Bert Wipiti
| Bert Sam Wipiti | |
|---|---|
| Born |
16 January 1922 New Plymouth, New Zealand |
| Died | 3 October 1943 (aged 21) |
| Allegiance |
 New Zealand |
| Service/branch |
 Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1943 † |
| Commands held |
243 Squadron 485 Squadron (RNZAF) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Medal |
Bert Sam Wipiti DFM (16 January 1922 – 3 October 1943) was a New Zealand fighter pilot of World War II, initially with RAF squadrons.
Biography
A Māori and born in New Plymouth, he joined the RNZAF in January 1941. Initially he was with No. 243 Squadron RAF at Kallang Airport, Singapore, flying the outclassed Brewster Buffalo fighter. He claimed 3½ kills for the period to March 1942. He was killed over France while flying a Spitfire with No. 485 Squadron RNZAF, escorting a bombing raid on a French power station.
References
For your tomorrow (Volume 2) by Errol W. Martyn (Volapone Press Christchurch c1998) (page 149) ISBN 0-473-06311-5
"Life's too Short to Cry" by Tim Vigors (Grub Street 2006) ISBN 1904943616 Digital Edition ISBN 9781908117830 (Pages 196 - 198)
External links
'Life's Too Short To Cry' Tim Vigors DFC Page 231-234