231328 W/O. Ivan Herbert Wright Royal New Zeland Air Force 57 Squadron from:Tauranga, New Zealand Ivan Wright, born Tauranga, New Zealand, died Sep 2 2010 Waipu, New Zealand. He left New Zealand for Canada on the Jan Ericson in 1942 to undertake flying training. He was posted to No 34 Operational Training Unit. Graduated from Penfield Ridge No 3 Wireless School as wireless operator. He then sailed to England on the Queen Mary and was posted to No 10 Advanced Flying Unit.
He was stationed with 57 Squadron at East Kirkby on 18th of February 1945 with Flying Officer Dimond, an Australian, as his Captain. His first recorded operation was Mar 3rd or 4th when they bombed Dortmund - Emms Canal at Ladbukgen and experienced German night intruders. On 5th of March 1945 they carried 11 500lb bombs, a 4000lb and a 500lb bomb on a raid on Bohlem Oil Refinery. The flight was 10 hours 30 minutes. They survived a crash at Nuneaton on return. They were subsequently involved in leaflet drops, repatriating POW's from Europe and in food supplies to Holland.
He talked about the friendships and life on the base. He left the squadron after VE Day in May 1945. He left England on the Dominion Monarch and arrived home in time for Christmas.
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