1

402852. Pilot Officer Kenneth James COAKLEY
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Coakley of Greymouth.

Kenneth Coakley was born at Shannon on the 14th March 1919. He received his secondary education at the Greymouth Technical High School, passing the School Certificate examination. He was employed with the Public Works and Labour Departments at Westport, and later with the Iron and Steel Department at Takaka. When applying for enlistment in Aircrew, on the 31st January 1940, he was employed in a clerical capacity by the Air Department at Wellington.
Pilot officer Coakley was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, on the 1st September 1940, and proceeded to New Plymouth on the 28th of the same month for his elementary flying training; then on the 23rd November, to No. 3 Service Flying Training School, Ohakea. Here, on the 1st March 1941, he was awarded the flying badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While overseas, on the 1st October 1941 he was further promoted to Flight Sergeant, and commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer on the 13th January 1942. Meantime, on the 27th March 1941, he had embarked by the "Aorangi" for the United Kingdom.
Pilot Officer Coakley arrived at No. 1 Depot, Uxbridge, on the 22nd April, and proceeded on the 19th May to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth. A few days later, he was posted to No. 17 Operational Training Unit, Upwood, Huntingdonshire, for crewing up and completion of his training as pilot of Blenheim Aircraft, before posting with No. 21 Squadron to Luqa, Malta.
Pilot Officer Coakley was the Captain of a Blenheim Aircraft engaged during the 14th January 1942, in a shipping patrol off the Kerkenneh Islands, north of the African Coast. His aircraft was seen to be hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashing into the sea, and exploding on impact. In consequence, all the crew, including Pilot Officer Coakley, were classified as