George Johnson was born in Canada, lived with his parents in the UK until his teens then travelled with them to New Zealand. He graduated from Otago University with an MA with Honours in 1935 and began a career in teaching. He also began to explore the closer parts of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
FLIGHT ACROSS THE SOUTHERN ALPS. — Messrs A. J. Scott (Christchurch) and G. C. N. Johnson (Dunedin), who made a first ascent of Mount Fettes (left) recently with Mr R. S Russell (Dunedin) crossed the Southern Alps from Waiho Gorge to Simon's Pass on Saturday in an aeroplane flown by Mr J.C. Meuer. RIGHT (above). Mounts Sefton (left), La Perouse and Cook (right), photographed from an altitude of 11,000 ft. Below: A snapshot of Messrs Scott and Johnson at Waiho Gorge. -Press, 15/1/1935.
EVENTFUL TRIP
MOUNTAINEERS' ORDEAL
THREE MEN'S ADVENTURES
ONE BLOWN INTO A CREVASSE
Three members of the New Zealand Alpine Club arrived at Waiho Gorge last Friday from the Hermitage, after having made the first ascent of Mount Feltes, on the Hooker Range, South Westland, the first crossing of the Sierra Range from the Twin River to the Copland Valley.
Messrs. A. J. Scott (Christchurch), R. S. Russell and G. C. N. Johnson (Dunedin) left the Hermitage for the Mueller Hut on December 23, intending to make a round trip over four passes, returning to the Hermitage three weeks later. Bad weather caused a delay, but on January 4 Mount Feltes (8092 ft.) was climbed. Next day the Douglas Pass (about 5250 ft.) was crossed, and on January 6 Mount Howitt was ascended.
The next stage of the journey was over unknown country, but from data obtained it seemed that the difference in altitude between the camp in the Twain and the summit of the Sierra range above was less than 2000 ft., which the party was confident could be tackled in any weather. Rain fell during the night, but the journey had to be proceeded with in the morning, as food would be short if the cache were not reached that evening.
Fortunate Escape For two hours the going was not difficult but when 2000 ft. had been climbed and the slopes were still grass and rock, it was realised that some serious miscalculation had been made. By this time the weather was very bad, heavy rain making poor visibility. The route taken was believed to lead to the Wicks glacier, and it was with some relief that this was eventually gained.
All the men were soaked to the skin and an anxious party trudged hour after hour up the glacier, threading their way through a maze of crevasses which could have been avoided altogether in clear weather. In addition to the rain, a howling gale was blowing, and a gust at a critical moment blew one man into a crevasse. Fortunately he was securely anchored by the others and was hauled out with nothing more serious than a few bruises.
Several hours of slow progress elapsed before the crest of the range was gained at an altitude of 7400 ft. From this point it was thought that another two and a-half hours easy travelling would lead to the pass descending the Copland Valley.
Stores Not Left as Arranged Several minor peaks were skirted and others traversed by mistake. It was known that the desired pass lay just beyond Scott's Peak, and, to avoid the possibility of missing it, it was decided to keep along the tops, although this was exhausting work. Repeatedly the gale blew the men off their feet, and the heavy packs and soft snow made the trip a memorable one.
At an altitude of 8000 ft., a summit was traversed and half an hour later it was realised that it was Scott's Peak. Having crossed the pass and losing altitude with every step, the climbers knew they were safe and pressed on eagerly for the camp site 2000 ft. below. This was reached at 6 p.m., and in a few minutes the cave was located where the stores were to have been cached. But the cave was empty.
Fortunately some emergency rations were carried, and a hot meal was prepared in the cave, where the night was spent. The men had been wet through for nearly 12 hours and had only five dry garments among them. It had been intended to camp there for a week, this being the base for climbing Mount Sefton, but because of the non-arrival of stores it was necessary to amend the programme.
