53

MR/NF

39979	:	Sgt. Sydney ALCOCK.
PARENTS	:	Mr. & Mrs. Alcock, Wellington.

Sydney Alcock was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England on
April 1, 1919 and came to New Zealand with his parents at the
age of 6 years. He received his secondary education at Rongotai
College and Wellington Technical College. He was an enthusiastic
rugby player, and was also interested in baseball and wrestling.
In civilian life he was employed as a warehouse assistant by
R. & E. Tingey Ltd., Wellington and later as a machinist by
Brownlees Ltd., Wellington.

Sgt. Alcock applied for enlistment in the Air Force on ground
duties early in October 1939 and entered camp later in the month
at Ohakea. He ws posted a week later to Levin for recruit
training, at the conclusion of which he proceeded to Woodbourne,
arriving early in December. In Janury 1940 he applied for
aircrew training, and after completeing his education course was
posted to the Initial Training Wing, Levin in July 1941. His
Initial Training complete, he underwent flying training at No. 3
Elementary Flying Training School, Harewood and to No. 2 Service
Flying Training School, Woodbourne. He made his first solo flight
on September 15, 1941 at Harewood and at Woodbourne was awarded
the flying badge on December 20. He was promoted to Sergeant
on January 31, 1942 and a month later embarked for the United
Kingdom.

In England Sgt. Alcock commenced flying on Miles Master aircraft
at No. 5 Advanced Flying Unit, Ternhill, Shropshire, where he was
stationed until May 19, 1942. He was next posted to No. 55 (Fighter)
Operational Training Unit, Annan, Dumfries-shire for operational
training on Masters and on Hurricane fighters.

Sgt. Alcock lost his life on June 25, 1942 when the Hurricane of
which he was the pilot crashed during a training flight at Euston,
near Drumburgh in Cumberland.

5/3/7946 A.S. 2		Mr. J. Alcock,
190 hrs. as pilot.		7 Tannadyce St.,
		Strathmore Park, Seatoun.
		WELLINGTON.