Adventures of a Kiwi Airman

Adventures of a Kiwi Airman tells the lively tale of New Zealander Ray Tocker's many adventures throughout his childhood and 24-year Air Force career. His story is at times moving, at times humorous and always engaging.

The book gives valuable insights into New Zealand as a developing nation, as well as life and times in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) from 1949 to 1973. It's a great read for aviation enthusiasts, those who enjoy history and anyone interested in a rollicking good yarn. Ray received a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air for his tenacity and skill in a dramatic in-flight repair of a Sunderland flying boat in 1959.

Adventures of a Kiwi Airman begins with an evocative recollection of growing up in rural New Zealand in the 1930s. Ray's moving account of his childhood in the small rural town of Owhango, in the King Country region, recalls an almost idyllic time. Days were endless and nature provided the ultimate playground. However, it wasn't all play. Families worked hard and grew their own food. Ray's story brings to life a humble but happy way of life that helped New Zealand grow and thrive.

Ray's Air Force career from 1949 to 1973 saw him progress from Flight Engineer into senior roles, culminating in his role as a Warrant Officer. His service included the Vietnam War, the Malayan Emergency and Operation Grapple (British nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean).

He was posted to Fiji with No. 5 Squadron and to Singapore with No. 41 Squadron. In Singapore, he supervised technical tradesmen and the transfer of the Squadron, and its equipment, from Changi to Tengah. In New Zealand, Ray had supervisory control of the RNZAF Technical Control and Planning Centre and was a Senior Instructor at the No. 1 Technical Training School. In his retirement, he became President of the Cambridge Returned Services Association (RSA) in New Zealand.