Alan Peart, New Zealand's last World War II fighter ace, dies aged 96

September 6, 2018

Alan Peart died on September 5 in Hamilton, aged 96.

Alan Peart, New Zealand's last World War II fighter ace, has died aged 96.

His son, Robert Peart, confirmed that Alan died peacefully at his home in Hamilton yesterday.

In 1939, Peart became a qualified pilot after 12 weeks training and went on to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) after reaching the rank of Flight Lieutenant, Stuff reports.

He served in North Africa, Britain and also in Burma where he fought the Japanese.

Peart is one of the subjects of the documentary Spitfire, which is currently in theatres.

The Auckland RSA and NZ Warbirds Association paid tribute to Peart on their social media accounts.

"The Last of the Few. Vale Alan McGregor Peart DFC, New Zealand's last World War II fighter ace has died, aged 96,"  the Auckland RSA wrote on Facebook.

It's believed there is one more surviving WWII fighter pilot in New Zealand - 96-year-old James Robinson.

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