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Squadron Leader Jonathan Pote (Rtd.) is known to many in NZBCA. He has given tremendous support to the Association over the years, reflecting the enormous admiration he holds for all whe served in Bomber Command. He was desevedly awarded life membership of the NZBCA at this year’s AGM.

Less well known is his own storied aviation background. from his early days as a plane spotting child in Devon, Britain, to wreck hunting and helping to save important airframes as a teenager including a Walrus, Lancaster and Seafire 47.

Just out of school he volunteered as a doctor’s assistant in 1960’s Laos, and flying around the “secret war” zone with Air America. Upon his return to ‘the real world’ he studied to become a doctor and learned to fly with an RAF University Air Squadron. Then as a doctor who could fly, he naturally emigrated to Queensland, Australia, to become a Flying Doctor.

Another chapter of his life saw him flying search and rescue missions back in Britain whilst in practice as a GP, and then he was called up as a member of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force to serve in the first Gulf War in 1990-91. Jonathan moved to New Zeakland in 2003.

With the enormous respect for the courage displayed by the airmen of Bomber Command. he was the ideal guide to lead a group of expat veterans back to the UK in 2012 to see the new Bomber Comamnd memorial and visit many important sites representing their service. It was an unforgettable trip for all who particpated.

Jonathan has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Lancasters’ in general and ‘our’ Motat Lanc. in particular. He has been a stalwart in running the tours to interested parties both outside and inside the Lancaster at Motat. Over recent years as he had to take a lesser role but has spent many hours passing on his knowledge and training to the new guides for the Lancaster.

While he has resigned from the NZBCA Executive and the Charitable Trust, after years of service, he nonetheless continues to send out emails offering sage advice on NZBCA matters. His current project is to offer suggestions for the restoration of Ventura aircraft currently in storage at MOTAT to display condition recognising that type’s service with 487 (NZ) Sq.

As a result of these great efforts, plus many more, the NZBCA Executive has unanimously voted to make Jonathan a life member of the Association.