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404653 Pilot Officer Douglas Hamilton MOSS. (surname underlined)
Mother: Mrs. M. Goodwin of Auckland.
Wife: Mrs. J.F. Moss of Auckland (one child)

Douglas Moss was born at Wallasey, Cheshire, England, on the 10th December 1919 and at an early age accompanied his parents to New Zealand (redacted when they came to this country to make their home here.) His education was received at the Grafton School, Auckland, where he gained his Proficiency Certificate. The sports in which he took part were swimming and rowing. Joining the Territorial Forces he served in the 3rd Battery New Zealand (redacted Army) Artillery. His civilian occupation was that of a butcher in the employ of R. and W. Hellaby Ltd., of Auckland. In November 1939 he applied for war service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Pilot Officer Moss was enlisted for aircrew training on the 24th November 1940 at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, and on the 6th January 1941 he embarked on the "Empress of Russia" at Auckland to proceed to Canada for training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after his arrival in Canada, Pilot Officer Moss was posted on the 23rd January 1941 to No. 1 Wireless School, Montreal, Quebec. This was followed by his posting on the 23rd June (redacted 1941) to No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School, Fingal, Ontario. While here on the 21st July (redacted 1941) he was awarded his wireless operator air gunner's badge and promoted to sergeant. Later, when in England on the 1st April 1942 he was further promoted to flight sergeant. On the 1st May 1943 he received his promotion to warrant officer and on the 9th June 1943 he was commissioned as a pilot officer. Meanwhile, on the 29th July 1941 he had proceeded to No. 1 "M" Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia, to await embarkation for the United Kingdom.

Having arrived in England on the 15th September 1941, Pilot Officer Moss (redacted was held) remained at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, until posted on the 29th September to No. 1 Signals School, Cranwell, Lincolnshire. From here, he was posted on the 16th December 1941 to No. 287 Squadron, first at Croydon, Surrey.