Ronald Stewart Cameron’s Military experience during WW2

On 22nd of September 1942 Ronald had a medical examination with the Royal N.Z. Air Force in Masterton.  In this exam the following personal facts are stated; Ronald Stewart Cameron, aged 35 years and 3 months with a residence of Rangitumau Masterton and a trade of sheep farmer.  Eyesight and hearing is good, physique is good with a height of 69 1/2 inches and weight of 11/6 lb. Has fair hair, dark brown eyes and a clear complexion.  Blood pressure 147/80, pulse rate of 72 and a clear x-ray.  Previous History and remarks state Appendicitis 15 years ago – scar sound, Rheumatism for past 6 years.  Medical Officer N.H. Price.  

Ronald was enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force on the 18th June 1943 with the rank of AC-2 (Aircraftsman) and posted at Linton.  He was in service for 1 year and 11 days finishing up on 28th June 1944. His documentation shows him as with a military number of 438528.  His Attestation For Service During War Document filled out on the 21st of June 1943 states the following facts: Ronald Stewart Cameron, born in Masterton, Wellington on 16th June 1907, a British subject with a New Zealand born father and Australian born mother was married in New Zealand. Wife Mrs R.S. Cameron of Rangitumau, Masterton should be notified of any casualty.  Ronalds educational qualification is stated as Proficiency 2 years secondary, and is self employed in farming.  Previous military service includes 18 months with the Home Guard. Ronald is willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated if required by competent authority and is willing to serve in any part of the world.  Ronald’s religious denomination is Presbyterian and he is not an indentured apprentice.

As part of Squadron 5 while posed at Linton, Ronald took part in G. T. D. Training, The record for this shows Ronald took the course for 4 weeks.  For Remington, had 2 weapons range scores of 118 and 121 with a proficiency of Marksman.

Ronalds further postings include the following;

  • Enlisted: Linton 18-06-1943
  • Posted: Masterton – 13-09-1943
  • Posted: Rongotai – 30-09-1943
  • Posted: Hobsonville – 15-11-1943
  • Posted: No. 60 Squadron – 14-12-1943
  • Posted: Hobsonville – 14-03-1944
  • Posted: Reserve – 29-06-1944
Records also show that Ronald was Remustered to AC2 Mech I/C on the 10th November 1943
An R.N.Z.A.F. Posting instruction dated 14th of June 1944 stated the following instruction;
Granted 14 days privilege leave w.e.f. 15.6.44 terminating 28.6.44.  Transferred to R.N.Z.A.F Reserve Class “C” w.e.f. 29.6.44. To return to own farm, at Rangitumau, forthwith for employment, subject to the control of the Wairarapa Primary Production council.
 This posting instruction states the following facts; Ronald Stewart Cameron at the age of 27, with military number 438528 and Rank AC2, at the R.N.Z.A.F. station of Hobsonville with an R.N.Z.A.F trade of Mech i/c and civil occupation of Farmer.  Reason for posting was Appeal.  The document has date of enlistment as 18th June 1943, Conjugal status of Married, number of children of Four, home address of Rangitumau, Masterton, date medical board 5th June 1944, national service grade of One, and total period of service as One year and 11 days.
 
From what I am told, No. 60 Squadron was one of the several RADAR facilities that was kept secret during the war.  There is no information about the squadron on the RNZAF site, but there is a book available from the Victoria University called Royal New Zealand Air Force which has a chapter – Development of RADAR[1] which mentions the squadron and its purpose.
Group during Ronalds Military Days

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