396

432368 : Sgt. Henry Owen MOSEN.
PARENTS : Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Mosen of Hastings.

Henry Mosen was born at Auckland on October 27th, 1924 and was educated at the (redacted) School where he gained his Proficiency. At school, he played the usual sports and after leaving school was employed by Thos. Ritchie Ltd., Hastings as an Electrician. He first applied for entry into the Air Force in October 1942 as a Flight Rigger and he was recommended by his A.T.C. Commander for training (redacted as a Flight Rigger) in this trade.

He served in the A.T.C. for one year and (redacted was classed as a very good pupil He.) entered the Air Force in February 1943 at Omaka and in March he went before the selection committee and was recommended for aircrew training. After completing his ground training, he went to Ohakea in December for further instruction as an Air Gunner. He qualified as an Air Gunner in January and was awarded his Air Gunner's Badge in April, 1944, being promoted to Sergeant. In January, 1944 he went to No. 9 Squadron, Whenuapai and was engaged on crew training. The following month he went to Espiritu Santos and became part of the crew of a Ventura Bomber piloted by Pilot Officer Mather. For the next few months, his aircraft was engaged on patrols and general reconnaissance work until in May he went to Bougainville with the Squadron. There they were engaged on bombing raids over enemy territory in New Britain and Buka. On the 14th June, 1944, the Ventura in which he was Air Gunner crashed into the sea while returning from a patrol near the Treasury Islands, Pilot Officer R.H. Mather (Pilot), W/O I.R. Lorenzen, (W.O.A.G.) and Sgt. Mosen being classified as missing, believed killed. All the crew, including Sgt. Mosen were presumed to have lost their lives on the above date.

Find a Grave link with a photo of Sgt. Mosen: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/249393632/henry_owen-mosen

5/3/37830 A.S.2.
181 hrs. as an Air Gunner.

Mrs. J.E. Mosen, (M) (right aligned)
309W Queen Street, (right aligned)
HASTINGS. (right aligned & underlined)