Wipiti, Bert

Herbert Samuel (Bert Sam) Wipiti (Puketapu) was first Māori pilot to leave New Zealand for overseas duty during the Second World War and the first RAF pilot to shoot down enemy aircraft over Singapore in 1942. 

He was born on 16 January 1922 and was the son of Thomas Motu and Eileen Ngamata Wipiti (nee Lowrie) and one of 12 siblings. He grew up in New Plymouth and spent three years at New Plymouth Boy’s High School before beginning work as a junior refrigeration technician with Pattersons Ltd in New Plymouth.

When World War Two broke out he enlisted with the RNZAF and received his training in Levin, Bell Block, Ohakea and Canada. He was promoted to Sergeant just before leaving for his posting to Singapore with the RAF 243 Squadron at Kallang Airport in July 1941. 

Bert's remarkable expertise during the aerial assault by the Japanese forces on Singapore was noted where it is thought he was responsible for the first enemy aircraft to be shot down by his squadron.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his service in Singapore. The citation read; “Sergeant Wipiti carried out a large number of operational flights against the enemy and displayed outstanding courage and determination whilst engaging large formations of enemy aircraft. He set a fine example to all.”

After Singapore Bert was posted to Calcutta where he joined the 67 Squadron (RAF). He was promoted to Warrant Officer in 1943 and posted to England where he was trained in flying Spitfires before joining the 485 (NZ) Squadron at Briggin Hill, Kent.

Bert died on 3 October 1944 after his aircraft was shot-down by enemy aircraft while escorting bombers over coastal France. His aircraft crashed into the sea and was lost. Bert’s name is commemorated on the Runnymeade Memorial, England.

Books

Lest We Forget, West Jack, 1995

Documents

A Fearless Warrior of the Air (Publication unknown, October 1993)

An Enduring Friendship (Inside History, Nov-Dec 2013)

 A Māori in the RAF (The Sunday Express 8 Nov 1981)