William Robert Kofoed

Forenames

William Robert AWMM

Surname

Kofoed AWMM

Service number

• WWII NZ404380 AWMM
• WWII 404380 AWMM

Gender

Male AWMM

Birth

28 Dec 1915 AWMM

Post war occupation

• Soldier/Military AWMM
• Farmer/Civilian AWMM

War

World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM

Campaign

• Europe (Air) AWMM
• Italy AWMM
• Pacific Theatre of War AWMM

Armed force / branch

Air Force AWMM

Service number

• WWII NZ404380 AWMM
• WWII 404380 AWMM

Military service

• Royal Air Force, No. 642 Squadron AWMM
• Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 40 Transport Squadron AWMM
• Royal New Zealand Air Force Taieri AWMM
• Royal Air Force, No. 76 Squadron AWMM
• Royal Australian Air Force, No. 462 Squadron AWMM

Medals and Awards

• Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) AWMM
  DSO: NZ Gazette, 6 May 1944. Citation: "This officer has already completed a tour of operations against objectives in Europe and the Middle East. During his second tour of duty, he has attacked such targets as Palermo and Catatania and has taken part in flights over the battle areas in the Tunisian campaign. On one sortie over Palermo, a photoflash exploded in the fuselage of his aircraft which was badly damaged. By superb handling, however, Squadron Leader Kofoed flew his aircraft safely back to base - a flight of 8 hours duration. His determination in identifying and attacking the selection targets even in poor visibility and in the face of intense opposition has been inspiring to the crews of the squadron." (Haigh & Polaschek, p340) AWMM
• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) AWMM
  "Flight Lieutenant Kofoed has displayed the highest qualities of leadership and courage in the face of the enemy. His numerous operational sorties include raids on some of the most heavily defenced targets. While serving in the United Kingdom he participated in two daylight raids on the German warships at Brest. In April, 1942 he took part in two attacks on the enemy naval base at Trondheim completing his mission from a very low level in the face of the most intense anti-aircraft fire. In the Middle East he has continued to exhibit this high standard of gallantry and devotion to duty, which have been an inspiration to the squadron." Hanson, p. 296 AWMM
• Air Efficiency Award with 1 bar AWMM
• 1939-1945 Star AWMM
• Air Crew Europe Star AWMM
• Africa Star (North Africa 1942-43 clasp) AWMM
• Italy Star AWMM
• Pacific Star AWMM
• Defence Medal AWMM
• War Medal 1939-1945 AWMM
• New Zealand War Service Medal AWMM

Branch Trade Proficiency

Pilot

Public - Antonio - Researcher - 5 October 2025 - By Such Deeds, p.296: Hanson

Enlistment

WW2 24 Nov 1940 AWMM
Age  24 AWMM
Farmer/Civilian AWMM

Embarkation details

WW2 Royal New Zealand Air Force AWMM

Last rank

Wing Commander AWMM
Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 4 Otago (Territorial) Squadron AWMM

Death

19 Aug 1978 AWMM

Related objects

References

• Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1942). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 5 (Embarkations from 1st July, 1941 to 30 September, 1941). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
• Hanson, C. (2001). By such deeds: honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923-1999. Christchurch, N.Z.: Volplane Press.
  p. 296
• 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,p55 v4,n6,p69