After RNZAF pilot training at Wigram during 1943, Max Scannell saw service in the Pacific with Nos 18 then 14 Squadrons, flying Kittyhawk aircraft, and after return to NZ resigned from the RNZAF in 1946. He then joined the Royal Air Force in the UK, flying Meteor aircraft with No 257 Squadron and became an instructor and awarded an AFC. In this appointment he was later transferred to an exchange posting with No 77 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force training Australian pilots on to the newly acquired Meteors. Subsequently, he embarked with No 77 Squadron to Korea where flew on operations and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and a US Air Medal. After returning to the UK he continued service with the RAF being both a squadron and station commander and awarded an OBE. He retired with the rank of Air Commodore in 1978. AWMM