S/L Rex Daniell DFC AFC - RIP

I found out about RD's passing when I caught a snippet in a Kiwi paper but have only now found an obit. Very well known in New Zealand for his airline work but also well known as a wartime Dak afficianado, IIRC. He wrote a wondefully titled book - What Did You Do In The War, Poppa Rekka? - which has had two very limited print runs. He also flew Blenheims with 82 Squadron. A fine pilot indeed. RIP.

Rex Daniell, DFC, AFC, pilot, airline pioneer.
Died aged 89.

In 1960, when Rex Daniell and his mate Bob Anderson decided to start South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand (Spanz), they knew they were taking a risk. New Zealand was heavily regulated then, and the government-owned National Airways Corporation (NAC) ruled the skies.

But Daniell and Anderson had been to a number of overseas conferences; "all fired up" and full of confidence, the pair went ahead.

To get Spanz off the ground, they needed £120,000. They managed to raise £80,000 and then borrowed a couple of DC3s from Australian airline Ansett to make up their fleet.

Spanz flourished for several years in the early 1960s, opening up new routes to smaller towns such as Napier, Taupo, Masterton and New Plymouth. Spanz planes had bigger windows than those used by NAC, and it was the first airline to introduce in-flight food on secondary routes, offering cherries from Alexandra, or strawberries.

Although Spanz folded in 1966, it had impacted on the national carrier, forcing it to improve its service.

At its peak, Spanz could muster four DC3 aircraft and 12 flight crew.

The DC3 is famous in aircraft circles. Introduced in the 1930s, it was the first major passenger plane with a "stressed-skin" metal fuselage and wings instead of the old fabric-covered frame. "New Zealand is a rough country to fly in," Daniell said in a Herald interview in 2000.

"The fact that a DC3's wings stay on is very reassuring ... Those were the best years of our lives."

Daniell and Anderson were both familiar with DC3s, having flown the military version during World War II.

Born and raised in Masterton, Daniell enlisted the day war broke out, flying first with the RNZAF and then the RAF, rising to the rank of squadron leader.

He took part in the Battle of Britain and served in Bomber Command before transferring to Transport Command, serving in the Middle East, India and Africa. He towed gliders during the D-Day invasion of France and flew supplies to Arnhem during the Battle of the Bulge.

He was awarded the DFC and AFC, invested by King George VI after the war.

When Daniell returned home, he flew for Union Airways and later for the NAC before starting Spanz.

When the little airline folded, Daniell moved to Australia and worked as an operations manager for Ansett. He died in Maroochydore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where he had lived since retiring.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, three daughters and two sons. Another son predeceased him.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10682565

Dad's medals

Letter of authenticity and medals on their new mount. These were kindly purchased and given to dad by Garry Daniell. They will be returned to him and then will be donated to Wairapa College where they will be displayed.

Dad meets new friends Anzac Day 2010

Dad with some new friends very early morn on Anzac day. His photo appeared in the local paper with article about these kids who just had to meet a real life vet who had lived through the second world war.
BEING up at 4am is a big ask for almost anyone but for Point Cartwright mother Ann Lando, it was only the beginning of an exhausting morning.

With three children – Emma, 9, Sarah, 8, and James, 5 – excited to be going to the dawn service at Cotton Tree and their two young friends heading along for the first time, by the time she spoke to the Daily, you could hear the exhaustion in Ms Lando’s voice.

“They really wanted to do it,” she said. “They wouldn’t miss the dawn service. “I love it myself but they really wanted to go.”

She said her own grandfather had recently died and the children knew he had served in a war and Anzac Day was a way to remember him.

What Ms Lando perhaps didn’t expect was that the children would see a World War II veteran as something akin to a superhero.

When 89-year-old Rex Daniell, who served in Burma, Europe and Africa, sat quietly beside the five children they were stunned.

“Sarah was so taken with him and was so excited to meet someone who fought in World War II,” she said.

“She gave him a big cuddle and almost knocked him over I think.”

Ms Lando said that all five were well behaved during the service and understood it was important to show respect for the Anzacs.

Memories of Rex and family by Betty Tucker

I am a lifetime friend of Betty’s. I am at my daughter Elizabeth Summerville’s house with my sister Barbara Tod. We have been enjoying the memories as we looked at the photos and writings on the blog.

One of my memories of Rex was when I flew on a celebration flight for the beginning of SPANZ. It was a privilege to be asked.

Another memory was looking after their precious three month old baby son Clifton when Rex and Betty had to go to England. It was lovely and Clifton was such a good baby.

Barbara and her husband Dick used to travel to Australia and Rex and Betty always made them feel very welcome when they called in to visit.

Rex was a real old time gentleman.

I have been thinking of you a lot Betty. Love from your friend Betty Tucker and also Barbara and Elizabeth xxx

We are now going home by ferry and train to Papatoetoe. It’s been a fun day to come and see the stories of Rex’s life. Love Bett

Sunday the 24th of October 2010

On Sunday, we gathered to honour and remember Dad. On his bequest, his ashes were scattered in the Maroochy river, just down the way from his home with mum in Anzac avenue.

We started proceedings on the river bank with a informal service with family members present. Fittingly the Siberian Curlew, the migratory bird that dad enjoyed watching on its annual pilgrimage from Siberia to Maroochydore was standing by. I feel certain, his spirit will be carried away to his next adventure forthwith.

After scattering Dad's ashes we moved onto his bowls club, The Maroochy Swan. The club made us very welcome. Talking with bar staff, they remember dad as a true gentleman. How right they are. A large group of friends and family joined in viewing photos and tributes to the ‘old man’. Fittingly a number of the younger family members, ‘yours truly included’, enjoyed the challenge of a ‘roll up’. Dad would have enjoyed the spirit of competition and a few beers to ‘wet the whistle’.

We all have special memories of dad and I ask that everyone continue to remember him with happiness and joy for his long and celebrated life. He touched us all in so many ways, as is evident by the huge volume of tributes that have flooded in since we began this blog.

Daryl Biggar saddened by the news of dad's passing

Hello Betty,
I am Darryl Biggar (second son of Raewyn). I was very sad to hear of the death of Uncle Rex. I regret not having managed to meet him. My youngest son has been begging me to go up to Brisbane to meet my "uncle" who flew planes in the war...

I hope we will have a chance to meet when you are next in Melbourne...

Darryl

Jim remembers fondly days with dad at SPANZ

Dear Betty and family.

We have just returned from holiday and have received the sad news. Please accept our most
sincere condolences. Being part of SPANZ was a unique experience and to have worked alongside Rex was a once in a lifetime privilege. He will never be forgotten.

Kindest regards,
Jim and Denise Haskell