John Patrick Sheehan (1916 - 1987)

Born 20 Sep 1916 in Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand

Ancestors

Died 3 Feb 1987 at age 70 in Auckland, New Zealand

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Biography

On 20 September 1916 John Patrick Sheehan was born to Ellen and John Sheehan. ^[1]

He was known as Pat, dropping the use of John, and also PJ.

At the outbreak of World War II Pat was stationed at Levin as the NCO disciplinarian officer responsible for training new recruits. Although he applied to be a pilot, he failed the medical. He was assigned the task of teaching raw cadets, including his own brother Bernard, the parade ground drills for the Air Force. Bernard rated him as a tough disciplinarian who performed his role well.

His rank progressed from Corporal to Sergeant to Flight Sergeant to Warrant Officer of the NZ Air Force.

In 1943, brothers Phon, Peter and Pat were moved up to Bougainville, Noumea as part of the South Pacific campaign.

On 27 October 1948 John Patrick Sheehan and Gabrielle June Garland were married in Auckland.

They had children Timothy, Patrick and Judith.

On 3 February 1987 he died in Auckland.

John and Gabrielle are buried at section 2, B/E/69 of the North Shore Memorial Park, Auckland. ^[2]

Sources

• Bernie's war : the recollections of Warrant Officer Bernard Sheehan, NZ415374 / Geoff Sheehan at Auckland War Memorial Museum

1. ↑ NZBDM births 20/9/1916 1916/27827 Sheehan, John Patrick, Ellen, John
2. ↑ Auckland Council burial record

   Date of death: 3 February 1987

   Age at death: 70 years

   Gender: Male

   Region: North

   Cemetery name: North Shore Memorial Park

   Plot location: North Shore Memorial Park, Central Division, Section 2, Low Rise, Block B Row E, Plot 69

   Remains type: Body

   Date of burial: 5 February 1987