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R.A.F. 42755 Flight Lieutenant John Henry Dennis KEATES (surname underlined)
Widow Mrs. J.A. Keates of Auckland
Parents Mr. & Mrs. J.H. Keates of Auckland.

John Keates was born at Gisborne on the 16th March, 1914 and received his secondary education at the Seddon Memorial Technical College attaining School Certificate standard. He played football and tennis, also being a keen swimmer. On leaving school he was employed in general engineering by several Auckland firms, also continuing his studies in wireless at Druleigh College. He passed the Radio Serviceman's Examination in 1938, and on the 14th February 1939, when he applied for a Short Service Commission he was employed by Wilson & Rothery Ltd., of Auckland. This application proved successful, and he embarked on the "Rimutaka" for the United Kingdom on the 27th June 1939.

On arrival on the 8th August, Flight Lieutenant Keates proceeded to No. 19 Elementary Flying Training School, Gatwick, Surrey, then on the 3rd September to No. 18 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School, Fair Oaks also in Surrey. His next posting was to No. 3 Initial Training Wing, Hastings on the 6th October and on the 24th of the month he proceeded to No. 3 Flying Training School, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, for completion of his flying training. At this Unit he trained on Oxford aircraft, and on the 28th April 1940, joined No. 608 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron, at Thornaby, Yorkshire. From this base as pilot of Anson, Botha and Blenheim aircraft he took part in numerous convoy and air sea patrols and on the 25th June 1941 was posted to No. 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, Silloth, Cumberland for staff pilot duties, remaining there until the 24th August, 1942 when he proceeded to No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, Innergordon, Ross-Shire, for training on Catalina aircraft. On the 9th October he was posted to No. 302 Ferry Training Unit, first at Lougherne, and later at Stranraer, Wigtownshire, prior to proceeding on the 1st March 1943 to No. 9 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, Crosby, Cumberland for staff pilot duties. He remained at this Unit until his posting on the 15th December to No. 131 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, Killadeas, Northern Ireland and from here on the 26th February 1944 proceeded to No. 210 Squadron, Sullom Vos, in the Shetland Islands. From this base, as a member of the crew of a Catalina Flying Boat, he took part in an air sea patrol flight.