213

NZ414320 Flight Lieutenant Alick MEWA.
MOTHER: MRS. P. MEWA OF WESTMERE, AUCKLAND.

Alick Mewa was born at Auckland on the 23rd February, 1919. He received his secondary education at the Auckland Grammar School. From the time of leaving school until applying for enlistment in aircrew, on the 12th June, 1940, he was employed by the Steel Construction Co. of Auckland.

Flight Lieutenant Mewa was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing Levin, Levin on the 27th July, 1941 and proceeded to No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School, Whenuapai on the 8th September to commence his flying training; then on the 20th October to No. 3 Service Flying Training School, Ohakea. Here on the 10th January, 1944. Meantime on the 29th January, 1944. Meantime on the 29th January, 1942 he had embarked for the United Kingdom.

Flight Lieutenant Mewa arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 13th March 1942 and remained there until posted to No. 14 (P) Advanced Flying Unit, Ossington, Nottinghamshire on the 30th April for his advanced and night flying. During June he completed a Beam Approach Training Course at Holme-On-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire and on the 9th July proceeded to No. 42 Operational Training Unit, Andover, Hampshire, where he converted to Blenheim Aircraft.

He completed a further beam approach course at Thruxton, Hampshire, in October, returning afterwards to No. 42 Operational Training Unit then at Ashbourne, Derbyshire, where he acted a staff pilot. In July, 1943 he converted to Whitley aircraft, and in September was posted to No. 13 Operational Training Unit first at Bicester, Oxfordshire and afterwards at Finmere, Buckinghamshire. At this latter Station he converted to Boston aircraft and afterwards to Mitchell light bomber aircraft. After crewing up, he was posted on the 19th July, 1944, to No. 2 Group Support Unit, Swanton, Morley, Norfolk, and on the 6th August to No. 98 Squadron at Dunsfold, Surrey.

This Squadron formed part of the Tactical Air Force supporting the invading Armies in Europe.