1960 John Louis de Beer

A photo of John Louis (Jack) de BEER (Dip. Agr. (1939-40), D.F.C.), London, 1945. Mr J. L. de Beer died in Christchurch on January 26, 1960, at the age of 44 years. He came to the College in 1939 from Dunedin and upon completion of his course in 1940, he immediately enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Upon his arrival in England in April 1942 he did further training on various types of aircraft, until he became an instructor in the then new type Beam Approach Training. He did this until July 1944 when he was attached to No. 106 Squadron, with the rank of Flight Lieutenant, flying Mosquito Bombers in the famous Pathfinder Force. Between July 1944 and May 1945 be completed 83 operations over Europe, mostly at night, and was assessed in his log book as well above average. On 27th November, 1944, he was officially awarded permission to wear the badge of the Pathfinder Force (see photograph). On July 3, 1946 he received his Distinguished Flying Cross from the late King George VI. at Buckingham Palace. In all he ftew 234 hours on operations in the Pathfinders and in his service career in all flew 1, 7 46 hours. At the end of the war he purchased a farm at Barrhill, Mid-Canterbury. This he developed with enthusiasm and skill and he was regularly visited by staff and student groups and he was also a regular visitor to the College on field day occasions. His wife, Mrs Margaret de Beer, and their four children in Ashburton.