PRO PATRIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 42, 21 January 1944, Page 5

PRO PATRIA

PILOT OFFICER A. COUTTS With the official presumption of the death of Pilot Officer Andrew Coutts t of Whakatane, whilst on air operations over Germany the town has lost yet another promising young life. Born in 1916 at Sydney, Australia, he was educated at Dulwich Hill High School. He came Avith his parents to* this country in 1932 and whilst a resident of Gisborne took an active part in playing football for the Marist team. Two years later he came to Whakatane where he joined his father, Mr P. Coutts, in business, when they annexed the Whakatane Fisheriesi. 'Andy' as he was popularly known made many friends in this district and being a keen cricketer went quickly to the fore in the game, representing Rangitaiki in Auckland during 'Country Week' in 1938 when he performed the 'hatriek.' In 1940 he enlisted in the Royal N.Z. Air Force and was called to Levin in 194f, whein he qualified as a pilot and received his wings. In October of that year he went to England! and almost exactly a year laiter joinr ed the 6th N.Z. 'Ventura' Bomber Squadron. This famous air combination carried out the brilliant daylight , rai'd on the Philip Radio factory which was widiely commented on. He gained his commission in January, 1943,. and four months later was posted missing after another particularly daring daylight raid on Germany. His loss will be AVidely felt and the deepest sympathy is extendied to his wife and young child and to his sorrowing family.