Errol P. Parcell

Errol Parcell enrolled in a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 1941, aged 21. In 1942, while still on his degree course, Errol enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. His training included a posting to Wigram where he was awarded his pilot’s ‘wings’ in March 1943. He was posted to the United Kingdom, commissioned as a Pilot Officer in April 1944 and later promoted to Flying Officer. He embarked for India in April 1944 and was posted to 99 Squadron, RAF, as second pilot on Liberator heavy bombers. On 3 December 1944 on an operation to Hnongpladuk, Siam, his Liberator collided in mid-air with an accompanying aircraft flying in formation over the Gulf of Martaban. His aircraft crashed into the sea and Errol and all members of the crew perished. He had flown a total of 538 hours as a pilot. He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial in Kranji War Cemetery.

His former love, Lois Gilchrist (nee Dalley) set up the E.P. Parcell Scholarship at Lincoln University in 2012.