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41871 Flight Sergeant William Arthur FERGIE.
WIDOW: Mrs. I.B. Clarkson of Peterborough, England
PARENTS: Mr. & Mrs. W. Fergie of Papanui, Christchurch

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William Fergie was born at Christchurch on the 26th
January 1921 and obtained his secondary education at the
Christchurch West High School, passing the University Entrance
examination. He afterwards studied with Harles' College of
Accounting and was successful in passing the B. Com. Degree and
the Professional Accountant's examination. He played
football for his school 1st XV, and afterwards tennis for
St. Pauls' Club, besides holding a 1st Class Instructor's
Certificate for life-saving. He was employed in auditing and
accountancy by W.S.Newburgh and Co. at Christchurch, when
applying for enlistment in aircrew, on the 25th June, 1940.

Flight Sergeant Fergie was enlisted at the initial
Training Wing. Levin, on the 9th February 1941, and posted
to Taieri on the 22nd Marck for his elementary flying training,
then, on the 3rd May, to number 1 Service Flying Training School,
Wigram. Here, on the 14th June, he was awarded the flying
badge and promoted to the rank of sergeant on the 26th July.
While overseas on the 1st June, 1942, he was further promoted
to Flight Sergeant. Meantime, on the 14th August 1941, he had
embarked for the United Kingdom.

Flight Sergeant Fergie arrived at number 3 Personnel
Reception Centre, Bournemouth, on the 29th September, and was
posted late in October, to number 17 Operational Training Unit,
Upwood, Huntingdonshire. Here, he converted to Wellington
bomber aircraft, before proceeding to number 70 Operational Training
Unit at Nairobi, East Africa, for crewing up before posting late
in May 1942 to the Middle East, and joining number 162 squadron
on the 6th June.