Keith Boles obituary

Keith Boles DFC, one of the last remaining Bomber Command New Zealanders, dies aged 100.

The Royal Air Forces Association was sad to learn of the death of Keith Marwood Boles – one of the few remaining New Zealanders who served with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War.

Keith Boles joined the RNZAF in 1941 and trained as a pilot. He was initially posted to Singapore, and spent his 21st birthday sheltering in a trench, awaiting evacuation as the Japanese invaded. 

On his return to New Zealand, he volunteered to be posted to England, where he initially served as a flying instructor before joining 109 Squadron, RAF Pathfinder Force. 

The Pathfinders located targets and marked them with flares to increase the accuracy of bombing missions. 

Flying De Havilland Mosquitos, Keith completed more than 50 operations over Europe, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His citation read:

“Acting Squadron Leader Boles, as Pilot, has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably shown the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” 

Keith was also awarded the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest honour – in recognition of his service to their nation.  

A third of the 6,000 New Zealanders who served with RAF Bomber Command during the war were killed in action. There are now fewer than 20 known surviving Bomber Command veterans in New Zealand, and the New Zealand Bomber Command Association is aware of just five surviving pilots. 

After the war, Keith helped to train Canadian pilots before leaving the air force and becoming an engineer.  

Keith died last month, aged 100, and leaves three grown-up children – Peter, Sue and Sally, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

Details for this article were kindly provided by The Times, East Auckland.