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40654 Sergeant Kenneth MANSON (surname underlined)
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. N. Manson of Greymouth.

Kenneth Manson was born at Eiffleton on the 11th June 1920. His secondary education was received at Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland, where he passed the matriculation examination and gained his School Certificate in 1936. After obtianing his Higher Leaving Certificate he proceeded to the Teacher's Training College, Auckland, to study for the teaching profession. In December 1938 he applied for a short service commission in the Royal Air Force, but was unsuccessful owing to the outbreak of hostilities. Accordingly, on the 18th September 1939 he applied for war service in the R.N.Z.A.F.

Sergeant Manson was enlisted for aircrew training on the 13th February 1940 at the Ground Training School, Levin, and was posted on the 14th March (redacted 1940) to No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School, Taieri, to commence his flying training. He proceeded on the 9th May (redacted 1940) to No. 1 Service Flying Training School, Wigram and while here on the 29th June (redacted 1940) was awarded his flying badge. (Redacted His promotion) He was promoted to sergeant (redacted was made) on the 24th August 1940 and following this on the 14th September he embarked on the "Tamaroa" at Wellington to proceed to the United Kingdom.

(Redacted Having arrived in England) On the 3rd November 1940, Sergeant Manson (redacted was held) arrived at the Royal Air Force Depot, Uxbridge, Middlesex, (redacted until) and was posted on the 17th November to No. 11 Operational Training Unit, Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire, to crew-up and complete his training on Wellington bomber aircraft. On the 14th March 1941 he was posted to No. 214 Squadron, Stradishall, Suffolk, and commenced operational flying. With this squadron as pilot of a Wellington bomber he took part in five operational flights including attacks on Cologne in Germany, Brest and Lorient in France and oil stores in Rotterdam, Holland.

On the 5th April 1941, Sergeant Manson was the pilot of a Wellington bomber engaged on operations.