News

John Beeching, one of last remaining RAF Bomber Command veterans from World War II, passed away in Nelson, New Zealand on 27 August the age of 101.

Phil Lamason’s story stands as a timeless reminder of resilience, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit. His leadership and unwavering positivity helped save the lives of fellow airmen imprisoned in Buchenwald concentration camp.He deserves to be recognised among the most significant New Zealand figures of WWII.

Families, and friends gathered on 27 July at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for the annual Bomber Command Memorial Service. We honoured the courage and sacrifice of New Zealand’s airmen, whose service with RAF Bomber Command remains a defining legacy of duty, resilience, and remembrance across generations.

A wonderful display of ceramic poppies has been unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the sad news that Peter Wheeler QSM passed away following a long illness. Peter had put enormous time into running the New Zealand Bomber Command Association, running events, producing our newsletter, and visiting the Bomber Boys around the country. Peter's funeral will take place on Tuesday 27th of May and 10.00am, at Morrison's Funeral Home, Universal Drive, Henderson, Auckland.

For the thousands of New Zealanders serving with the RAF in Britain, Victory in Europe - VE Day – on 8 May 1945 was a day of triumph, reflection, and bittersweet emotion. While proud of their contribution, they remembered their comrades who would not return home.