157

4213267 : F/Sgt. Rex Tawheta MATHIESON.
PARENTS : Mr. & Mrs. T.B. Mathieson of New Plymouth.

Rex Mathieson was born at New Plymouth on the 29th October, 1923, and was educated at the New Plymouth Convent and New Plymouth Boys' High School where he was an active participant in the usual sports, particularly cricket and rugby, playing in the 1st XV. He made application for enlistment in 1941 and was enlisted at Ashburton on the 24th October 1942. He was a member of the Aerodrome Defence Unit there for five months and commenced his aircrew training at Rotorua, training for Air Observer.

In May 1943 he left N.Z. for training in Canada, where he reported to No. 1 Central Navigation School, followed by a course at No. 7 Air Observers School at Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. He was awarded his Air Observers Badge and promoted to Sergeant on the 10th December 1943 and embarked for N.Z. four days later. On 21st February, he commenced training on Avenger (torpedo bomber) aircraft and proceeded overseas to a forward Pacific area with No. 31 (N.Z.) Torpedo Bomber Squadron on 23rd May 1944.

During the following month he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. His Squadron was based at Totokina airstrip, Bougainville and completed 12 major strikes and 12 minor strikes on enemy installations at Rabaul, Simpson Harbour, Vunapope and Kieta Aerodrome area. On July 1st, 1944 Flight Sergeant Mathieson was Navigator in an Avenger which was engaged in a strike against anti-aircraft gun positions near the runway at Tobera. The aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed close to the target. Both Flight Sergeant Mathieson and Flight Sergeant A.F. Walker (W.O.A.G.) are presumed to have lost their lives.

His Commanding Officer has written-
"F/Sgt. Mathieson has at all times done his job faithfully and well and was popular with his fellows because of his cheerful disposition."

Find a Grave link with photos of deceased: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23790299/rex-tawheta-mathieson

5/2/13378
241 hours.

Mrs. N.L. Mathieson (M) (right aligned)
Barratt Road, (right aligned)
NEW PLYMOUTH. (right aligned & underlined)