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413872 Flight Sergeant Donald Ernest MARTIN (surname underlined)
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Martin of Auckland.
Wife: Mrs. H.M. Cooper of Auckland (remarried).

Donald Martin was born in England on the 7th December 1916 and at an early age accompanied his parents to New Zealand. His secondary education was received at Mount Albert Grammar School. He played soccer, rugby, and tennis. His civilian occupation was that of a butcher in the employ of Messrs. R. and T. Hellaby of Auckland. In December 1940 he applied for war service in the R.N.Z.A.F.

Flight Sergeant Martin was enlisted for aircrew training on the 6th July 1941 at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, and was posted on the 17th August (redacted 1941) to No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School, Harewood, to commence flying training, but this training was discontinued and on the 3rd November (redacted 1941) he was remustered to air observer under training and posted back to Levin. On the 28th December (redacted 1941) he embarked for Canada for training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after his arrival in Canada, Flight Sergeant Martin was posted on the 1st February 1942 to No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary, Alberta. This was followed on the 14th September (redacted 1942) by his being posted to No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School, Fingal, Ontario. While here, on the 12th October (redacted 1942) he was awarded his wireless operator air gunner's badge and promoted to the rank of sergeant. Later when in England on the 1st June 1943, he received his promotion to flight sergeant. Meanwhile, on the 24th October 1942 he had proceeded to No. 1 "Y" Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia to await embarkation for the United Kingdom.

Having arrived in England on the 5th November 1942, Flight Sergeant Martin (redacted was held) remained at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth until posted on the 8th December (redacted 1942) to No. 6 Air Observer School first at Staverton and later at Moreton Valance, both in Gloucestershire. He proceeded on