Hamilton-born Cyril P Towsey joined the RNZAF on 28 October 1940. He received his commission as flying officer on 22 March 1941 / as Pilot Officer in March 1942. Following his posting to England he joined the 51st Squadron and between September 1941 and August 1942 performed raids over Germany and France. He was mentioned in despatches in 1941 for 'commendable courage and resolution' in a bombing raid over Brest. Between October - November 1942 he was posted with a Cornwall-based anti-submarine patrol, and is most noted for his exploits where he and his crew found downed pilot, Squadron Leader GR Coates (Towsey's best friend) of Auckland, after 30 hours of searching off the coast of Britain. For his commitment and persistence Towsey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The following year, from April 1943, he was posted to 40th Squadron flying over Italy, Cairo, Southern Rhodesia and Palestine. Finally, from February 1945 to October 1945 he was posted to 41st Squadron flying in the Pacific.