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== History of the RNZAF==
== History of the RNZAF==


=== Pre-War ===
=== Pre-World War I ===


[[New Zealand]]'s military aviation began in [[1913]] when the [[New Zealand Army]] was presented with two [[Bleriot]] [[monoplanes]] by the [[United Kingdom]]. These machines were grounded after a young woman was given a joyride; on the outbreak of hostilities, the Bleriots were sent to support British forces in [[Mesopotamia]].
[[New Zealand]]'s military aviation began in [[1913]] when the [[New Zealand Army]] was presented with two [[Bleriot]] [[monoplanes]] by the [[United Kingdom]]. These machines were grounded after a young woman was given a joyride; on the outbreak of hostilities, the Bleriots were sent to support British forces in [[Mesopotamia]].
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=== The New Zealand Permanent Air Force ===
=== The New Zealand Permanent Air Force ===


At the close of hostilities, Great Britain offered each of the Dominions a hundred war surplus combat aircraft. The New Zealand was last to respond, and least enthusiastic. When the [[Avro 504]]s, [[Bristol F.2 Fighter]]s, and [[De Havilland]] [[Airco DH.4]]s and [[Airco DH.9]]s did reach New Zealand, they were either placed in storage or loaned to the flying schools, [[Barnstorming|barnstormer]]s and nascent commercial operations. Several of the military aircraft were heavily modified; a 504 becoming 3 seat floatplane, a DH-9 acquiring an enclosed passenger cabin.
At the close of hostilities, Great Britain offered each of the Dominions a hundred war surplus combat aircraft. New Zealand was last to respond, and least enthusiastic. When the [[Avro 504]]s, [[Bristol F.2 Fighter]]s, and [[De Havilland]] [[Airco DH.4]]s and [[Airco DH.9]]s did reach New Zealand, they were either placed in storage or loaned to the flying schools, [[Barnstorming|barnstormer]]s and nascent commercial operations. Several of the military aircraft were heavily modified; a 504 becoming 3 seat floatplane, a DH-9 acquiring an enclosed passenger cabin.


The importance of aviation in war was belatedly recognised, largely thanks to the efforts of visionary parliamentarian Sir [[Henry Wigram]]. In [[1923]] the [[New Zealand Permanent Air Force]] was formed: a part of the Army staffed by 72 pilots with Great War experience. It was equipped initially with the surviving [[Avro 504]]K, DH4s DH9s and [[Bristol F.2 Fighter|Bristol Fighter]]s. These operated from an airfield outside Christchurch at Sockburn. In 1926, Wigram donated £2,500 for the purchase of modern fighters, and [[Gloster Grebe]]s were acquired. Sockburn was later renamed Wigram, a name adopted by the suburb which grew up around the airbase. It is the site of the present [[New Zealand Air Force Museum]].
The importance of aviation in war was belatedly recognised, largely thanks to the efforts of visionary parliamentarian Sir [[Henry Wigram]]. In [[1923]] the [[New Zealand Permanent Air Force]] was formed: a part of the Army staffed by 72 pilots with Great War experience. It was equipped initially with the surviving [[Avro 504]]K, DH4s DH9s and [[Bristol F.2 Fighter|Bristol Fighter]]s. These operated from an airfield outside Christchurch at Sockburn. In 1926, Wigram donated £2,500 for the purchase of modern fighters, and [[Gloster Grebe]]s were acquired. Sockburn was later renamed Wigram, a name adopted by the suburb which grew up around the airbase. It is the site of the present [[New Zealand Air Force Museum]].


