Find out more about some of the New Zealand airmen and other personalities involved in the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940. The military ranks shown below are those held by the men at the time of the battle. Each biography links to a page with further information.
Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park
15 June 1892 - 6 February 1975
Keith Rodney Park was a decorated First World War fighter pilot who carved out a prestigious career in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He played a pivotal role in the defence of London and southeast England during the Battle of Britain. More...
Flight Lieutenant Wilfrid Clouston
15 January 1916 - 24 May 1980
Wilfrid Greville Clouston was one of the first New Zealand air aces of the Second World War. He survived the Battle of Britain only to spend the majority of the war in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. More...
Flight Lieutenant Alan Deere
12 December 1917 - 21 September 1995
Alan Christopher Deere is possibly New Zealand’s most famous Second World War fighter pilot. He was also one of the luckiest, surviving several near-death experiences to become one of the outstanding pilots of the Battle of Britain. More...
Pilot Officer Michael Herrick
5 May 1921 - 16 June 1944
Michael James Herrick was one of five brothers to serve during the Second World War (three of whom died flying in the RAF). He flew with distinction during the Battle of Britain and in the Pacific before being killed on air operations over Denmark. More...
Archibald McIndoe
4 May 1900 - 12 April 1960
Archibald Hector McIndoe was a New Zealand-born surgeon whose pioneering treatment of burns victims during the Second World War revolutionised the field of plastic surgery. More...
See also a biography of Colin Gray on the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography website.
A full and definitive list of New Zealanders awarded the Battle of Britain Clasp can be downloaded here (pdf). This list was compiled with the assistance of Errol Martyn.
