Arthur "Spike" Umbers was born June 30 1919 and was a clerk before joining RNZAF in November 1940.

In early 1944 Umbers was posted to 3 Squadron, and the unit converted to Tempests in April and began defensive duties against V-1s in mid-June. Umbers destroyed his first on 16 June .

During Luftwaffe's attack on allied airfields on 1 January 1945 (Operation "Bodenplatte"), Umbers shot down two Fw 190's at Helmond. On 13 January he was himself shot down, by American anti-aircraft fire over St. Vith area. He made a forced-landing near Euskirchen. Umbers was killed on February 14 1945 when his Tempest (NV715) crashed in the Meppen area after being hit by flak. He was credited with four aircraft destroyed, two shared and two probably destroyed.

Citation for DFC "Flight Lieutenant Umbers has taken part in a very large number of varied operations. In attacks on shipping he has always pressed home his attacks with great vigour and has obtained several hits. In air combat, Flight Lieutenant Umbers has displayed great keeness and determination, setting a fine example. He has shared in the destruction of an enemy bomber." Citation for Bar to DFC "Flight Lieutenant Umbers has led his flight on very many sorties during which military transport, railway communications, ammunition dumps, and other targets, on the ground have been attacked with excellent results. On one occasion 8 locomotives were destroyed. By his great skill and unbeatable determination, Flight Lieutenant Umbers has played a worthy part in the successes achieved. He is a most inspiring leader." and by the end of the campaign in early September he had destroyed 28 V-1s, making him the sixth highest scoring "diver" pilot. He was awarded a Bar to the DFC.

[By Such Deeds, p. 489 AWMM ]