Serial Number: NZ401027 & 132722
RNZAF Trade: Pilot
Date of Enlistment: 9th of April 1940
Date of Demob: 5th of September 1944 (Reserve till 9th of February 1967)
Rank Achieved: Squadron Leader
Flying Hours: 2554hrs, 15 mins at conclusion of RNZAF flying. 3517 hrs 5 mins total flying
Operational Sorties: 85 ops

Date of Birth: 8th of February 1912, at Hamilton
Personal Details: Before the war Brian had farmed sheep with his brother Ian at Whitehall, Cambridge.

Details of Death: Died peacefully at Waikato Hospital after an illness on the 30th of July 2004, aged 92
Interred at: A private cremation

Service Details: Brian was ordered to report to RNZAF Station Levin to train as a pilot on the 9th of April 1940. Being a pilot already, he became an instructor and he instructed from December 1940 till June 1943 at No 4EFTS and at No 3 EFTS.

This note comes from the New Zealand Observer magazine from the 7th of January 1942"

"Mrs Brian Oliver spends her time between her home at Whitehall, Cambridge, and Whenuapai where her husband is an instructor. Christmas was spent at her home, with her sister, Joan Acton-Adams, of Christchurch, paying a visit."

He then joined No 2 (BR) Squadron RNZAF, flying Lockheed Ventura bombers.

His first flight in a Lockheed PV1 Ventura took place at RNZAF Station Ohakea on the 25th of October 1943 in NZ4520 under dual instruction. Soon Brian moved with the squadron up into the Pacific forward area. He was Mentioned in Despatches “For Meritorious Service” whilst with 2 Squadron.

Connection with Cambridge: Brian moved to Cambridge at a young age and lived in the district for the rest of his life, both farming at Whitehall, and later living in retirement at St Andrew's village, Cambridge

Waikato Independent reports that mentioned Brian Oliver
For The Air Force 9 Apr 1940