Kind words from Vince Ashworth

It was with deep sadness that I learned of Rex’s death. I had known him for only a short time but that was sufficient to tell me that I had met a remarkable man.

Rex was one of 17 who included my brother Arthur and who received their wings at Wigram in March 1940 before embarking for England and war.

Of those 17 only five survived the war and of those two did not see any action having been found unfit for operational flying for various reasons. The other three went on to have distinguished war records. Rex’s war record is well known among those who read this blog.

Rex had illustrious company. Squadron Leader Bob Spurdle became a fighter ace accounting as he did for at least 10 enemy planes. He served in both Europe and the Pacific and finished the war with two DFCs and a Mentioned in Dispatches (Mid). Artie Ashworth remained in the RAF after the war. When he retired in 1967 he held the rank of Wing Commander with the DSO, two DFCs, two AFCs and a Mid. In total he flew 110 operational sorties and was one of the few New Zealanders who flew both bombers and fighters during the war. He served in Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Like his war record, Rex’s peacetime contribution to aviation was almost equally remarkable. Taking on the deeply entrenched monopoly National Airways and the equally entrenched and anti private sector New Zealand bureaucracy, required both guts and steel-like determination. Rex had plenty of both as the airline, the bureaucrats and the politicians of the day found to their dismay. They didn’t know it at the time (and would probably never admit it) that Rex made a significant contribution to New Zealand aviation development.

Both my wife and I consider it a privilege to have known this remarkable man. He made a deep impression as someone with courage, integrity and compassion. Someone who was also concerned for and interested in both domestic and international affairs. He asked me some very penetrating questions about my views on various international issues! All this combined with a truly remarkable memory.

All of those whose lives have been touched by Rex Daniell throughout his long life have, like us, been enriched by the experience.

Incidentally, those ‘upstairs’ had better be well organised. If not then they are in for a shock: Rex Daniell has arrived and disorganisation will not be tolerated!

Vince Ashworth
Morrinsville
New Zealand