Captain Ernest Leslie Alfred Kitney

Les was born at Greatford, near Marton, the fourth of nine children. His family moved to Turakina in 1926. He attended Marton District High School, then worked in Marton and Wanganui before returning to live at home while working for a local farmer, and then at the Turakina Orchard.

He enlisted in the Army on 15 Aug 1938, and began his Recruit Course at the Army Schools in Trentham. However, he caught measles and was forced to complete his training with a later course. Following recruit training he was posted to the Anti Aircraft Cadre at Devonport as a probationary gunner. On the outbreak of war he was transferred to various Field and Medium units until he joined Artillery Headquarters 3 Division in the Pacific on 8 Dec 1942. Les reached the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving with the Headquarters, in Vella Levella and Nissan Islands. He returned to New Zealand on 9 Oct 1944 and was posted to the Divisional Base at Mangere.

At the end of the war he was posted to 9 Coast Regt at Narrow Neck, reverting to the peacetime rank of L/Bdr. However, after being appointed RQMS he was quickly promoted, reaching WO2 in March 1947. Two years later he married Miss Kathleen Skinner, whom he had met through the Ex-Services Operatic Society. Les and several of his Army friends had joined the Society to further their interest in music. Les and Kath shared an abiding love of choral music, founding the North Shore Harmonists, a choir which gave benefit concerts in Devonport and Takapuna.

After a period with 1 Field Regt and CMT training at Papakura, he transferred to the Infantry and became Brigade Warrant Officer at Headquarters 1st Infantry Brigade, being promoted to WO1 in 1954. He was appointed to a Quartermaster commission in July 1957, and was posted to the Staff at Army Headquarters in Wellington as GSO3 Publications and Exams. On the introduction of National Service in early 1962 Les was appointed QM in the new Training Unit at Waiouru.

The couple's involvement in choral work continued in choirs in Waiouru, and in addition Les became involved in organising and writing for concerts. During this time in Waiouru he developed his poetic skills by contributing to the camp news sheet, "The Empty Page" under the pseudonym of Laurie Yate, carefully remaining anonymous throughout his involvement. He was promoted to Captain in July 1963, and after two years in Waiouru headed back to Auckland to be Barrack Master at Papakura Camp, and in addition hold a 'loan back' appointment as Administration and Transport Officer at Brigade Headquarters. Wherever Les was posted he took a very active part in the community, playing his part in Scouts, the School Committee and the Church. He retired from the Army, after serving for 28 years, on 27 Aug 1966.

The couple lived in Takapuna, and Les worked for the Apprentice Division of the Labour Department, and later with NZI. After he reached civilian retiring age he worked part time at the Takapuna car park while remaining busy with his Church, Probus, travel and of course, with Kath, his beloved singing. For a number of years he was the president of the North Shore Performing Arts Society. Here was a charming, cultured, civilised gentleman who gave of his best to both the Army and his many interests.

RB Potts
August 2000

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