Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

2 days ago

David Tudhope was a fresh-faced 22-year-old pilot, just out of training, when he was posted to No. 139 Squadron in June 1943 at about the time the squadron was brought into the Pathfinder Force. He was to survive two tours of operations with the squadron, in one of the most difficult and dangerous roles in Bomber Command.

David was born in Hamilton in 1921 and joined the RNZAF in October 1941 to become a pilot. Initially training at New Plymouth, then Canada and finally England where he converted to Mosquitos. No. 139 Squadron was only the second bomber squadron to re-equip with Mosquitos and were a well-seasoned operational unit when he arrived.

The Pathfinder’s job was to mark the target so the main stream of bombers could more accurately bomb the target.

His first operation, just four days after his first flight with No. 139 Squadron, was to Berlin, where he records in his log book “Operations Berlin. Very Slight Activity….” He flew this and all his first tour operations with his Navigator, Nick Carter and on their 5th operation he records “Operations Cologne. Considerable heavy accurate flak… Coned by S/L [search lights] 6 mins. Holed in starboard wing and tail.”

David was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) after his first tour and a second DFC after his second tour. The citation stated “…his exemplary courage in the face of the enemy opposition have proved a high example to all.” He completed 74 war operations, 24 of which were to Berlin. In the 1984 Queen’s Birthday Honours he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for service to the development of energy. He died in Wellington in 1996.

In a romantic finale, his log book lists two short flights in October 1946 where his passenger was “Chat”. This was Charity, his future wife and her first ever flight in an aircraft.

Keep a look out on Facebook for more of David Tudhope’s service.

Photos:
1) Flying Officer DH Tudhope (pilot)(left) and Flying Officer Nick Carter (Navigator)(right), No. 139 Squadron Mosquito crew standing beside their Mosquito aircraft DZ421 XD-G 'Sir Peter' at RAF Station Wyton, England. 28 January 1944 . Ref ALB991972008

2) No. 139 Squadron air and ground crew in front of their Mosquito DZ421 XD-G 'Sir Peter' at RAF Station Wyton.

Handwritten under the print "Plane DZ 421 "G" - "Sir Peter"| Crew. Lac Wakefield, self [DH Tudhope], Nick [Flying Officer Carter], Sgt Phillips, AC Ashbee | 28.1.44". Ref ALB991972007 ... See MoreSee Less