317

JN/NF (right aligned)
412342 : Sergeant Christopher James KENDAL.
PARENTS : Mr. & Mrs. C. Kendal of Napier.

Christopher Kendal was born (redacted at) in Wellington on the 19th October, 1921. He received his secondary education at Napier Boys' High School. His physical activities included hockey and swimming. He had ten month's Territorial training, being a member of the Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles. After leaving school he was employed as a shop assistant in his father's business, and was so employed when he applied for service in the R.N.Z.A.F. in May, 1940.

Sergeant Kendal was enlisted on the 12th April, 1941, at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, for training as aircrew, and - on the 26th May - he embarked for Canada for training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Shortly after arrival in Canada, Sgt. Kendal was - on the 16th June, 1941 - posted to No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, Manitoba. On the 27th October he proceeded to No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, Ontario, where - on the 22nd November, - he was awarded his air gunner's badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was posted to No. 1 "Y' Depot, Halifax, Nova Scotia on the 9th December for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Sgt. Kendal arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, on the 26th December, 1941, and was - on the 23rd January 1942 - posted to No. 1 Signals School, Cranwell, Lincolnshire. He proceeded to No. 9 Air Observer's School, Penhros, Caernarvonshire, on the 22nd March 1942, and to No. 11 Operational Training Unit, Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire on the 16th May. While here he crewed up and completed his training on Wellington bomber aircraft. On leaving Bassingbourn on the 12th August, 1942 he was posted to No. 75 (NZ) Squadron, Mildenhall,