canada. It was during thiisf period that he was! responsible for introducing an improved! method of teaching navigation, and this was later incorporated in the Canadian and New Zealand Air Force Navigation Schools. He was appointed Flying Offi* car and Navigation Officer to the Pacific group. His loss will be deepliy felt not only by his own familfy to whom, the greatest sympathy will be extended, but also by his many friends i!n town and' district.