A trickle of new build Bristol Fighters and other new types joined the NZPAF in the late [[1920s]] and early [[1930s]]. A [[Lewis gun]] equipped [[De Havilland Gipsy Moth]] float plane took part in naval operations against rebels in [[Samoa]]. The NZPAFs first action came in 1930 when the Moth dropped an improvised bomb made out of a treacle tin on to a ship suspected of gun running. The bomb did no damage, fortuitously, as the target turned out to be a local missionary vessel. More creditably, [[Fairey III]]Fs made a dramatic maritime rescue and in the aftermath of the [[Napier earthquake]], the NZPAF flew in urgently needed supplies and medical equipment.
A trickle of new build Bristol Fighters and other new types joined the NZPAF in the late [[1920s]] and early [[1930s]]. A [[Lewis gun]] equipped [[De Havilland Gipsy Moth]] float plane took part in naval operations against rebels in [[Samoa]]. The NZPAFs first action came in 1930 when the Moth dropped an improvised bomb made out of a treacle tin on to a ship suspected of gun running. The bomb did no damage, fortuitously, as the target turned out to be a local missionary vessel. More creditably, [[Fairey III]]Fs made a dramatic maritime rescue and in the aftermath of the [[Napier earthquake]] the NZPAF flew in urgently needed supplies and medical equipment.


Like other western air arms, a major expansion began from the mid 1930s. The NZPAF acquiring more modern British types including significant numbers of [[Airspeed Oxford]], [[Avro 626]], [[Fairey Gordon]], [[Vickers Vildebeest]] and [[Blackburn Baffin]], and small numbers of other types. The NZPAF was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in [[1934]], and became an independent service in [[1937]].
Like other western air arms, a major expansion began from the mid 1930s, the NZPAF acquiring more modern British types including significant numbers of [[Airspeed Oxford]], [[Avro 626]], [[Fairey Gordon]], [[Vickers Vildebeest]] and [[Blackburn Baffin]], and small numbers of other types. The NZPAF was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in [[1934]], and became an independent service in [[1937]].


===World War II===
===World War II===
====World War II in Europe====
====World War II in Europe====


On the outbreak of [[World War II]], the primary equipment of the RNZAF was 30 [[Vickers Wellington]] bombers, which the New Zealand government had offered to the United Kingdom in August 1939, together with the crews to fly them. Many other New Zealanders were serving in the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]]. The primary role of the RNZAF was to take advantage of New Zealand's distance from the conflict by training aircrew, as part of the [[Empire Air Training Scheme]], alongside the other major former British colonies, [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and [[South Africa]]. For this task large numbers of [[De Havilland Tiger Moth]], [[Airspeed Oxford]] and [[North American Harvard]] were manufactured or assembled locally, and second hand biplanes acquired such as [[Hawker Hind]] and [[Vickers Vincent]]s, as well as other types for specialised training such as [[Avro Anson]] and [[Supermarine Walrus]]. Only when German surface raiders became active was it realised a combat force would be needed in New Zealand in addition to the trainers.
On the outbreak of [[World War II]], the primary equipment of the RNZAF was 30 [[Vickers Wellington]] bombers, which the New Zealand government had offered to the United Kingdom in August 1939, together with the crews to fly them. Many other New Zealanders were serving in the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]]. The primary role of the RNZAF was to take advantage of New Zealand's distance from the conflict by training aircrew, as part of the [[Empire Air Training Scheme]], alongside the other major former British colonies, [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and [[South Africa]]. For this task large numbers of [[De Havilland Tiger Moth]], [[Airspeed Oxford]] and [[North American Harvard]] were manufactured or assembled locally, and second-hand biplanes acquired such as [[Hawker Hind]] and [[Vickers Vincent]]s, as well as other types for specialised training such as [[Avro Anson]] and [[Supermarine Walrus]]. Only when German surface raiders became active was it realised a combat force would be needed in New Zealand in addition to the trainers.


