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NZ413467 FLIGHT LIEUTENANT JAMES VICTOR PATRICK.
WIDOW: Mrs. R.M. Patrick of Auckland.
PARENTS: Mr. & Mrs. A.T. Patrick of Otahuhu, AUCKLAND.

James Patrick was born at Otahuhu on the 17th September 1920 and received his secondary education at the Otahuhu Technical High School, passing his University Entrance examination. He afterwards attended the Auckland Teachers Training College and was awarded the Teachers' "C" Examination. At both school and college he played rugby and tennis, also taking part in swimming and athletics. In January, 1941 he applied for enlistment in aircrew.

Flight Lieutenant Patrick was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin on the 15th June, 1941 and proceeded to No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School, Whenuapai on the 28th July, to commence his flying training. After completing this, he embarked on the 22nd September for Canada to complete his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada he was posted on the 7th October to No. 12 Service Flying Training School, Brandon, Manitoba, where on the 16th January 1942 he was awarded the flying badge and commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer. While in the United Kingdom on the 1st October 1942 he was further promoted to Flying Officer and to Flight Lieutenant on the 16th January 1944. Meantime on the 24th February 1942 he had proceeded to No. 1 "Y" Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Flight Lieutenant Patrick arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth during March and remained there until proceeding on the 27th April to No. 12 (P) Advanced Flying Unit, Grantham, Lincolnshire. During May he completed a Beam Approach course at No. 1514 Beam Approach Training Flight, Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and was then posted on the 23rd June to No. 42 Operational Training Unit, Andover, Hampshire. Here he converted to Blenheim aircrat and on the 14th September joined No. 297 Squadron at Hurn in Hampshire, where he flew Whitley aircraft. On the 17th December he was posted to No. 7 Air Gunners School, Stormy Down, Glamorganshire, and flew there as staff pilot of Whitley and Anson aircraft until proceeding late in September 1943 to No. 1 Air Armament School, Manby, Lincolnshire for similar duties on Blenheim aircraft.