Another Accident Occurs The descent to the valley is by a 1500 ft. scree, thence by a track through the bush. At the foot of the scree a long search failed to locate the track, and a route had to be forced down a creek, alternating with dense bush. With bulky packs this was exhausting work, and the possibility of a night out in the rain had already been mentioned when one of the party fell and sprained an ankle. The delay might have been serious, but the valley floor, was reached safely after an exciting crossing of a creek, with swirling water up to arm-pits.
An hour later, tired out for the second day in succession, the party reached Welcome Flat Hut just as darkness fell.
The next day was necessarily devoted to rest; an improvement in the weather enabling all clothes and gear to be dried. While plans were being discussed for the removal of the injured man, one of the others found that one of his feet had been frostbitten, and that he would be unable to walk for some days. The only food remaining was a little pemmican, but there was a quantity of flour in the hut, and "rashoos" provided sufficient nourishment.
Next morning the third member of the expedition walked the 16 miles down the valley to Karangarua, on the Main South Road. There, arrangements were made for horses to be sent up for the others, and by evening all were safely at Karangarua, where they were met by an aeroplane. The injuries of the two men were found to be not serious. -NZ Herald, 18/1/1935.
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS
TWO OTAGO CANDIDATES
MESSRS D. M. DAVIN AND G. C. K. JOHNSON (abridged)
The University of Otago nominees for the Rhodes Scholarships are Messrs Daniel Marcus Davin, M.A. (Marist Brothers’ Invercargill, and Sacred Heart College) and George Christopher Nevill Johnson, B.A. (Fettes and Christ’s College). They were the only applicants, and the Special Committee of the Professorial Board last night approved of their applications going forward to the Selection Committee in Wellington, which meets later in the year.
MR JOHNSON’S SCHOLASTIC RECORD.
Mr Johnson was born at Sault-Ste-Marie, Canada, in 1913. He is a son of the Rev. W. Hardy Johnson, who was until recently vicar of All Saints’ Church. He received his primary education at the Lasswade School, Midlothian, Scotland, and at the Roslin School, where he was dux of the school in 1926, and gained a Foundation Scholarship to Fettes College, Edinburgh. From 1926 to 1928 he was a boarder at Fettes College, and then he removed to New Zealand, continuing his studies at Christ’s College, Christchurch. In 1931 he was head of the Sixth Form. He took prizes in Latin, French, English, and mathematics, and gained a University National Scholarship. He entered Otago University in 1932, taking first places in Latin, French, and Greek the first year, and in Latin and education the second year. In 1934 he graduated B.A. and took firsts in Latin and French and second in English.
He has held a number of executive positions on various University societies and clubs. In 1934 he was secretary of the Arts Faculty Debating Society, and a member of the committee of the Otago University Debating Union and the University Defence Rifle Club. In 1935 he was vice-president of the Arts Faculty, president of the Arts Debating Society, a member of the Debating Union, club captain of the Rifle Club, and a member of the Critic staff. On the athletic side Mr Johnson’s chief interests have been shooting, tramping, mountaineering, and rowing. As a mountaineer he has made a number of important ascents. In 1933 he made the first crossing of Surveyor’s Col, a pass over the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, and the following year made a solo traverse of Mounts Blimit, Temple, and Phipps. He also made first ascents of Mount Jackson (8,400ft), Barron Peak (8,200ft), Mount Simpson (8,200ft), and Mount Hickson (8,000 ft). In 1934 he made the first ascent of Mount Baker (8,000ft), and the first traverse of Mount Ward (8,68lft). During the present year he has made first ascent of Mount Fettes (8,092ft), Dent Noire (7,500ft), and other peaks, and made the first crossing of the Douglas Pass to a West Coast habitation. He has been elected a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. All these climbs were made without guides. Mr Johnson has also been interested in Scouting. -Evening Star, 23/8/1935.