====New Zealand Squadrons of the RAF====
====New Zealand Squadrons of the RAF====
Once trained the majority of RNZAF aircrew served with ordinary units of the RAF, or [[Fleet Air Arm]]. As with World War I they served in all theatres. At least 78 became aces. Amongst the New Zealanders in the RNZAF were pilots such as the first allied ace, Flying Officer [[Cobber Kain]] and leaders such as World War I ace, Air Chief Marshal Sir [[Keith Park]], who commanded 11 Group in the [[Battle of Britain]], the air defence of [[Malta]] and in the closing stages of the war, the RAF in [[South East Asia]]. Through accident or design, several of these RAF units came to be mostly manned by RNZAF pilots(for example [[243 squadron]] in Singapore, [[258 Squadron]] in the UK and several Wildcat and Hellcat units of the FAA - leading several texts to claim these types of aircraft were used by the RNZAF).
Once trained the majority of RNZAF aircrew served with ordinary units of the RAF, or [[Fleet Air Arm]]. As with World War I they served in all theatres. At least 78 became aces. Amongst the New Zealanders in the RNZAF were pilots such as the first allied ace, Flying Officer [[Cobber Kain]] and leaders such as World War I ace, Air Chief Marshal Sir [[Keith Park]], who commanded 11 Group in the [[Battle of Britain]], the air defence of [[Malta]] and in the closing stages of the war, the RAF in [[South East Asia]]. Through accident or design, several of these RAF units came to be mostly manned by RNZAF pilots (for example [[243 squadron]] in Singapore, [[258 Squadron]] in the UK and several Wildcat and Hellcat units of the FAA - leading several texts to claim these types of aircraft were used by the RNZAF).


Some squadrons within the Royal Air Force were deliberately set aside for pilots from a particular country.
Some squadrons within the Royal Air Force were deliberately set aside for pilots from a particular country.
Line 43: Line 43:
====The RNZAF in the Pacific====
====The RNZAF in the Pacific====


The presence of German raiders lead to the formation of New Zealand based combat units - initially rearming types like the Vildebeest, and hurridely converting impressed airliners such as the DH86 to carry bombs. [[Lockheed Hudson]]s were obtained early in 1941 to take over this role.
The presence of German raiders lead to the formation of New Zealand based combat units - initially rearming types like the Vildebeest, and hurriedly converting impressed airliners such as the DH86 to carry bombs. [[Lockheed Hudson]]s were obtained early in 1941 to take over this role.


In December [[1941]] [[Japan]] attacked and rapidly conquered much of the area to the north of New Zealand, and it became imperative that New Zealand start building up its own defence rather than simply help the [[United Kingdom|"mother country"]]. Trainers in New Zealand such as the [[T-6 Texan|North American Harvard]] and [[Hawker Hind]] were camouflaged and armed. The Hudsons moved forward to Fiji and together with 5 Squadron with its obsolete [[Short Singapore]] flying boats commenced operations against the Japanese. A submarine launched Japanese float plane overflew Wellington and Auckland - where it was chased ineffectually by a Tiger Moth. As few combat capable aircraft were available at home, and Britain was unable to help, so New Zealand turned to the United States and signed a [[lend-lease]] agreement. Gradually at first, America was able to supply New Zealand with aircraft for use in the Pacific Theatre.
In December [[1941]] [[Japan]] attacked and rapidly conquered much of the area to the north of New Zealand, and it became imperative that New Zealand start building up its own defence rather than simply help the [[United Kingdom|"mother country"]]. Trainers in New Zealand such as the [[T-6 Texan|North American Harvard]] and [[Hawker Hind]] were camouflaged and armed. The Hudsons moved forward to Fiji and together with 5 Squadron with its obsolete [[Short Singapore]] flying boats commenced operations against the Japanese. A submarine launched Japanese float plane overflew Wellington and Auckland - where it was chased ineffectually by a Tiger Moth. As few combat capable aircraft were available at home, and Britain was unable to help, so New Zealand turned to the United States and signed a [[lend-lease]] agreement. Gradually at first, America was able to supply New Zealand with aircraft for use in the Pacific Theatre.


