Noel VEAR OBE

Service Number: 29110, and later 70194
NZPAF/RNZAF Trade: Fitter, then Engineer Officer, then Pilot
Date of Enlistment: 8th of November 1929
Date of Demob: 30th of July 1963
Rank Achieved: Squadron Leader
Flying Hours: Unknown
Operational Sorties: Unknown

Date of Birth: 19th of February 1912
Personal Details: Noel lived in Cambridge but had moved to Auckland before he joined the New Zealand Permanent Air Force.

Service Details: Noel underwent engineering training at Trentham Camp, north of Wellington, before undertaking a course at Wigram, Christchurch. He then proceeded to Hobsonville to complete a five year apprenticeship.

He worked as a Fitter till 1939, at which point Noel was commissioned and became an Engineer Officer. He held various posts from 1939 till 1944 overseeing the all important technical training of airmen. Then in 1944 he undertook flying training and become an RNZAF pilot.

He continued to serve in the RNZAF after the war ended. In 1948 he was added to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Years Honours list. his citation read:

"After ten years meritorious service in the non-commissioned ranks as a Fitter, Squadron Leader Vear was commissioned in 1939, and throughout the war occupied several important posts connected with technical training in the RNZAF. In 1944 he successfully completed a pilot’s course and gained a Distinguished Pass. Squadron Leader Vear has thus eighteen years sterling service to his credit and through his ability and diligence he has been to a large extent responsible for the high standard achieved by the RNZAF technical tradesmen during the recent war. Latterly he has been engaged as a member of the RNZAF Planning Executive and in this post his practical experience and sound judgement have been reflected in the papers produced. Squadron Leader Vear is an outstanding officer who has served the RNZAF with loyalty and great devotion to duty at all times. "

Died: 30th of June 1988, in Taupo

Connection with Cambridge: Noel lived in Cambridge for some time before moving to Auckland, and later joining the NZPAF

Thanks To: Errol Martyn for providing details from By Such Deeds by Gp Capt Colin Hanson

 

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