David Leo Nola

RAF pilot, killed in action during WW2:

• ****** Us children of the Gordon Nola family never really knew very much about our Uncle David - We were all a bit too young. To us, Uncle David, for the most part, was our families international man of mystery. We did, however, know some basic information - He was a Royal Airforce pilot and during a mission in World War Two his aircraft (we believed) was shot down over Germany - He was killed, and his body was never returned home. This was true except it seemed for the bit about his plane being shot down.

As children, we wondered about Uncle Davids life and wished we knew more of him. As children we were constantly reminded of Uncle David as at the Tatuanui Primary School where we all attended is a white sundial (still to this day) & a commemorative Bronze Plaque honoring David Leo Nola, coupled with a smiling portrait of Uncle David located in the middle of the school's playground.

In 2014 in an effort to recover more information about Uncle David - Our sister Lynne sent off to NZDF Archives requesting Uncle Davids file. Out of interest - we are pleased to share some pieces of Uncle Davids information with you here today. My heart feels heavy as I type-out this information. I cannot imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for David's Father Jack to receive the crushing Telegram (see below) informing him that his dear son had been killed in action. Uncle David's Father Jack & his sweet Mother Katie receiving this sad news at their peaceful Tatanui home there on the corner of Cussins Road & State Highway 26 (New Zealand).

My sister did request Uncle Davids Military files recently. The timing of me being able to report all this newly discovered information regarding Uncle David Nola is especially interesting as it has all just come to my hand so close to 2014 ANZAC Day.

May David Leo Nola & the many other brave servicemen just like him Rest now In Peace & comfort as we honor 'The Fallen' - "Legends Never Die".

• ************ Davids profile as it appeared on Military records: Document Dated: 5/1/1945

David Nola was born at Ruawai on the 6th of July 1914. He received his secondary education at the Sacred Heart College Auckland and passed the Matriculation examination. He afterward attended Auckland University College completing the Professional Accountancy examination and gaining a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. He played rugby, cricket, and tennis. From the time of leaving school in 1932 until applying for enlistment in the Civil Reserve of Pilots on 17th January 1939, he was employed by the Government in a clerical capacity, first in the Public Trust, and later in the Audit Office and on acceptance commenced flying with the Wellington Aero Club.

Sergeant Nola had completed eight hours dual flying before enlistment at the initial Training Wing, Levin, on 26th October 1939. He proceeded to No1 Elementary Flying Training School, Taieri New Zealand, on the 21st of November to continue his flying training and then to No1 Service Flying Training School, Wigram on the 16th January 1940. Here on the 4thof May he was awarded the flying badge and promoted to the rank of sergeant Afterwards embarking on the 20th of May for the United Kingdom.

He arrived at No1 Depot Umbridge, Middlesex on 10th July, and was posted to No12 Operational Training Unit, Benson, Oxfordshire on the 27th of the same month, where he completed his training as pilot of Fairey Battle Aircraft. Early in October, he converted to Wellington Bomber Aircraft at the conversion course of No 214 Squadron, Stradishall, Suffolk, before proceeding to No 150 Squadron at Newton, Nottingham shire, on the 12th October. Here he continued training on Wellington Bomber Aircraft and on the 5th January 1941 was posted to No 75 (NZ) Squadron in Germany, Rotterdam in Holland,, and Boulogne in France. Early in March, he underwent a further course on Wellington Aircraft, and on return to No 75 (NZ) Squadron took part in further dight operational flights as Captain of Wellington Aircraft. The targets included Bremen, Berlin, Mannheim, and Hamburg in Germany, Boulogne in France, and two raids on warships at Brest.

Sergeant Nola was the Captain of a Wellington Bomber Aircraft engaged during the night of the 6/7 may 1941, in an attack on a target in enemy territory. On return, the aircraft crashed into the Humber River. Sergeant Nola losing his life and was classified Killed in Action. His body was recovered and laid to rest in the Military Cemetery at Grimsby England.

(an added note at the bottom of the document states) David Nola completed 382 Hours in his role as Pilot.

• ****

Ref: 3G/8926/47/TRG 17th May 1941 Sir,

Report on Accident to Wellington Aircraft No. R3169 No.75 (New Zealand) Squadron night of 6/7th May, 1941 With Reference to casualty signal submitted by No.75 (NZ0 Squadron Feltwell, T199 dated 7/5, the following report is submitted: -

2: Aircraft R3169 had the following crew on board: - A39930 Sgt. Nola, D.L (David Leo) Captain Killed NZ40656 Sgt. Mee, A.C 2nd Pilot Killed P.30 Page, C.F Observer Missing 949560 Sgt, Russell, W. Front A/G Missing 988980 Sgt. Hall, J 1st W/T Optr. Missing 1375911. Sgt. Craven, A. Rear A/G Uninjured

3. This aircraft took off at 2215 Hours 6.5.41 to attack a target in Hamburg. The weather was 10/10th over the target and most of the route, and a variation in the forecast winds caused the aircraft to make a landfall at the mouth of the Humber at approximately 0440 hours on 7.5.41. The aircraft turned South and almost immediately struck a balloon cable when flying at 1,000 feet. The aircraft dived steeply and crashed into the water.

4. The rescue organization was quickly on the sport, and picked-up the only survivor, Stg. Craven, and the bodies of the Captain and Pilot. Sgt. Craven had released the dinghy but in the strong current and high winds prevailing at the time, broke its painter when he jumped into it from the rear turret. He was unable to row back to the aircraft.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant (Sgd.) ?? Wing Commander. for Air Vice-Marshall Commanding No.3 Group The Under Secretary of State, (Dept. Q.J) Air Ministry, London, W.C.2)

• ** New Zealand Post Office Telegraphs

Dated: 5/1/345 To: Mr I J Nola

Of Tatuanui, Morrinsville, Waikato, New Zealand

Deeply regret to learn that your son Sergent David Leo Nola has now been reclassified as killed in action. The Prime Minister desires me to convey to you on behalf of the Government his deepest sympathy - F. Jones Minister Of Defence.

• ** 12th April, 1950

5/1/345 SOPR Memorandum: Re: NZ.39930 Sergent David Leo Nola

Information now received from Air Ministry States that the above named is buried in the: Scartho Road Cemetery, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Leo David Nola is laid to rest in Row: J Grave No: 5

• ** 30th May 1950: Campaign Stars and Medals Deceased Personnel (Air) No: 39939 Rank: SGT Name: Nola David Leo Qualified For: 1. The 1939-45 Star 2. The Aircrew Europe Star 3. The Defence Medal 4. The War Medal 5. The NZ War Medal
  • ** 4th April 1946 Dear Mr Jack Nola,

I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter, with reference to your son, Sergent Leo Nola,and in reply to advise you that arrangements gave already been made for photographs of the grave to be taken and forwarded to you.

The grave at present has a temporary wooden cross over as conditions permit a permanent headstone will be created by the Imperial War Graves Commission.

Further photographs will then be taken for transmission to you. I regret very much however that I cannot comply with your request for photographs of the funeral as none were taken. Yours faithfully.