The Memorial Cross issued in commemoration of George Hillary Vogan, an RNZAF Observer who part of a 57 Squadron Wellington crew who were shot down on the night of 8th/9th April 1942 during a raid on Hamburg.

 

George Vogan was born 16th June 1920 at Duvauchelle (Banks Peninsula). Son of William George and Martha Mary Vogan (née Hillary). He was educated at St. Andrews College before returning to his father's farm to work. He enlisted for service with the RNZAF in November 1940, emabarking for Canada in January 1941 where he trained as an observer. He was awarded his brevet in June 1941, and transferred to the UK in August 1941.

 

Vogan was posted to 57 Squadron in November 1941, flying on the Wellington III bomber. He had completed 17 operational sorties when he took off on his final mission on the night of 8th April 1942. His aircraft was part of raid of over 270 aircraft tasked with bombing Hamburg. It appears his aircraft was returning to the UK following the bombing mission when they were intercepted by a nightfighter flown by Paul Gildner from 5./NGJ2. In the ensueing combat the Wellington was shot down, killing all five crew members, including George Vogan. He was 21 years old, and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.  This was Gildner 31st aerial victory. He would go on to achieve 44 kills - all but two by night - and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.

 

The Memorial Cross is correctly impressed NZ404577 F/SJT. G.H. VOGAN and comes in it's original presentation case, with ribbon.