The early [[lend-lease]] aircraft were obsolete and incapable of holding their own against the highly skilled and well-equipped Japanese air forces, but nothing else was available and the RNZAF flew with the tools they had to hand, notably at [[Guadalcanal]] where [[No. 15 Squadron RNZAF|No 15 ]] and [[No. 14 Squadron RNZAF|No 14]] squadrons equipped with [[Curtiss P-40|Kittyhawks]], fought with distinction in mid-1943. Other squadrons flew the elderly but effective [[Douglas Dauntless]] and later, the big, modern [[Grumman Avenger]] torpedo bomber.
The early [[lend-lease]] aircraft were obsolete and incapable of holding their own against the highly skilled and well-equipped Japanese air forces, but nothing else was available and the RNZAF flew with the tools they had to hand, notably at [[Guadalcanal]] where [[No. 15 Squadron RNZAF|No 15 ]] and [[No. 14 Squadron RNZAF|No 14]] squadrons equipped with [[Curtiss P-40|Kittyhawks]], fought with distinction in mid-1943. Other squadrons flew the elderly but effective [[Douglas Dauntless]] and later, the big, modern [[Grumman Avenger]] torpedo bomber.


The RNZAF took on a major part of the maritime reconnaissance task too, with [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] (and later [[Short Sunderland|Sunderland]]) flying boats and [[Lockheed Hudson]] bombers.
The RNZAF took on a major part of the maritime reconnaissance task too, with [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] (and later [[Short Sunderland|Sunderland]]) flying boats and [[Lockheed Hudson]] bombers.
Line 57: Line 57:
===Postwar RNZAF===
===Postwar RNZAF===


In the post war period the RNZAF dealt progressively with demobilisation and disposal of its large obsolete fleet, rearmament to support the cold war, some loss of training opportunities with the American suspension of [[ANZUS Treaty]] obligations in protest at New Zealand becoming a nuclear free zone, social changes which saw women become combat pilots, and most recently loss of fast jets as part of the continuing funding cuts, that have seen the airforce decline from over a thousand aircraft to just fifty.
In the post war period the RNZAF dealt progressively with demobilisation and disposal of its large obsolete fleet, rearmament to support the cold war, some loss of training opportunities with the American suspension of [[ANZUS Treaty]] obligations in protest at New Zealand becoming a nuclear free zone, social changes which saw women become combat pilots, and most recently loss of fast jets as part of the continuing funding cuts, that have seen the air force decline from over a thousand aircraft to just fifty.
Following ([[World War II|WWII]]), [[No. 14 Squadron RNZAF|14 Squadron]] was sent to [[Japan]] as part of the occupation J-Force. The rest of the air force rapidly divested itself of aircraft and manpower and settled mainly into training and transport mode before the advent of rejuvenated [[No. 14 Squadron RNZAF|14]] and [[No. 75 Squadron RNZAF|75 squadron]]s. The first [[Gloster Meteor]] arrived in 1945, introducing the jet age. The force was equipped from 1946 with [[De Havilland Mosquito]] before the arrival of [[De Havilland Vampire]] which were used in peacekeeping in [[Cyprus]], [[De Havilland Venom]]s and [[English Electric Canberra]]s which saw action in the [[Malayan Emergency]] and subsequent confrontation with [[Indonesia]], . The Canberras were replaced in 1969 by [[A-4 Skyhawk]]s, (the cheapest of the options considered). In the late 1980s further Skyhawks were obtained from Australia, and under the [[Kahu]] (Falcon) program, the fleet was updated with F-16 radar and avionics, acquiring AIM-9L, AGM-65 Maverick and laser guided bombs. The ageing Vampire fleet was used largely for training and any pretence of maintaining a fighter arm was abandoned when these were replaced by [[BAC Strikemaster]]s in the early 1970s. When in the early 1990s these had to be retired due to serious wing fatigue they were replaced by [[Aermacchi MB-339]]s.
Following [[World War II|WWII]], [[No. 14 Squadron RNZAF|14 Squadron]] was sent to [[Japan]] as part of the occupation J-Force. The rest of the air force rapidly divested itself of aircraft and manpower and settled mainly into training and transport mode before the advent of rejuvenated [[No. 14 Squadron RNZAF|14]] and [[No. 75 Squadron RNZAF|75 squadron]]s. The first [[Gloster Meteor]] arrived in 1945, introducing the jet age. The force was equipped from 1946 with [[De Havilland Mosquito]] before the arrival of [[De Havilland Vampire]] which were used in peacekeeping in [[Cyprus]], [[De Havilland Venom]]s and [[English Electric Canberra]]s which saw action in the [[Malayan Emergency]] and subsequent confrontation with [[Indonesia]]. The Canberras were replaced in 1969 by [[A-4 Skyhawk]]s, (the cheapest of the options considered). In the late 1980s further Skyhawks were obtained from Australia, and under the [[Kahu]] (Falcon) program, the fleet was updated with F-16 radar and avionics, acquiring AIM-9L, AGM-65 Maverick and laser guided bombs. The ageing Vampire fleet was used largely for training and any pretence of maintaining a fighter arm was abandoned when these were replaced by [[BAC Strikemaster]]s in the early 1970s. When in the early 1990s these had to be retired due to serious wing fatigue they were replaced by [[Aermacchi MB-339]]s.


