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JN/NF (right aligned)
413713 : Flight Lieutenant Sydney Colin Rive MACKIE. D.F.C.
FATHER : Mr. S.F. Mackie of Auckland.
MOTHER : Mrs M.I. Mackie of Devonport, Auckland.

Colin Mackie was born at Masterton on the 26th August, 1920. He received his secondary education at Takapuna Grammar School and after passing the Matriculation examination attended Auckland University College, where he completed the requirements for a Teacher's Certificate. He passed 2 subjects for his Bachelor of Arts Degree and sat for 2 further subjects in 1940. Both at school and at the Auckland Training College he was a member of the 1st fifteens and 1st elevens and he also took a keen interest in athletics, tennis, swimming, basketball and baseball. After leaving the University, and at the time of making application for service in the R.N.Z.A.F. - on the 6th July, 1940 - he was employed as a Probationary Assistant at the Stanley Bay School (Devonport).

Flight Lieutenant Mackie was enlisted on the 6th July, 1941, at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, for training as aircrew. He embarked for Canada on the 22nd September to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada, F/Lt. Mackie was posted - on the 11th October, 1941 - to No. 7 Air Observers' School, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. On the 18th January, 1942, he was posted to No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, MacDonald, Manitoba, where - on the 28th February - he was awarded his air observer's flying badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on the 1st May, 1943, and received his commission in the rank of Pilot Officer on the 8th July, 1943. He was promote to Acting Flight Lieutenant on the 1st December, 1943.