JOHN McGLASHAN COLLEGE
BOARD MEETING (abridged)
The headmaster reported that one of the masters Mr J H Kempthorne had been appointed second-lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade and was to take up his duties almost immediately Mr G C. N. Johnson was appointed to take his place on the staff and efforts were being made to secure the services of another junior master The board’s attention was drawn to the large number of old boys who had volunteered for military service It was decided that a scholarship and free place be advertised as available for next year, the examination for which was to take place in November. A favourable report had been received regarding the Inspection recently of the primary and infant departments. -Otago Daily Times, 23/9/1939.
JOHN McGLASHAN COLLEGE
BOARD OF GOVERNORS (excerpt)
The vacancy caused by Mr G. C. N. Johnson having left to join the Air Force has been filled by Mr C. Warburton, a graduate of Otago University. -Evening Star, 22/2/1941.
Johnson's Air Force career is difficult to find. He passed out at Wigram in August 1941, was injured in a training crash in the UK in January 1942. In July, 1943, he was promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer. As stated below, he completed a tour of operations and was then made Education Officer.
Personal Items
Flight Lieutenant G. C. N. Johnson, of Dunedin, has been appointed to command No. 4 (Otago) Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force with the rank of squadron leader. He replaces Squadron Leader J. R. Day, M.B.E., one of the original members of the squadron, whose term expired on November 30. — (P.A.) -Press, 6/12/1952.
PLANE CRASHES IN MOUNTAINS
Observer Killed; Pilot Injured
SEARCH FOR TRAMPERS
(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, January 18. Squadron Leader G. C. N. Johnson, of Dunedin, died from injuries received in an aircraft crash on Saturday morning while searching for two missing Wellington trampers in the Matukituki Valley.
The Harvard aircraft, in which Squadron Leader Johnson was travelling as observer, was piloted by Flight Lieutenant A. A. D. Bills, of Dunedin, who injured a leg. The aircraft left Taieri about 6 a.m. on Saturday. It was posted missing later in the morning. The Harvard crashed into the side of Mount Aspiring, it is believed before 8 a.m. It was found with its nose pointing towards the valley under a huge rock. The wing was torn off and lay beside the aircraft. The machine did not catch fire.
Flight Lieutenant Bills made Squadron Leader Johnson as comfortable as possible and set out for Aspiring Hut to obtain help. With a severe gash in the leg and suffering from shock, Flight Lieutenant Bills clambered up steep rocky faces on Mount Aspiring and through heavy bush for help. It seems that the sacrifice may have been in vain. The two Wellington trampers, Messrs Frank Siddle, aged 27, and Charles R. Roskett, aged 19, have now been missing for 12 days and little hope is held for their rescue. Search parties looking for the trampers and the Harvard aircraft were stationed at the Aspiring Hut when Flight Lieutenant Bills staggered into their view. Shots were fired to bring back members of the party scouring the mountain faces. A party immediately set out to assist Squadron Leader Johnson, but when it arrived at the wrecked Harvard about 5 p.m. he was dead.
When Flight Lieutenant Bills arrived at Wanaka today he was still wearing his flying kit. It was torn and he was covered with blood from cuts and scratches suffered in his gallant dash for help. He was examined by a doctor and rushed to the Cromwell Hospital suffering from shock and the leg injury. His condition tonight was satisfactory.
Prominent Mountaineer Squadron Leader Johnson died on a mountainside in a district where he had himself climbed many times. He was searching for the two missing trampers in an area where he himself would never have been lost. His activities in the mountaineering field were not only physical, but also administrative, as he had long been associated with tramping clubs and edited the “New Zealand Alpine Journal” from 1947 to 1951.
Last December Squadron Leader Johnson took over command of No. 4 Territorial Air Force Squadron from Squadron Leader J. R. Pay, M.B.E. He had been a war-time pilot with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, his service extending from December, 1940, until March, 1945. After completing a tour of operations he was appointed an education officer with the Royal Air Force in 1943.