In the immediate post war period, internal communications and transport were maintained by [[No. 42 Squadron RNZAF|42 Squadron]]. [[De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver]], [[De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]] and [[Auster]] types helped explore [[Antarctica]]. A research flight helped develop [[Aerial Topdressing]]. [[No. 5 Squadron RNZAF|5]] and [[No. 6 Squadron RNZAF|6]] squadrons traded their Catalinas for [[Short Sunderland]] MR5s, operating in maritime patrol and search and rescue roles from Hobsonville and Fiji before receiving [[Lockheed Orion]] P3Ks in 1965. Transport aircraft such as the [[Bristol Freighter]], [[De Havilland Devon]], [[Handley Page Hastings]], [[Douglas DC-6]], [[C-130 Hercules]], [[Hawker Siddeley Andover]], [[Boeing 727]] and [[Boeing 757]] operated by [[No. 1 Squadron RNZAF|1]], [[No. 40 Squadron RNZAF|40]], [[No. 41 Squadron RNZAF|41]] and [[No. 42 Squadron RNZAF|42]] Squadrons flew in support of the [[New Zealand Army]] in the [[Vietnam War]], [[Afghanistan war]], the [[Gulf War]]s, as well as several UN missions such as [[UNTAET]]. [[Bell 47]] introduced the helicopter to the RNZAF, and the Bell [[UH-1 Iroquois]] of [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF|3 Squadron]] went to the [[Sinai]] and [[East Timor]], while [[Westland Wasp]] and Kaman [[SH-2 Seasprite]] helicopters were also operated by the squadron. The Naval Support Flight was separated from 3 Squadron to re-form 6 Squadron in October 2005.
In the immediate post war period, internal communications and transport were maintained by [[No. 42 Squadron RNZAF|42 Squadron]]. [[De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver]], [[De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]] and [[Auster]] types helped explore [[Antarctica]]. A research flight helped develop [[Aerial Topdressing]]. [[No. 5 Squadron RNZAF|5]] and [[No. 6 Squadron RNZAF|6]] squadrons traded their Catalinas for [[Short Sunderland]] MR5s, operating in maritime patrol and search and rescue roles from Hobsonville and Fiji before receiving [[Lockheed Orion]] P3Ks in 1965. Transport aircraft such as the [[Bristol Freighter]], [[De Havilland Devon]], [[Handley Page Hastings]], [[Douglas DC-6]], [[C-130 Hercules]], [[Hawker Siddeley Andover]], [[Boeing 727]] and [[Boeing 757]] operated by [[No. 1 Squadron RNZAF|1]], [[No. 40 Squadron RNZAF|40]], [[No. 41 Squadron RNZAF|41]] and [[No. 42 Squadron RNZAF|42]] Squadrons flew in support of the [[New Zealand Army]] in the [[Vietnam War]], [[Afghanistan war]], the [[Gulf War]]s, as well as several UN missions such as [[UNTAET]]. [[Bell 47]] introduced the helicopter to the RNZAF, and the Bell [[UH-1 Iroquois]] of [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF|3 Squadron]] went to the [[Sinai]] and [[East Timor]], while [[Westland Wasp]] and Kaman [[SH-2 Seasprite]] helicopters were also operated by the squadron. The Naval Support Flight was separated from 3 Squadron to re-form 6 Squadron in October 2005.

