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424231 SGT. Clutha Charles EALAM.
Mother : Mrs. Margaret Ealam of Rangiora.
Wife : Mrs. J.E.Ealam of Christchurch.
(Married 29.4.44).

Clutha Ealam was born at Christchurch on July 22nd 19323.
He was educated at Rangiora Primary School, where he played in the first XV and at Papanui Technical College. His favourite sport was baseball, which he played with the Rangiora Club. He was employed as a butcher by H.Hammond of Christchurch, when he applied for aircrew enlistment in March 1942. He was already a member of No. 17 Squadron of the A.T.C. in Christchurch. He entered the R.N.Z.A.F. camp at Levin at the end of May 1942, and, going to Rotorua Initial Training Wing in October, he was selected for training as Air Gunner.

In April 1943 he disembarked in Canada and trained at No. 2 Wireless and at No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery Schools, and at No. 9 Air Observers School at St. Johns, Quebec. On January 17th 1944 he became a Sergeant Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, and returned to New Zealand in April 1944. He married Miss Joyce Pepper of Papanui. In June 1944, Sgt. Ealam was posted to the School of General Reconnaissance at New Plymouth, where he was Wireless Operator in Anson aircraft on cross country flights. He became a Flight Sergeant in July. On October 12th he embarked for Fiji and became Wireless Operator on Catalina aircraft of the No. 5 Flying Boat Squadron which carried out anti-submarine patrols and photographic missions in the South West Pacific area. The crew was usually captained by F/L. Tuckett with P/O Wilkinson second pilot, and P/O. Albrecht as navigator.

On April 13th 1945, the Catalina in which they were flying, crashed after take off from Funafuti Lagoon, F/Sgt. Ealam losing his life.

"Although he had been in the Squadron only a comparatively short time, he was thought of very highly, not only by his Captain but by all members of his crew, and by all those who had been associated with him in any way."

5/2/15991 A.S.2.

Mrs.J.Ealam, (W)
29 Blighs Road,
Papanui,
CHRISTCHURCH.

532 hours as W/Tops.