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639074 Flight Lieutenant John Lucien FUNNELL.
Wife: Mrs. D.A. Funnell of Otahuhu (three children).
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Funnell of Auckland.

John Funnell was born at Karangahape on the 17th February 1911. He received his secondary education at Seddon Memorial Technical School, Auckland. His sports were football, tennis, baseball and running. He was employed as a carpenter by the New Zealand Railways Department. He applied for entry in the Auckland Territorial Squadron on its formation in November, 1938 and was mobilised with the Squadron on the 4th September 1939, when it was renamed the Auckland General Reconnaissance Squadron and stationed at Hobsonville. In March, 1940 the Squadron moved to Whenuapai. Up until now Flight Lieutenant Funnell had been employed on ground duties but on the 7th February, 1942, he was remustered to pilot under training and posted to the Initial Training Wing then at Levin and later at Rotorua. He was posted on the 6th April 1942, to No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School, New Plymouth, for elementary flying training, and on the 22nd June, 1942 he embarked for Canada to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada, Flight Lieutenant Funnell was posted on the 2nd August, 1942 to No. 12 Service Flying Training School, Brandon, Manitoba, where on the 20th November, 1942 he was awarded his flying badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on the 1st June 1943 and commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer on the 20th August 1943. He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 20th February 1944, and to Flight Lieutenant on the 1st March, 1944. Meanwhile, on the 12th December, 1942, he had proceeded to No. 1 "Y" Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia to await embarkation for the United Kingdom.

Flight Lieutenant Funnell arrived at No. 11 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 19th December 1942 and was posted on the 22nd January 1943 to No. 26 Elementary Flying Training School, Theale, Berkshire.