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A Puketapu decendant, Bert Wipiti’s story is one of heroism courage and skill. Educated at NPBHS, Bert joined the RNZAF at the outbreak of World War Two, and also learned to fly here, at Bell Block Airfield, just up the road, flying the venerable Tiger Moth biplane.
On the 22nd July 1941, now Sergeant Pilot Bert Wipiti was posted to 243 Squadron Singapore, converting to the somewhat sluggish and outdated Buffalo fighters, as the Japanese advanced into the Pacific.
Over the Singapore/Malaya Sector, in early 1942, he took off to engage the notorious Japanese Zero, a vastly superior aircraft in fire power and performance. With the aerial skills of a seasoned dogfighter, and supreme manoeuvring, Bert prevailed, becoming the first pilot in 243 Squadron to down an enemy aircraft.
He and great friend Charlie Kronk later shot down several other aircraft in combat, but the victories weren’t verified because the destroyed planes couldn’t be located in the dense Malayan jungle.
Bert was subsequently awarded the DFM for service in Singapore with the citation:
Sgt Wipiti carried out multiple operational flights against the enemy and has displayed out-
standing courage and determination whilst engaging large formations of enemy aircraft.
In 1943 Bert Wipiti was promoted to Warrant Officer, and was posted to England to join the now famous RNZAF 485 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill. Now flying the legendary Spitfire, Bert’s skill as a fighter pilot soon had him accredited with another enemy fighter destroyed, this time the legendary German Messerschmitt Me109.
In October 1943 – Bert Wipiti’s Spitfire suffered combat damage after a sustained dogfight escorting bombers over the French Coast into Europe. His aircraft was lost at sea and he failed to return. He was 21 years of age.
His tally remained at 4 enemy aircraft confirmed destroyed, with several other ‘probables’ over the jungles of Malaya.
To his peers he was a great friend, hero, fighter pilot ace. Airspresso is grateful to the whānau for the aspirational account of a young Fighter Pilot who began his flight training right here, and went on to become a skilled and fearless leader, and an inspiring part of the continuing Puketapu story.
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