Identity
Title
Forenames
Peter John Oswald AWMM
Surname
Buck AWMM
Ingoa
Also known as
Service number
- NZ413377 AWMM
- 132583 AWMM
Gender
Iwi
Hapū
Waka
Rohe
Religion
Civilian life
Birth
19 November 1923 AWMM AWMM
Date of birth
Place of birth
Birth notes
Address before enlistment
Post war occupation
Next of kin on embarkation
Mrs N. Buck (mother), Flat 3, College Buildings, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui, New Zealand AWMM
Relationship status
Service
Medals and Awards
- Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) AWMM
[http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36027/supplements/2320/page.pdf DFC. Supplement to the London Gazette, 25 May 1943 p. 2320] AWMM - “One night in April 1943 P/O.’s Buck (RNZAF) and Symons (RCAF) were Pilot and Navigator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg. Whilst over the target area, the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter and sustained much damage. The Rear Gunner was mortally wounded, while P/O. Symons was wounded in the hand. P/O. Buck succeeded in evading the attacker and set course for base. On the return flight the damaged bomber became difficult to control and when one of the engines failed, the aircraft began to lose height. All moveable equipment was jettisoned and, height being maintained, P/O. Buck flew the aircraft back to base where he effected a perfect crash-landing. During the return flight, P/O. Symons, in spite of his injury, did all within his power to help his pilot, obtaining a number of fixes which proved of great assistance. In a most difficult situation these officers displayed courage. skill and determination of a high order”. Public - Kelvin - Researcher - 22 July 2017 - http://www.aircrewremembered.com/rogers-brian.html
Capture details
Days interned
Liberation date
Liberation Repatriation
POW liberation details
POW serial number
Biographical information
- Next of kin details compiled from information in the Casualty lists published in the newspapers. AWMM
- Taking off at 00:15 hrs with some eight others from the squadron to join a total force of 561 aircraft to bomb Duisburg. 17 aircraft from the raid failed to return. The Bomber stream were attacked both on en route to the target and during the homeward bound of the trips.
BF517 was attacked by one of the many night-fighters. During such an attack, the rear gunner, Sgt. Brian Rogers was mortally wounded and two other crew members suffered minor injuries, when their Stirling was attacked 30 miles north of the target of Duisburg.
The pilot P/O. Peter Buck, managed to evade further attacks but had difficulty in maintaining altitude. Other crew members jettisoned all movable equipment on the flight home, a crash-landing being made at Newmarket without further serious injuries at 04:15 hrs. Public - Kelvin - Researcher - 22 July 2017 - http://www.aircrewremembered.com/rogers-brian.html
Roll of Honour
Remember Peter John Oswald Buck by laying a poppy.
Leave a note
Leave a tribute or memory of
Peter John Oswald Buck
Processing
-
Thank you Grandpa for all you did as a Teenager. Your heroism will be remember this Saturday.
Public - Penelope - Other Relative - 23 April 2015
-
Grandpa went on to fly for NAC and Air New Zealand.
Public - Nathan Howard - Other Relative - 22 April 2015
Sources
External links
Documents
- Martyn, E. (1998-2008). For Your Tomorrow (Vols. 1-3). Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press. AWMM
- The Evening Post AWMM
- Hanson, C. (2001). By such deeds: honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999. Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press. AWMM
- Mitchell, A.W. (1945). New Zealanders in the Air War. London, England: Harrap. AWMM
- Martyn, E. (1998-2008). For Your Tomorrow (Vols. 1-3). Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press. AWMM
Martyn, E. (1998-2008). vol. 3 p. 598 [ref. 79]. AWMM - Mitchell, A.W. (1945). New Zealanders in the Air War. London, England: Harrap. AWMM
Mitchell, A. (1945), p. 43-4. AWMM - Hanson, C. (2001). By such deeds: honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999. Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press. AWMM
Hanson, C. (2001), p. 104. AWMM - Thompson, H. (1956). New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Vols. 1-3). Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. AWMM
New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Vol. 2, pp. 71-72). AWMM - This record is a work in progress and was partially compiled from the “Database of New Zealand Airmen who took part in Advanced Air Training in Canada during WW2”. Researched by Ivan and Lorna Lindsey of Tauranga. N.Z. 2003 – 2012. Reproduced with permission. AWMM
The development of the Online Cenotaph is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.