New Zealand Military Figure. A decorated officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He played a major role as part of the flying force which protected England from the German V-1 Flying Bombs. He was working as a clerk, prior to World War II and after his flight training, he was assigned to England with the rank of Sergeant-Pilot. He was initially assigned to the 234 Squadron in February 1941 and later, he joined the first New Zealand fighter unit of World War II, the 485 Spitfire Squadron. While serving with the 486 Squadron, he attained the rank of Pilot Officer and was shortly elevated to Flight Commander. Sweetman had the distinction of personally obliterating roughly ten V-1 Flying Bombs before they were able to reach England. Sweetman was promoted to Acting Squadron Leader of the 3 Squadron and personally destroyed a Messerschmitt Me 262, as it was preparing to take off. After the war, he returned to his native New Zealand.
New Zealand Military Figure. A decorated officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He played a major role as part of the flying force which protected England from the German V-1 Flying Bombs. He was working as a clerk, prior to World War II and after his flight training, he was assigned to England with the rank of Sergeant-Pilot. He was initially assigned to the 234 Squadron in February 1941 and later, he joined the first New Zealand fighter unit of World War II, the 485 Spitfire Squadron. While serving with the 486 Squadron, he attained the rank of Pilot Officer and was shortly elevated to Flight Commander. Sweetman had the distinction of personally obliterating roughly ten V-1 Flying Bombs before they were able to reach England. Sweetman was promoted to Acting Squadron Leader of the 3 Squadron and personally destroyed a Messerschmitt Me 262, as it was preparing to take off. After the war, he returned to his native New Zealand.
Bio by: C.S.
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