John McGregor was working as an analytical chemist for the Dominion Fertilizer Company when he enlisted in the RNZAF shortly after the beginning of World War 2. He received his Wings at Wigram and was sent across the Pacific and then through Canada to the UK.
There, he flew 34 missions in twin-engined Wellington bombers over France and Germany. In July, 1942, he was transferred to No. 1651 Conversion Unit, to serve as an instructor in the four-engined Stirling bomber.
On the night of July 28, 1942, he took off to bomb Hamburg, in one of 256 bombers to do so. Other crews on this raid reported very bad weather conditions, with ice forming of their wings at altitudes as low as 2000 feet. John McGregor's plane did not return and neither it or its crew were found.
I am indebted to the RNZAF Biographies of Deceased Personnel 1939-1945 for the above information, and also that of Walter, his brother.
ROLL OF HONOUR
MCGREGOR. — John Dunlop Pilot Officer, missing, now presumed died July 29, 1942, dearly-loved second son of Mrs. J. W. McGregor, Orakei, and the late A. C. McGregor, brother of Malcolm and Walter. -NZ Herald, 12/5/1943.
Walter McGregor enlisted in the RNZAF in April, 1941 and was trained in New Zealand and Canada. He arrived in Britain the next year and trained on the twin-engined Bristol Beaufighter, a successful heavy/night-fighter then used as a fighter-bomber.
In September, 1942, he was sent to Malta and carried out anti-shipping strikes and bomber escort missions from the island.
In 1943 he was operating over the Aegean Sea when his plane was seen to hit the mast of a boat he was attacking. The Beaufighter crashed and he and his crew were buried in the town of Cos in Greece.
NOTABLE SUCCESS
N.Z. PILOT AWARDED D.F.C.
(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Recently reported missing, Flight-Lieutenant Walter Young McGregor, R N.Z.A.F., of Auckland, is the latest New Zealander to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for his success in air operations in the Middle East.
The citation states: In air operations in the Middle East, Flight-Lieutenant McGregor obtained notable success. On one occasion he attacked a medium-sized ship with cannon fire, causing a cargo of drums of petrol to catch fire. Again in July this year he successfully bombed a vessel of similar tonnage and accounted for its destruction. In other sorties he destroyed a Junkers 52 and shared in the destruction of another enemy aircraft. In addition to these successes he has executed destructive attacks on road and rail transport. His great skill and keenness and his sound judgment have set a worthy example."
Flight-Lieutenant McGregor was born at Dunedin and educated at the Dunedin Technical High School and Otago Boys' High School. He commenced training for the Air Force in 1941 and was commissioned in the same year. His mother is Mrs. J. W. McGregor, of Auckland. -Auckland Star, 22/9/1943.
Walter McGregor's status was officially changed from "missing" to "missing, believed killed" in April, 1944.
For the Empire's Cause.
McGREGOR, Walter Young (Flight-lieutenant), D.F.C., killed on air operations and buried at Cos, youngest son of Mrs J. W. McGregor, Orakei, and the late A. C. McGregor, brother of Malcolm, and the late Jack (presumed dead). -Evening Star, 3/5/1944.
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