Tracing Capt Gerry Durrand, Atlantic Ferry pilot

[2083x]

This may clear up the surname question. The transatlantic flight log kept by the senior flying control officer at the RAF Ferry Command Gander unit shows Catalina FP159 as leaving Goose Bay for BW-1 on 27 June 1943. The log spells the pilot's surname as "Gerrand".

Darrell

BTW - a quick Google search revealed references to Australian Gerry Gerrand with Ferry Command.

[AUS]

This looks to be the likely candidate, might need more confirmation -

Andrew Graham Gerrand

A short summary from google indicates he was Australian born and an RAAF pilot during late 1920s and early 1930s.

Appointed Flying Instructor at Hawkes Bay Aero Club NZ (1932). That would be the NZ connection!
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/im...dldHBkZj10cnVl

Union Airways NZ 1936

Postwar was an operations manager with Australian National Airways.

Article about ferry flight here. Listed as Gerrand and Gerrard!
http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?wpfb_dl=926

I can’t find anything specific to wartime ferry duties but the timeline and occupations seem to fit. There was a James ‘Gerry’ Gerrand who invented Distance Measuring Equipment but does not seem to have been a pilot. Check Trove online and NZ Paperspast for more details about A.G. Graham.

Regards, Drew

[robstitt]

Thanks, Darrell.

From a link Darrell sent it would appear that a Gerry Gerrard was an Australian civilian pilot with Ferry Command who delivered an as yet undetermined number of PBYs to the UK.

See page 4: http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?wpfb_dl=926

Am assuming the name in the log is actually Gerrard - if so, I'll amend my request to DHH accordingly.

Robert

[paulmcmillan]

Darrell

I think you have him as well


NAME:
Andrew Graham Gerrand
BIRTH: 22 Jul 1905 - Benalla, Victoria, Australia
DEATH: 21 Jul 1968 - Gordon, New South Wales, Australia
MARRIAGE: 1936 - Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
PARENTS: Andrew Scott Gerrand, Hattie Jean Graham
SPOUSE: Joan Maithal Landells

arrival 29 April 1944 from Preswick Scotland to LaGuardia NY in 137301
Capt Andrew Graham Gerrand Serial Number/Passport Number 4309 - Australian
Occ. Air Pilot RAF FC


Paul

[paulmcmillan]

Arrived California on SS LB 30 from Sydney Aust. May 25 1942

Occ. RAF Air Pilot. Lst Perm Address Auckland NZ

Wife: Hastings New Zealand (see earlier reference to ZK—ACY in Dec 1933)

Destination Canada

Transit Cert Issue American Consulate NZ

[paulmcmillan]

New Zealand, World War II Appointments, Promotions, Transfers and Resignations, 1939-1945
HISTORIES
View Image
Record information.
Name
Andrew Graham Gerrand
Military
17/07/1940 (17 Jul 1940) Wellington New Zealand

Resignation as Sqn Ldr



New Zealand, World War II Ballot Lists, 1940-1945 for Andrew Graham Gerrand
614911 Andrew Graham Gerrand Air Pilot, 305 Courtville Flats, Parliment St, Auckland C1

[2083x]

Robert,

This entry in the log is spelled Gerrand. There are other subsequent entries for ferry flights and they too are spelled Gerrand. A crew assignment card at DHH should clear up matters and confirm his given and middle names, which, as Paul and Drew have pointed out, is likely Andrew Graham.

Darrell

[robstitt]

Thanks, all. Will update my request to DHH accordingly.

Robert

[robin bird]

thank you everyone for the feedback, your time and trouble. The subsequent article will form part of an archive on RAF Helensburgh held by Helensburgh Heritage Trust. Over the years we have helped loved ones trace relative's time at RAF Helensburgh

[robin bird]

thank you. See below