Date of Birth: Born on the 31st of July 1920
Personal Details: Eric was the son of Albert John Law (a bank clerk with the Bank of NSW in Cambridge) and Ivy Juanita Law. It seems the family moved to Cambridge from Bulls in the Manawatu, and Eric was educated at Cambridge Primary School.

Eric became a bank clerk like his father before him. He was the younger brother of two other Cambridge airmen, Ken Law and Donald Law

After brother Ken died at only 41 years old, his widow Gwen married Eric.

Service Details: Eric trained as a pilot at the Flying Training School at Wigram on Harvards, where he gained his wings in 1944. He then proceeded to No. 4 (Fither) Operational Training Unit, at Ohakea to train as a fighter pilot, flying P-40 Kittyhawks..

Date of Death: 1991, aged 70

Connection with Cambridge: Eric grew up and was educated in Cambridge prewar

Waikato Independent reports that mention Eric Law
Bank clerk called in 4th ballot - 6 Aug 1941
In Christchurch taking third flying course 29 Sept 1944

Note: Thanks to Natalie Bayer for her assistance with information on Eric Law. Also a huge thank you to Pam O'Connor and her husband Neville O'Connor, for kindly supplying the following photos via Pam's mother Gwen Law, widow of Eric.

 

Above: Eric Law is seen here as a Leading Aircraftman on parade. He is seen fourth back on the right rank as we view the photo.

This appears to be possibly a passing out parade or some similar ceremonial parade, as quite a gathering on the sideline includes Airmen, WAAF's, WAAC's and civilians, who possibly may have been family members and friends watching their boys 'pass out'?

I am certain the location is RNZAF Station Wigram, and the large building is the Institute, which was like a town hall type structure. In the background is base housing and behind that No. 6 Hangar can be made out in the original photo.

 

Eric in front of a North American Harvard, coded '8'. These advanced trainers were the second aircraft type he'd have flown, after completing first his Elementary Flying Training School course on DH82 Tiger Moths.

 

The same Harvard, with another beside it, and an Airspeed Oxford behind.

 

No. 9 Course, at No. 4 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit, Ohakea. Eric is seen fourth from left in the back row.

 

"E for Eric!"

Eric law sits in the cockpit of a P-40 Kittyhawk at No. 4 (F)OTU

 

Eric (second from the right) and three unkown pilots

I hope to have more information on Eric Law soon