Warwick Ashling Clouston

Warwick Clouston was born at Auckland on the 5th June, 1921. He was educated at the Takapuna Grammar School, where he gained his Senior Free Place. He was interested in tennis, swimming and football. He served for a year with the Territorials in 1937. At the date of his entry into the Air Force he was employed as a clerk by "Tasti" Products Ltd., Auckland.

He applied for aircrew training in December, 1939, but did not enter camp until July 1940, when he reported at Whenuapai. He was employed on ground duties until December of that year, when he was remustered to airman pilot and posted to Levin. At the conclusion of his initial training in February, 1941, he commenced flying training at No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School, Whenuapai. On the 4th March, 1941, he was injured when the Tiger Moth he was flying crashed at Muriwai.

Sgt. Clouston proceeded to Canada on the completion of his training in New Zealand late in July, 1941. In August, 1941, he commenced further flying training on Yale and Harvard aircraft at No. 6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. On the 5th December, 1941, he was awarded his flying badge and promoted to Sergeant.

A few days later he embarked for the United Kingdom, arriving at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournmouth, late in December. On February 2nd, 1942, he was posted to No. 17 Advanced Flying Unit, Watton, Norfolk, for further training on Miles Master aircraft. Sgt. Clouston commenced operational training on Hurricane aircraft at No. 56 Operational Training Unit, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, late in March, 1942.

He afterwards spent short periods with Operational Training Units at Tealing and Kinnell, both in Angus, Scotland.

On the completion of the course in May, he was posted to No. 616 Squadron, Kingscliffe, Northamptonshire, where he flew Spitfire aircraft. From this base for the next month he was engaged on combat training.

On the 20th June, 1942, Sgt. Clouston was reported missing on a training flight. His body was later recovered from the sea near Sheringham, Norfolk, and he was buried in the Scotlow cemetary, Norfolk, with full Service honours.

Information provided courtesy of the RNZAF Personnel Archives.