26

39781: FLYING OFFICER WILLIAM HARCOURT COLEMAN D.F.C.
Mother: Mrs. C. M. WALTON of AUCKLAND.

William Coleman was born at Christchurch onthe 29th November,
1916 and received his secondary education at Christchurch Technical
College. His sports were running, football, tennis and swimming.
He was keenly interested in aviation and while still in his teens he
joined the Canterbury Gliding Club. In September, 1931 he applied
for entry in the New Zealand permanent Air Force as an aircraft
apprentice but was unsucessful as at the time no appointments were
being made. He joined the Auckland Aero Club as an active member a
succeeded in gaining his "A" Flying Licence. In December, 1935 he
applied for a short service commission in the Royal Air Force and on
being accepted he embarked on the "Rangitane" at Wellington on the
14th January, 1937, to proceed to the United Kingdom.

Shortly after arrival in England Flying Officer Coleman was posted
on the 5th April, 1937 with the rank of Pilot Officer to the Civil
Flying School, Perth for preliminary flying training. At the end
of May, 1937 he was attached to the Royal Airforce Depot, Uxbridge,
Middlesex, for a disciplinary course. From here on the 6th June, 1937
he was posted to No. 6 Flying School, Netheravon, Wiltshire,
where on the 4th September, 1937, he was awarded his flying badge. On the completion of the
course he obtained a "Distinguished Pass". He was posted on the
8th January, 1938 to No. 97 (Bomber) Squadron, Leconfield, Yorkshire.
On the 13th February, 1938 he was attached to Air Service Training
Ltd., Hamble, Southampton, for an air navigation course and on the
successful conclusion of this course he returned on the 15th May, 1938
to No. 97 Squadron. He was posted on the 5th January, 1939 on loan
to No. 166 (Bomber) Squadron, Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, and on
the 21st January, he again returned to No. 97 Squadron. On the 7th July,
1939 he proceeded to Narham, Norfolk, on the formation of the R.N.Z.A.F. Ferry
Flight it was planned was to fly six Wellington Bomber
aircraft to New Zealand. On the outbreak of war New Zealand presented
these aircraft to the United Kingdom and on the 27th September, 1939
the New Zealand Squadron was formed at Harwell, Berkshire, with