Pat Newman enlisted in the RNZAF in June, 1940, and was trained in New Zealand and Canada. In May, 1942, he arrived in Britain and was trained to fly the Spitfire fighter. At the end of 1942 he was sent to Egypt and had further training at an Air Fighting School.
He was then posted to 145 Squadron, operating from the south coast of Italy. He flew 154 missions with them before being sent back to Egypt for service as a test pilot. He rejoined No 145 back in Italy in November, 1944.
On January 18, 1945, he and another pilot took off on an armed reconnaissance flight and made a firing run on a number of barges in the river Adige. They made a second run than Newman broke off and fired at some nearby buildings. One of them, 100ft below, exploded below Newman's Spitfire, setting its engine on fire. It dived into the ground, killing Pat Newman.
Advice has been received by Mrs H. M. Newman, Timaru, that her youngest son, Sergeant A. G. P. Newman, has received his commission. Pilot Officer Newman has been serving with the R.A.F. Spitfire Squadron in the Cassino area. -Timaru Herald, 28/6/1944.
PERSONAL
Advice has been received by Mrs H. M. Newman, LeCren Street, that her son, Flying Officer A. G. P. (Pat) Newman is missing on air operations. -Timaru Herald, 25/1/1945.
In October, Pat's status was changed to "Presumed dead." He was buried in the Padua War Cemetery.
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