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NZ415073 F/Sgt. Geoffrey Alan MATHIAS.
Father: Mr. S.G. Mathias of Christchurch.

Geoffrey Mathias was born at Christchurch on the 18th November, 1921, and received his secondary education at the Rangiora High Schoo and the Christchurch Technical College reaching Matriculation standard. He played football and cricket. After leaving school and at the time of applying for enlistment in aircrew on the 12th November 1940 he was employed as an electro-plater by Armstrong and Farr of Christchurch.

Flight Sergeant Mathias was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin on the 7th September, 1941 for training as an airman pilot, and posted to No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School, Harewood on the 19th October to commence his flying training. Here this was terminated during November, when he was remustered to Air Observer and reposted to Levin late in November. He embarked on the 8th January, 1942 for Canada to train under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada Flight Sergeant Mathias was posted on the 4th February to No. 10 Air Observer School, Chatham, New Brunswick and thence on the 10th May to No. 6 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario. On the 21st June he proceeded to No. 1 Air Navigation School, Rivers, Manitoba, where on the 4th August, 1942 he was awarded the Air Bomber badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While in the United Kingdom on the 15th May, 1943 he was further promoted to Flight Sergeant. Meanwhile on the 5th August, 1942 he had proceeded to No. 1 "Y" Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Flight Sergeant Mathias arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 5th November, 1942, and on the 8th December was posted to No. 11 Operational Training Unit, Westcott, Buckinghamshire. Here he crewed up and completed his training as Bomb Aimer of Wellington bomber aircraft before converting early in May, 1943 to Stirling bomber aircraft at No. 1651 Conversion Unit, Waterbeach, Cambridge. On the 17th May he was posted to No. 218 Gold Coast Squadron, Downham Market, Norfolk.