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RAF40553 Squadron Leader David Neville MILLIGAN, D.F.C.
FATHER: Mr. D. Milligan of WELLINGTON.

David Milligan was born at Wellington on the 19th December 1916 and received his secondary education at Christ's College, Christchurch, later continuing his studies with the Stuart Tutorial College and Banks Commercial College, Wellington. He passed the Matriculation examination in 1932 and was successful in the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce examination in Shorthand and Typing in 1934. He played football, cricket and tennis, also being keen on tramping and swimming and was a member of the Lyall Bay Life Saving Surf Club. On leaving school he joined the Civil Service, and was employed as a clerk in various Government Departments, and at the time of applying for a Short Service Commission in the Royal Air Force on the 4th April 1937 he was employed in this capacity by the Tourist Publicity Department. His application proved successful, and he embarked on the R.M.S. "Remuera" for the United Kingdom on the 30th October.

On arrival on the 6th December, Squadron Leader Milligan was posted to the Civil Flying School, Reading, Berkshire, as a Pupil Pilot, then on the 19th February, 1938 was granted a Short Service Commission in the Royal Air Force in the rank of Acting Pilot Officer, and underwent a short disciplinary course at No. 1 Depot, Uxbridge, Middlesex, prior to proceeding on the 5th March to No. 5 Flying Training School, Sealand, Chester, to commence his flying training. On the 17th September he joined the No. 220 (GR) Squadron, Bircham Newton, Norfolk, and his flying duties here were interrupted, while he was attached first on the 28th November to No. 3 School of Technical Training, Manston, Kent for a Parachute Course, then on the 12th December to No. 3 School of General Reconnaissance, Thorney Island, Hampshire, for a Navigational Reconnaissance course. Meanwhile on the 6th December he had been confirmed in his appointment and graded Pilot Officer. He was subsequently promoted to Flying Officer on the 6th June, 1940, to Flight Lieutenant one year later, to Acting Squadron Leader on the 6th May 1942, and to Acting Wing Commander on the 12th May 1943, but relinquished his acting rank on the 10th December 1943.