RAFVR 72526 Pilot Kenneth Kirkcaldie, 32 Sqdn and John Alan Kirkcaldie RNZAF

[crisane]

The New Zealand Herald's report of airforce casualties on 14 June 1940 reports Kenneth Kircaldie missing but does not mention a wife, just his mother Mrs. Herbert Kircaldie.

Papers Past will help in your research.

[crisane]

There is a lengthy obituary for Sidney Kirkcaldie, uncle to Kenneth in The Evening Post  27 April 1943 on Papers past site. He married Elsie May McGregor in 1903. It only mentions one brother E K Kirkcaldie but 4 sisters.
Sydney had 2 sons in the RNZAF.
There are photographs with the Kirkcaldie obituaries.

[crisane]

Here is Kenneth's wife

[smudgepants]

John Alan Kirkcaldie
Death Dec 1/4 1944
Registered Wellington, New Zealand
Folio number 4328

New Zealand, School Registers and Lists, 1850-1967
"Hadfield"
South Karori wellington
John Alan Kirkcaldie
Attendance 1919-1923
Flying Instructor "A" licence, Captain wellington Aero Club
Residence Wellington, New Zealand
Father - H A Kirkcaldie, Farmer

Does anyone know how John died? 

[hurworth]

Kirkcaldy and Stains, what did they do?

Esma Mae Kikcaldy, Kenneth's wife, what is known about her, what was her maiden name?

Esme remarried to Ralph Francis Alnwick Grey.  Apparently Kenneth was his best friend.

[smudgepants]

I wonder why Esma is recorded as being from Nigeria with the Commonwealth's Grave Commission's record for her husband? Is there any link with Nigeria or is it a mistake? 

[crisane]

Esme's second husband worked there

[crisane]

Does anyone know how John died?

No indication of cause of death in his obituary or funeral notice. His death certificate will have that info.
Norman Kirkcaldie a brother of John's father H A. committed suicide in a club in Nelson by shooting.

New Zealand, School Registers and Lists, 1850-1967
"Hadfield"
South Karori wellington
John Alan Kirkcaldie
Attendance 1919-1923
Flying Instructor "A" licence, Captain wellington Aero Club
Residence Wellington, New Zealand
Father - H A Kirkcaldie, Farmer

In the above quote it is John who was the farmer, not his father.

[smudgepants]

Wow, where did you get the info on on the suicide? Why did he commit suicide?