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Ross grew up ‘around the Coast’, attending Pungarehu Primary and Opunake High Schools. In 1943 the young RNZAF pilot sailed by ship to England, then on to Scotland, where he converted to twin engine Beaufighter night attack strike aircraft.
Ross was assigned to night patrols along the Norwegian Coast, hunting enemy shipping taking iron ore from Norway to Germany to make armaments.
On a clear April night in 1945 Ross Priest spotted a large merchant ship with patrol support boats as escort.
Diving down to a mere 200 feet above the ocean he steadied the speeding fighter bomber, released a torpedo slung beneath the aircraft and hit the vessel amidships, sinking it.
He was awarded the DFC with this citation –
Warrant Officer Ross Sinclair Priest (N.Z.428148), R.N.Z.A.F., 489 (N.Z.) Sqn.
Throughout his tour of operational duty, Warrant Officer Priest has shown skill, courage and resource of a high standard. He has successfully completed several difficult reconnaissances during which he has secured much valuable information regarding enemy shipping. In attacks on this type of target, Warrant Officer Priest has set a fine example of determination. One night in April, 1945, in the Skaggarak area, he pressed home an attack on an enemy vessel and caused its destruction.
After the War Ross Priest returned to Taranaki where he raised his family.
He started a business with lifelong friend Ash Heydon. Heydon-Priest became a well
known Oakura contracting business throughout the Province.
In 1970 Ross Priest was back flying with the NP Aero Club, earning a Commercial Pilot’s
Licence.
He retired and moved to Tauranga in 1976, built his own aircraft, and flew a further
100 hours. Legend!
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