After graduating Master of Arts and attending the Dunedin Teachers Training College, Squadron Leader Johnson taught at various primary schools until 1940, when he joined the Air Force. When he returned he joined the staff of the King Edward Technical College, where he taught English, social studies and mathematics. During the last two years he was careers' teacher and also had a general oversight of all examination pupils. One of his activities was editing the college magazine. He was 39 years old and is survived by a wife and three young children.
PLANES SENT FROM WIGRAM
Three twin-engined Devon aircraft and three Harvards took off from the R.N.Z.A.F. station, Wigram, at 1 p.m. on Saturday to assist in the search for the Harvard which crashed while searching for two trampers. They were to have flown to Taieri for their instructions and were over Ashburton when they were recalled. -Press, 19/1/1953.
DEATHS OF TWO TRAMPERS
MATUKITUKI VALLEY TRAGEDY
‘THREE LIVES NEEDLESSLY LOST’
(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 18.
“These deaths are all related. Ones hopes that they will act as a deterrent; to others embarking on tramping expeditions when insufficient numerically,” said the Coroner (Mr J. D. Willis) at inquests today into the deaths of Francis Edward Siddle, aged 28, a wool spinner, of Wellington, Charles Richard Foskett, aged 19, a student, of Wellington; and George Christopher Nevill Johnson, aged 39, a school teacher and squadron leader in the Territorial Air Force.
Siddle and Foskett were members of the Tararua Tramping Club, and they had gone on an expedition to the Matukituki valley. It is believed that they died on December 30. Johnson died of injuries when a Harvard aircraft in which he was the observer crashed in the Upper West Matukituki valley when a search was being carried out by the Royal New Zealand Air Force on January 17 for the missing trampers.
“Three lives have been needlessly lost, and the cost to the country has been enormous,” the Coroner said. It was futile to enter on such an expedition as the two trampers had done, when their numbers were insufficient.
The Coroner said he thought something might be done when lost trampers were found to make them pay something towards the cost of a search.
The Coroner found that Johnson had died as the result of a depressed fracture of the left frontal region of the skull, with associated injuries; and that the two trampers had died on December 30 while mountaineering in the Matukituki valley, but that the precise nature of their injuries was not known.
Plane Crash Described In the inquest into Johnson’s Heath Flight Lieutenant Bills said in evidence that, after an aircraft of which he was the pilot had searched the Plunket dome, a forced landing had been found necessary on the side of a ridge. Johnson was in the cockpit, with the safety harness secure. After making a sweep around the Plunket dome, they decided to have a closer look.
Witness said that when he straightened up the plane he was unable to control it. He was flying at 4500 feet before the plane crashed, and visibility was good.
Evidence about the two trampers was given by R. R. Edwards, a shipping clerk. He said he was the leader of a party which included a member named Feasey. Feasey reported on January 18 that he had found an ice axe. On January 23 the party climbed the Ernie Smith route, and Feasey pointed out approximately where he had found the axe. Through binoculars, a green pack was seen below the place where the axe was found. The missing trampers’ bodies were seen by another member of the party, C. M. Todd.
Evidence of finding the bodies was given by Todd, a lecturer at the University of Otago. “After 30 feet of dangerous scrambling, I reached a point level with the place where the bodies were lying,” he said. He was able to retrieve some papers, but it was too dangerous to attempt to get out the pack. The dead trampers had not been roped together. -Press, 19/3/1953.
In 2013, the engine of the Harvard plane was found in the Matukituki Valley by a man fossicking for gold. Aubrey Bills was still alive at 91 and remembered the crash vividly, the plane hitting a downdraft and stalling onto the mountainside. "When I came to we were hanging upside down in our straps and I could hear trickling, and I thought it was petrol and we were done for." he said when interviewed by the NZ Herald. "It was pretty upsetting. They gave me the Queen's Commendation for brave conduct, but I didn't accept it. In those days, and even today, I've got this thing 'was it my fault?' I don't believe it was, but you have that doubt in the back of your mind and I couldn't talk about it for a long time, although it doesn't worry me like it used to."
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