Younger son of Chesney and Marion Dunn, of Whau Valley Road, Whangarei.

Nephew of Christopher BN Dunn, a veteran of the Anglo-Boer and First World Wars. See his separate Cenotaph record for details.

Born at Papakura, he attended Wesley College, where his father was on the staff, and spent time at Kirikopuni, where he assisted on the family property.

Although he left the Mangarata School after passing the sixth standard, he determined after the outbreak of the war to qualify as an Air Force pilot. Prior to the introduction of the RNZAF educational scheme, he followed various occupations during the day while continuing his studies unremittingly. So successfully did he apply himself, that in his final course he finished third in a large class which comprised mostly of older men with University training.

Before leaving New Zealand he achieved his ambition of winning his 'wings' at the age of 19.

Letters he sent home testified to his appreciations of the beauties of England, the kindness of the people and his interst in the work in which he was engaged with Coastal Command.

He was six feet three inches tall. He was said to have a splendid physique and an equally sterling character.

He was killed in a flying accident in the U.K.

There is a reference to the loss of Lofty Dunn in the diary of Sergeant Pilot Raymond Herbert John Broady (NZ39691). [Ref. MS 883]

Next of kin details compiled from information in the Casualty lists published in the newspapers. AWMM