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412219: SERGEANT FORD JOHN FRANKLIN.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. A. FRANKLIN of BAY VIEW, NAPIER.

John Franklin was born at Dannevirke on the 7th October 1922 and received his secondary education at the Napier Boys High School where he passed the Public Service Entrance examination. He furthered his studies by taking a course of wireless operating with the International Correspondence School. His civilian employment was that of a clerical cadet in the New Zealand Government and was so employed in the Public Service Commissioner's office when on the 28th June, 1940 he made application for training as aircrew in the R.N.Z.A.F.

Sgt. Franklin was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin on the 12th April, 1941 and on the completion of the initial course he was posted to No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School, Harewood for his elementary flying training and on the completion of the course embarked on the 22nd July for Canada to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada Sgt. Franklin was posted to No. 4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where on the 2nd January, 1942 he was awarded the flying badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. On the 14th of the same month he proceeded to No. 1 "Y" Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Sgt. Franklin arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 10th February and on the 4th March he was posted to No. 3 School of General Reconnaissance, Squires Gate, Blackpool and on the completion of the course proceeded to No. 2 Operational Training Unit, Catfoss, Yorkshire on the 26th May. At this Unit he trained on Blenheim, Bisley and Beaufighter aircraft and on the