193

NZ413449 Flight Lieutenant Raymond Gilmour MELLSOP
MOTHER: Mrs. M.E.G. Mellsop of Hamilton.

Raymond Mellsop was born at Pukekohe on the 13th May, 1911. He received his secondary education at King's College Auckland, passing the Matriculation examination and gaining the Higher Leaving Certificate. He afterwards attended Auckland University College completing all but one subject ofr the 'Professional Accountants' examination. At school he was a member of the 2nd Rugby fifteen, Captain of the Rifle team and school champion for Rifle shooting and gymnastics; afterwards he took part in golf, tramping, tennis, basketball, badminton and gymnastics. From the time of leaving school in 1929 he was employed by the Public Trust Office and at the time of applying for enlistment in aircrew, on the 25th July, 1940 was employed at Auckland.

Flight Lieutenant Mellsop was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing Levin on the 14th June, 1941 and proceeded to No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School, Whenuapai on the 28th July to commence his flying training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shorlty after arrival in Canada he was posted on the 4th November to No. 4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Here on the 27th February, 1942 he was awarded the flying badge and commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer. While in the United Kingdom on the 1st October, 1942 he was promoted to Flying Officer and to the Acting rank of Flight Lieutenant on the 18th September 1943 when in India. Meantime on the 12th March 1942 he had proceeded to No. 1 "Y" Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Flight Lieutenant Mellsop arrived at No.3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 30th March and remained there until proceeding to No. 15 (P) Advanced Flying Unit, Leconfield, Yorkshire on the 16th May for his advanced and night flying. Early in June he completed a beam approach course at No. 1516 Beam Approach Training Flight, Meddleton, St. George, County Durham and on the 30th June was posted to No. 6 (C) Operational Training Unit, Thornaby,