184

MRP/NF (right aligned)
427313 : Flight Sergeant Frederick Rossini OLDS.
PARENTS: Mr. & Mrs. M.G. Olds of Christchurch.

Born in Eketahuna on the 15th June, 1914, Frederick Olds received his secondary education at the Christchurch Technical College, where he attained Intermediate standard. His interests in sport were football, and athletics. From the time he left school until the time of his entry into the RNZAF he was employed as a miller by the Zealandia Milling Company, Addington, Christchurch.

F/Sgt. Olds applied for aircrew training with the RNZAF in May, 1941 and was eventually enlisted at Gisborne, on the 11th July 1942 where he was employed for a number of months on ground duties with an Aerodrome Defence Unit. Early in February 1943, he was posted to the Initial Training Wing, Rotorua, to commence training as an air observer. On the 5th May, 1943 he embarked for Canada for further instruction under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

On arrival in Canada, F/Sgt. Olds was posted, on the 24th May, 1943 to No. 5 Bombing and Gunnery School, Dafoe, Saskatchewan. Three months later he proceeded for an air bomber's course to No. 1 Central Navigation School, Rivers, Manitoba, and here, on the 1st October 1943, was awarded his air bomber's badge, and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Later in the month he embarked for the United Kingdom.

On arrival in England F/Sgt. Olds was posted, on the 22nd February, 1944 to No. 9 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit, Penrhos, Caernarvonshire, North Wales, and at this base, and at the nearby satellite aerodrome of Llandwrog, he trained on Anson aircraft. On the 1st April, 1944, he was promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant. Later in April he proceeded to No. 26 Operational Training Unit. He trained with this unit at Little Horwood, Buckinghamshire, and at the satellite aerodrome of Wing, Bedfordshire. During the period 2nd September - 15th October,