28th Reunion

The 28th reunion of 30 Squadron was Held in Gisborne over Queen's Birthday weekend. A reunion dinner on the Saturday night and short memorial service at Gisborne Airport on the Sunday morning were the features of the reunion. The squadron and its servicing unit were formed in 1943 at the then Darton Field. After training at Gisborne the squadron then went into service in the Pacific theatre. The reunion is unique in that it is the only one held annually by a wartime service unit.

Members of the unit on parade at Gisborne Airport.

The City of Gisborne Highland Pipe Band led the parade for 30 Squadron reunion members.

Mr Ron Wakelin was in charge of the flag at Last Post and Reveille.

Laying the wreath at the flagstaff is Bill Daniels, now of Auckland.

Members of 30 Squadron had a great time at the reunion dinner where all the old memories were recalled.

Among those attending were, Cyril Tune and Bert Cooper.

Ivo Lange and Murray Andrews.

Tom King, Jack Weather-burn and Harry Milson.

L. A. ("Shorty") Turner and M. L. ("Snow") Clayton looking over a wartime photo

Les Heys, Ernie Gibbons, Ron Grimmett and Ray Hore. Mr Hore comes from Otago and has attended nearly every reunion held by the squadron

Ron Wakelin, Mick O'Malley and Bill Mackenzie

Bill Daniels and "Curley" O'Neill

Pictured with the guest speaker, Group Captain K. Osborn, O.B.E., R.N.Z.A.F. (present director of aeronautical and technical services for the R.N.Z.A.F.), at right, are, from left. Squadron C/O Noel James, 30 Squadron chairman Ian Walton and honorary member Mayor Harry Barker