Gage Darwent Sise
Born 21 Jan 1917 - Died Mar 2004
- Service number
- NZ39941 AWMM
- 59072 AWMM
- Also known as
- Bill AWMM
- Last rank
- —
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
About
- Title
- Squadron LeaderPublic - George Frederick - Researcher - 21 July 2016 - Otago Daily Times report, 12 July 1943
- Forenames
- Gage Darwent AWMM
- Surname
- Sise AWMM
- Ingoa
- —
- Also known as
- Bill AWMM
- Service number
- NZ39941 AWMM
- 59072 AWMM
- Gender
- Male AWMM
- Iwi / Hapū / Waka / Rohe
- —
- Religion
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Images
Documents
About birth
- Birth
- 21 Jan 1917 AWMM
- Date of birth
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- Place of birth
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- Birth notes
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- Address before enlistment
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- Post war occupation
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- Next of kin
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- Relationship status
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Wars and conflicts
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
- Campaign
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- Service number
- NZ39941 AWMM
- 59072 AWMM
- Military service
- Royal New Zealand Air Force attached to Royal Air Force AWMM
- Royal Air Force, No. 248 SquadronPublic - Antonio - Researcher - 13 April 2024 - By Such Deeds: Colin Hanson. p.442
- Royal Air Force, No. 254 SquadronPublic - Antonio - Researcher - 13 April 2024 - By Such Deeds: Colin Hanson. p.442
- Promotions/ Postings/ Transfers
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Military decorations
- Medals and Awards
- Companion of the Distinguished Service Order and bar (DSO*) AWMM
Citation for the Award DSO: "This officer has served continously as a pilot in this squadron since August 1940. His efficiency and devotion to duty throughout many hazardous missions have always been of a very high order. He took command of the squadron at a difficult period and it has been due to his untiring energy and keenness that its efficiency and high morale have been maintained. On various occasions, Squadron Leader Sise has lead the squadron in successful attacks against enemy shipping during which no less than seven large merchant vessels have been destroyed. In all these occasions he has pressed home his attacks undaunted by any danger or opposition." New Zealand Gazette 6 May 1944. Citation for the Award of a Bar to the DSO: "This officer has displayed great gallantry in operations against the enemy. He is a brilliant leader whose personal example and untiring efforts have done much towards raising his squadron to the highest standard of fighting efficiency. Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he has led formations of aircraft in several attacks on enemy shipping. In November 1944, Wing Commander Sise participated in an attack on shipping in Fioro Harbour. Much anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Wing Commander Sise's aircraft was hit. One engine caught fire but he pressed home after his attack and afterwards flew his damaged aircraft to base. Some days later this officer led a very large formation of aircraft in operations off Alsund. His great skill and forceful leadership played a large part in the success of the operation." New Zealand Gazette 6 Cecember 1944. AWMM - Distinguished Flying Cross and bar (DFC*) AWMM
- 1939-1945 Star AWMM
- Atlantic Star AWMM
- Defence Medal AWMM
- War Medal 1939-1945 AWMM
- New Zealand War Service Medal AWMM
- Citation Distinguished Flying Cross 08th February 1943 254 Sqn RAF: In November, 1942, shortly after making a most determined attack at very close range on a heavily escorted German supply ship, this officer's aircraft was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire. With great difficulty he regained control, but was immediately attacked by three Focke Wulf 190s. By skilful evasive action Squadron Leader Sise managed to avoid the majority of 25 attacks, although his aircraft was again heavily hit. The enemy fighters eventually broke off the attack and Squadron Leader Sise managed to fly safely back to the coast, making a crash landing on the beach. He has always displayed the greatest keenness to engage the enemy and has set a fine example to his flight'.
Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross 26th September 1944 248 Sqn RAF: 'Within recent weeks Wing Commander Sise has taken part in a number of sorties, during which several enemy ships of varying types have been sunk, and others damaged. Much of the success achieved can be attributed to this officer's great skill, inspiring leadership, and great determination'.Public - Kelvin - Researcher - 28 October 2021 - http://www.aircrewremembered.com/sise-gage-derwent.html
- Companion of the Distinguished Service Order and bar (DSO*) AWMM
Training and Enlistment
- Military training
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- Branch Trade Proficiency
- PilotPublic - Antonio - Researcher - 20 May 2026 - By Such Deeds, p.442: Hanson
- Enlistment
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- Age on enlistment
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- Occupation before enlistment
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Embarkations
- Embarkation details
- WW2 Royal New Zealand Air Force AWMM
Prisoner of war
- Capture details
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- Days interned
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- Liberation date
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- POW liberation details
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- Liberation Repatriation
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- POW serial number
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Medical history
- Medical notes
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Last known rank
- Last rank
- Group Captain RAFPublic - Antonio - Researcher - 20 May 2026 - By Such Deeds, p.442: Hanson
- Last rank
- —
Biographical information
- Education: Otago Boys High School, Otago University
Trained as an accountant
Attested RNZAF October 1939; joined the RNZAF at the outbreak of World War II
Flew Beaufighters with RAF Coastal Command
1943-1944: Wing Commander anti-shipping, Coastal Command
1944-1945: Commanding Officer 248 Squadron ( based in Cornwall) leading several attacks on shipping between Brest and Bordeaux
Meets Section Officer Mary Hollingworth Crear and marries her in 1945
1945: Commanding Officer RAF Station Mount Farm
1947: transferred to RAF in August
1 July 1958: Group Captain
26 January 1967: retires and returns to Dunedin. Retired to Wanaka enjoying trout fishing and speed-boating . Moved to Melbourne to in the late eighties where his son lived. AWMM
About death
- Death
- Mar 2004 AWMM
Age 86 AWMM - Date of death
- 23 Dec 2003Public - Casey - Researcher - 17 June 2026 - Victoria, Australia, Wills and Probate Records, Probate File Number1234443
- Age at death
- 86Public - Casey - Researcher - 17 June 2026 - Victoria, Australia, Wills and Probate Records, Probate File Number1234443
- Place of death
- Vermont SouthPublic - Casey - Researcher - 17 June 2026 - Victoria, Australia, Wills and Probate Records, Probate File Number1234443
- Cause of death
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- Death notes
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- Cemetery
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- Cemetery name
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- Grave reference
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- Obituary
- Obituary: New Zealand Herald, 6/7 March 2004, page A26 AWMM
- Memorial name
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- Memorial reference
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Memorial
- Memorial name
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Sources
- External links
- Aviation Safety Network:
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/181785Public - Antonio - Researcher - 20 May 2026 - Internet research - Archive Report on Accident:
http://www.aircrewremembered.com/sise-gage-derwent.htmlPublic - Kelvin - Researcher - 28 October 2021 - http://www.aircrewremembered.com/sise-gage-derwent.html
- Aviation Safety Network:
- References
- Haigh, J., Polaschek, A. (Eds.). (1993). New Zealand and the Distinguished Service Order. Christchurch, N.Z.: Authors.
- Hanson, C. (2001). By such deeds: honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999. Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press.
- N.Z.E.F. Times
Vol. 4, n178, pg3; Vol. 4, n187, pg8 - Haigh, J., Polaschek, A. (Eds.). (1993). New Zealand and the Distinguished Service Order. Christchurch, N.Z.: Authors.
p. 367. - Martyn, E. (1998-2008). For Your Tomorrow (Vols. 1-3). Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press.
Vol. 3, p. 589 ref 33 - The New Zealand Herald
Obituary: New Zealand Herald, 6/7 March 2004, page A26 - Royal New Zealand Air Force. (1941–1945). Contact: National magazine of the R.N.Z.A.F.; the official organ of the Air Force Association (Inc.). Levin, New Zealand: Royal New Zealand Air Force.
V3,n3,p54 v7,n2,p66 v7,n6,p62, V4,n2,p73 v6,n5,p58
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