The top New Zealand and Empire fighter ace of the Pacific campaign, Geoff Fisken, RNZAF, has died at the age of 96, in Rotorua.
He became an ace on Brewster Buffalo fighters in Singapore flying with No’s 243 Squadron and 67 Squadron, against the Japanese. On returning to New Zealand he joined No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and continued his success flying P-40 Warhawks in the Solomons. His most famoius aircraft was NZ3072 “Wairarapa Wildcat”.
He was very well known here in New Zealand and regularly attended airshows, etc. I had the great opportunity to spend half a day with him two years ago and hear some amazing stories of his wartime career, and will never forget that opportunity. To me he is a true hero.
RIP
By: Dave Homewood - 15th June 2011 at 10:17
Geoff absolutely loved the Buffalo, he reckoned it was a great fighter plane!
I guess the Buffalo was pretty much a step up from his previous role in the thrill seeking ranks which was flying Short Singapores.
By: roadracer - 15th June 2011 at 10:07
Sad news, May he Rest In Peace.
His standing as an ace is made all the more remarkable given that he acheived it flying something as useless as the Buffalo.
By: JonL - 15th June 2011 at 06:31
Sad to hear that Dave – still – he had a good innings, and age pulls us all down eventually.
He is certainly remembered.
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June 13, 2011 at 11:25 pm