Three Generations Unite at Exercise Pitch Black 2026 to Honour Air Commodore Arthur Percy Gainsford

For the Gainsford family, the gathering was much more than a visit to a military exercise. It was an opportunity to reconnect with the legacy of a man whose distinguished career spanned frontline combat, aircrew training, senior command appointments and strategic leadership within the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

Born in Auckland in 1913, Percy Gainsford enlisted in the RNZAF in 1940 and completed two operational tours with Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command. Flying both Wellington and Lancaster bombers, he conducted 62 combat missions over heavily defended enemy territory and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Air Force Cross (AFC), and Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for gallantry and leadership. He later rose to the rank of Air Commodore and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Three of his eight children, Barry Gainsford, Christopher (Kit) Gainsford and Barbara Gainsford, travelled from New Zealand and Australia to attend Pitch Black Open Day, reflecting on a childhood spent on RNZAF bases and the influence their father's service had on their lives. Joining them were granddaughter Carlie Mamo and her children, Deacon and Jordyn, grandson Jarrod and his children Fletcher and Maddie representing the third and fourth generations shaped by Gainsford's legacy.

“What made it even more special was being able to share the experience across three generations of our family, from Percy’s children through to his great-grandchildren. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to see and appreciate the legacy of his service and the values he held so dearly,” said Kit Gainsford.

“We came away knowing that Dad, as Air Member for Personnel, would have been immensely proud of the RNZAF and the important roles it fulfils today. That legacy continues because of the dedication, professionalism, and pride shown by the many men and women who serve our Defence Force.”

The family were also honoured to meet the RNZAF's Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commodore Peter Gibson, as well as serving members of both the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force. The encounter highlighted the enduring relationship between the two air forces and provided a unique opportunity for the family to share stories of Arthur Gainsford’s service with the current generation of aviators.

“Having the opportunity to meet Air Commodore Peter Gibson and share our family's history with today's RNZAF was an incredible privilege.” said Carlie Mamo.

“ it was incredibly special to watch my mother and her brothers reconnect with their father's service, while my own children gained a deeper understanding of the service and sacrifice made by Percy and many others.” she said.

Exercise Pitch Black, one of the world's premier multinational air combat exercises, provided a fitting backdrop. For the Gainsford family, the aircraft overhead and the close cooperation between Australian, New Zealand and international air forces served as a modern reflection of the air power tradition Arthur Percy Gainsford dedicated his life to supporting

As generations of the family stood together on the flight line, they were reminded that while aircraft and technology may have changed, the bonds of service, sacrifice and ANZAC partnership remain as strong as ever. For the descendants of Air Commodore Gainsford, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 was both a reunion and a tribute to a remarkable airman whose legacy continues to inspire.