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402206 Flying Officer Aylivin Gilbert METCALF, D.F.M.
Widow: Mr. J.W. Metcalf of Leatherhead, England.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Metcalf of HAWERA.

Gilbert Metcalf was born at Bradford, England, on the 5th June 1919, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand at an early age. He received his secondary education at the New Plymouth Boys' High School, passing the University Entrance examination. When applying for enlistment in aircrew on the 25th September 1939, he was employed in farming for Mr. R. Burton of Manaia.

Flying Officer Metcalf was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, on the 28th July, 1940 and posted to Harewood on the 25th August for his elementary flying training; then, on the 26th October, to No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Woodbourne, Blenheim. Here, he was awarded the flying badge on the 17th January, 1941, and promoted to Flight Sergeant on the 1st September 1941, to Warrant Officer on the 1st April 1942, commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer on the 19th September 1942 and promoted to Flying Officer on the 19th March 1943. Meantime, he had embarked by the Awatea on the 27th February 1941 for the United Kingdom.

Flying Officer Metcalf proceeded by way of Canada, and arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, on the 20th April. A few days later he was posted to No. 23 Operational Training Unit, Pershore, Worcestershire, and then on the 13th June to No. 15 Operational Training Unit, Harwell, Berkshire, for embarkation by air overseas. He arrived in the Middle East late the same month and joined No. 38 Squadron in Egypt on the 12th November 1941, serving with this Squadron until his return to the United Kingdom during January 1943.

Flying Officer Metcalf arrived at Wilmslow, Lancashire, late in January, and proceeded to No. 9 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, Crossby-on-Eden, Cumberland, on the 12th March, for his rest period. On June 1943, he was awarded the Distinguished