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In memory of
Flight Sergeant (Pilot) John Raby Liken
John Raby Liken, known as “Jack” was born in Oamaru, New Zealand, on 25th November 1913.
He worked as a farm manager for Powedrell Brothers in Hastings, New Zealand, before enlisting in the RNZAF in November, 1940. A year later he was posted to No.485 squadron.
On 26th April, 1942, 485 squadron took off from Kenley at 5.10pm. The squadron was bounced by FW190s and lost three Spitfires. Flight Sergeant Goodlet baled out and was captured. Flying Officer Pattison and Flight Sergeant Liken, (flying Spitfire Vb BM139), were both hit, but managed to glide back across the Channel. They baled out into the sea off Dungeness, and were successfully rescued, but Liken had already lost his life by the time he reached Kelsy hospital that evening. Jack was 28 years old and left a wife, Pearl Ann, when he died.
Okioki ki te rangimarie – Rest in peace Sir.
Source:
No.485 (N.Z.) Squadron 1941-1945 by Sortehaug and Listemann
Service number
404395Rank
Flight Sergeant (Pilot)Squadron
Airfield
Kenley (226)
Nationality
New Zealand (10)
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