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Dunedin Hero, Willie McWong - WWII Chinese Pilot

From Asian Report 17 December 2013

Affectionately known as Willie McWong to many in Dunedin, he was one of only two Chinese men to earn their wings and serve as pilots in the Royal New Zealand Airforce during World War Two.  He was also the only Chinese man to become a member of the 2nd Scottish Regiment (hence the nickname).

Bill Wong is sorely missed for many other reasons by the people of Dunedin as a loveable local character who ran the popular Wong Bros Fruit Shop alongside little brother George. Naturally social, he helped bridge the social divide between the local Chinese and Pakeha communities of the times. Bill was a tirelessly enthusiastic volunteer who dedicated much of his life towards the community, such as the creation of nationwide events like the Easter Sports Tournaments for Chinese across New Zealand. Dunedin City has even dedicated a mural to his legacy, depicting him next to his Harvard Trainer in 1940.

Images courtesy of the Wong family and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.

Bill Wong depicted in the Dunedin City Mural celebrating it's heroes

Homage to Bill Wong, Dunedin's mural

Family historian, daughter and author Carolyn King

Former Mayor of Dunedin Peter Chin, reflecting in the tea house

Ivy Wong with daughter Glenys Shum

Local hero Bill Wong with PM Helen Clarke and Ivy Wong (centre) photo courtesy Wong Family collection

Ivy and Bill Wong, Carolyn's parents

Wong's Fruit Shop, Curator Sean Brosnahan, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Bottles of Soda from the Wong Brother's Shop 1950's

Traditonal Chinese garments worn by Bill and George as children, donated by the Wong famiy

Pilot Bill Wong serving with the RNZAF (Circa 1941's) Photo courtesy The Wong Family and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Pilot Officer Bill Wong with a Harvard trainer, 1940 Photo courtesy The Wong Family and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Pilot Officer Bill Wong, presented his wings with the RNZAF, (circa 1941) Photo courtesy The Wong Family and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

Wong Brothers' Fruit Shop (from left Bill, George and sister Mary Wong) 1950's Photo courtesy The Wong Family and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.