Operation: Emergency Precautions Scheme (EPS), exercise

Date: 11th June 1942 (Thursday)

Unit No: 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS)

Type: Tiger Moth II

Serial: NZ769

Code: -

Base: RNZAF Taieri, New Zealand

Location: Gore, New Zealand

Pilot: Plt Off. Geoffrey Thomas Coldham 412657 RNZAF Age 23. Killed (1)

REASON FOR LOSS:

On an Emergency Precautions Scheme (EPS) co-operation mission and was carrying out a dummy air raid attack.

Note: The EPS was set up by the government during WW2 as part of the home defence system.

At 10:40 hrs flying over Gore collided with cables across Main Street. The aircraft crashed onto the road at the intersection with Irk Street, bounced, and then skidded along 100 yards to strike a mail car driven by Mr. Bert N. Smith. The aircraft finally came to rest in Mersey Street when it struck a parked truck in which sat the driver Mr. Bryan Windle who escaped injury by jumping out.

The driver of the mail car had a very lucky escape from injury. The driver had no possible chance of avoiding a collision, and the plane struck the front of the vehicle on the driver's side and bounced over the top.

Considering the crowds it was fortunate that many more people were not injured. Others were not so fortunate:

June McKenzie, a shop assistant suffered serious head injuries, John Leslie Anderson, a railway engine driver had bad scalp wounds, and Leonard Frank Shave, a shop assistant who received scalp wounds and concussion were standing just south of Irk Street. Ronald Hill also a shop assistant suffered a broken keg and shock when he was hit by the wing of the aircraft. Members of the various medical and ambulance units were quickly on the scene and gave first aid to the injured.

Great presence of mind was shown by Constable Edward William Fibbes (above), who was on duty at the time, in removing Plt Off. Coldham from the wreck. The prompt action of Constable Fibbes earned the highest commendation of those who saw the incident.

The gravely injured pilot was transferred to a place of safety and steps were immediately taken to render first aid. He placed in an emergency ambulance, but he succumbed before reaching the hospital.

Note: Some websites report that the Tiger Moth carried a passenger, AC2. Douglas Lionel Forward 414047 RNZAF. Although he died on the same day he had been seriously injured on the 15th of December 1941 when he was run over by a fire tender at the flare path. Lionel Forward was later admitted to the Palmerston North Public Hospital. He died on the 11th of June 1942 following surgery on his injuries.

(1) Geoffrey Thomas Coldham was educated at Mt. Albert Grammar School and Auckland University College. A survey cadet for E.V Blake Survey and Civil Engineers in Auckland.

He enlisted in Levin as a pilot under training on the 4th May 1941. With No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School on the 15th June 1941. No. 2 Flying Training School on the 26th July 1941.

He was presented with his pilot’s wings on the 6th September 1941 and was appointed to a commission as a Plt Off. on the 18th of October 1941. With Flying Instructor School on the 17th November 1941. As an instructor with No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) on the 12th of January 1942. With No. 1 EFTS as an instructor on the 9th February flying the Tiger Moth.

Rear left to right: Wilfred James Hannah 412683 (killed 6th November 1942), J.H. Malcom, Ian Cameron Hutcheson 412694 (killed 27th August 1944), W.A. Hardham, H.H. Wilson.

Centre left to right: Norman Mathew Langlands 412702 (killed 2nd August 1942), J.A. Hendry, P.A. Bull, Godfrey Simon Harcourt 412684 (killed 11th January 1944), Geoffrey Thomas Coldham 412657, David George West 412772 (killed 23rd February 1942), Kenneth Charles Bacon 412644 (died 27th November 2004).

Front left to right: V. Moran, Byron Court Lumsden 412705 (died 2nd September 2002), H.P. Jensen, Geoffrey Stanton Lloyd 411972 (killed 26th December 1942), D.S. Beauchamp, Stanley George Culliford 412659 (died 29th December 2001), R.K. Monk, Stanley Hearne Gunn 412680 (killed 27th June 1942). (Courtesy Air Museum of New Zealand)

Burial details:

Plt Off. Coldham was buried on the 16th of June 1942. A guard of honour was formed at the funeral, by about 500 pupils of the Mount Albert Grammar School. The boys lined the street at the residence in Tawera Road, Green Lane, as the coffin, draped with the Air Force flag, was carried out by a pilot crew of the RNZAF. The Rev. F.I. Parsons conducted the burial at Waikaraka. Also present were representatives of the Old Boys' Association, headed by the president, Mr. D. Sumner, and the staff of the Mount Albert Grammar School, where Plt Off. Coldham's father was a master.

Plt Off. Geoffrey Thomas Coldham. Waikaraka Cemetery. Extn. 1, Grave 229A. Born on the 24th of October 1921 in Auckland. Son of George Stewart (died 8th July 1972, age 79), and of Hilda Dorothy (née Bicker - died 21st October 1971, age 76) Coldham. Brother of Richard, Madeline and Raymond of 4 Tawera Road, Greenlane, Auckland, New Zealand.

Researched by kelvin Youngs (Webmaster) and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot, thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”,Auckland Star Newspaper, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland (Aug 2022). Reviewed and updated, and aircraft serial no corrected in headings (Dec 2025).

Other sources listed below:

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