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NZ415771 Flight Sergeant Paul Eugene MASON (surname underlined)
Parents Mr. and Mrs. G.H. Mason, of Auckland.

Paul Mason was born at Oamaru on the 23rd September 1920. He received his secondary education at Sacred Heart College, Auckalnd, passing the Matriculation examination in 1936, and continuing his studies for the accountancy professional examination at both Banks' Commerical College and the Seddon Memorial Technical College, during the ensuring four years. He was successful in completing his nine subjects for this examination. Early in 1938, he commenced employment with Wallace Bruce, Duthie and Vyce, Public Accountants of Auckland, and was still employed there at the time of applying for enlistment in aircrew on the 10th March 1941.

Flight Sergeant Mason was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, on the 19th October, 1941, and proceeded to No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School, Whenuapai on the 29th November to commence his flying training, afterwards embarking on the 14th January, 1942 for Canada for train under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada Flight Sergeant Mason was posted on the 14th February, to No. 10 Service Flying Training School, Dauphin, Manitoba, where on the 5th June he was awarded the flying badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While in the United Kingdom on 15th May 1943, he was further promoted to Flight Sergeant. Meanwhile on the 21st June 1942, he proceeded to the Central Flying School, Trenton, Ontario for a flying instruction course, and then on the 14th October to No. 1 "M" Depot, Toronto. He remained there until proceeding to No. 31 Personnel Depot, Moncton, New Brunswick on the 21st January 1493, to await embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Flight Sergeant Mason arrived at No. 11 Personnel Despatch and Reception Centre, Bournemouth, on the 5th February, and underwent a refresher course at No. 29 Elementary Flying Training School, Clyffe Pyphard, Wiltshire during April. Early in May he commenced his advanced and night flying at No. 15 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit, Greenham Common, Berkshire.