Arnold Gawith was born on 4 November 1919, the son of Frederick and Mary Ann Gawith (nee Black) of Hawera. He attended Stratford Technical High School, where he was a prefect in 1937. When he left school he was employed as a cheese maker by the Eltham Dairy Company.
During World Two he enlisted with the Royal NZ Air Force in March 1942 and after receiving his training in Rotorua, Ashburton and Wigram he was awarded his flying badge in March 1943. He embarked for the UK in May 1943 after being promoted to Flight Sergeant.
Arnold was killed during Active Service in Italy on 24 May 1944. His plane, a Wellington X, collided over the target area near the town of Olevano Romano with another of the squadron’s planes. The five crew of both aircraft were killed.
Captain Arnold Gawith was 24 years old when he died and is buried at the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy.
Documents
Bio of Arnold Gawith, RNZAF Biographies of Deceased Personell 1939-45 (Archives NZ)
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