15

4212852: F/Sgt. Patrick Terence MAHER.
MOTHER: Mrs. C.E. Maherm, Westport.

Patrick Terence Maher was born at Westport on March 4th, 1921 and received his education at St. Josephs School, Granity and at the Granity District High School. After leaving school, he was employed as a clerk by John Duthie & Co., Wellington. He applied for enlistment as a pilot early in 1942 and was eventually mobilised in October of that year, when he reported to Ohakea for duty with the Aerodome Defense Squadron there. In January 1943, he commenced training as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner at the Initial Training Wing, Rotorua and in the following April embarked for Canada.

Flight Sergeant Maher was posted to No. 2 Wireless School at Calgary on his arrival in Canada and after qualifying as Wireless Operator in November, 1943 he proceeded to No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mossbank, Saskatchewan where he was awarded his Air Gunner's Badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on January 17th, 1944. After a short period at No. 9 Air Observer's School, St. Johns, Quebec, he returned to New Zealand in April. In August, 1944 at the conclusion of a course at No. 1 (Bomber) Overseas Training Unit, Ohakea, during which he was promoted to Flight Sergeant, he was posted for duty to No. 2 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron on Ventura aircraft. He departed with the Squadron for service in the Pacific area on October 28th, 1944 and a few days later, on November 3rd, was posted missing when the aircraft of which he was a crew member failed to return to Guadalcanal from an anti-submarine sweep. The other members of the crew of the lost Ventura were F/Sgt. C.F. St. John (Pilot), Sgt. S.G. Claughton (Navigator), Sgt. J.R.L. Leonard (Air Gunner) and Sgt. V.W. Mullany (Air Gunner). Subsequently the whole crew, including F/Sgt. Maher, were presumed to have lost their lives on the above dates.

5/2/14282
265 hours as Air Gunner.

Mrs. C.E. Maher (M)
Post Office,
Kongahu, WESTPORT.