AIRMAN’S FUNERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 August 1940, Page 4

AIRMAN’S FUNERAL

LEADING AIRCRAFTSMAN DENBEE TRIBUTE BY THE COMMUNITY. The deep sympathy of the community generally concerning the death of Leading Aircraftsman T. E. Denbce. R.N.Z.A.F., who was killed in’a flying accident at Woodbourne Aerodrome, Blenheim, on Wednesday night was indicated by the large and representative attendance of mourners at the funeral, which took place in Masterton on Saturday afternoon. Every section of the community was represented, including a large number of airmen, soldiers, old boys of Wairarapa High School, members of football clubs, the Masterton Bowling Club and others, many of whom marched on each side of the hearse to the graveside and lined the path to the grave. A choral service was held at St. Matthew's Church, conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, assisted by the Revs. T. V. Pearson and V. Joblin. The church was filled to capacity and many people had to stand. Wreaths were sent by the following: Officers and airmen of Woodbourne Aerodrome, Blenheim; airmen pilots' mess, Woodbourne; airmen pilots’ No. 6 course, Blenheim; Hector Tankersley, Woodbourne; Dave Annesley and Doug. Patterson. R.N.Z.A.F., Ohakea; Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club; the Mayor and borough councillors, staff of Masterton Borough Council, Borough Gas Department outside staff, chairman, councillors and executive staff of Masterton County Council; Principal.' staff and pupils of Wairarapa College; Masterton office staff of Messrs Thos. Borthwick and Sons, Ltd.; Waingawa Freezing Works staff of Messrs T. Borthwick and Sons, Ltd.; Wairarapa Rugby Union; Old Boys’ Football Club and ladies’ committee; committee and members of Masterton Park Tennis Club - St. Matthew's Vestry; St. Matthew’s Ladies Guild; St. Matthew’s Scout Group and the Church of the Epiphany, Kuripuni, besides many others. The Last Post was sounded at the graveside bv Mr G. Hutchinson. Messrs r“ Taaffe, H. Hayes, D. A. Barnes and A. C. Beckett, representing Messrs T. Borthwick and Co’s, office staff and Messrs R. O’Callaghan and F. Morton (Old Boys’ Football Club) acted as pallbearers.