Revision as of 11:24, 18 April 2006

Template:RNZAF

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is the air force arm of the New Zealand Defence Force. The RNZAF was formed from New Zealand components of the British Royal Air Force, becoming an independent force in 1923. The RNZAF has fought in many campaigns including World War II, Malaysia, Vietnam, The Gulf War and various United Nations peacekeeping missions. Today the RNZAF consists of around 50 aircraft. The present day RNZAF focuses on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army.

The motto of the RNZAF is, like that of the RAF, Per ardua ad astra — "Through hardship to the stars."

History of the RNZAF

Pre-World War I

New Zealand's military aviation began in 1913 when the New Zealand Army was presented with two Bleriot monoplanes by the United Kingdom. These machines were grounded after a young woman was given a joyride; on the outbreak of hostilities, the Bleriots were sent to support British forces in Mesopotamia.

World War I

In the Great War, New Zealand aircrew flew as part of the British Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service.

The government assisted two private schools training pilots for the conflict. The Walsh brothers flying school at Auckland was founded by Vivian and Leo Walsh - pioneers who had made the first controlled flight in New Zealand. From 1915, they used Curtiss flying boats and later machines of their own design and the first two aircraft made by Boeing. The later Canterbury Aviation Company used Caudron landplanes based at Christchurch.

New Zealand pilots serving with British forces saw service in all theatres. Fifteen became aces, the top scorer being Keith Caldwell, with at least 24 victories. Several stayed with the new Royal Air Force after the war, and had attained high rank by the outbreak of World War II. Others returned to New Zealand and, serving part time, provided the nucleus of the NZPAF.

The New Zealand Permanent Air Force

At the close of hostilities, Great Britain offered each of the Dominions a hundred war surplus combat aircraft. New Zealand was last to respond, and least enthusiastic. When the Avro 504s, Bristol F.2 Fighters, and De Havilland Airco DH.4s and Airco DH.9s did reach New Zealand, they were either placed in storage or loaned to the flying schools, barnstormers and nascent commercial operations. Several of the military aircraft were heavily modified; a 504 becoming 3 seat floatplane, a DH-9 acquiring an enclosed passenger cabin.

The importance of aviation in war was belatedly recognised, largely thanks to the efforts of visionary parliamentarian Sir Henry Wigram. In 1923 the New Zealand Permanent Air Force was formed: a part of the Army staffed by 72 pilots with Great War experience. It was equipped initially with the surviving Avro 504K, DH4s DH9s and Bristol Fighters. These operated from an airfield outside Christchurch at Sockburn. In 1926, Wigram donated £2,500 for the purchase of modern fighters, and Gloster Grebes were acquired. Sockburn was later renamed Wigram, a name adopted by the suburb which grew up around the airbase. It is the site of the present New Zealand Air Force Museum.

A trickle of new build Bristol Fighters and other new types joined the NZPAF in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A Lewis gun equipped De Havilland Gipsy Moth float plane took part in naval operations against rebels in Samoa. The NZPAFs first action came in 1930 when the Moth dropped an improvised bomb made out of a treacle tin on to a ship suspected of gun running. The bomb did no damage, fortuitously, as the target turned out to be a local missionary vessel. More creditably, Fairey IIIFs made a dramatic maritime rescue and in the aftermath of the Napier earthquake the NZPAF flew in urgently needed supplies and medical equipment.

Like other western air arms, a major expansion began from the mid 1930s, the NZPAF acquiring more modern British types including significant numbers of Airspeed Oxford, Avro 626, Fairey Gordon, Vickers Vildebeest and Blackburn Baffin, and small numbers of other types. The NZPAF was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1934, and became an independent service in 1937.

World War II

World War II in Europe

On the outbreak of World War II, the primary equipment of the RNZAF was 30 Vickers Wellington bombers, which the New Zealand government had offered to the United Kingdom in August 1939, together with the crews to fly them. Many other New Zealanders were serving in the RAF. The primary role of the RNZAF was to take advantage of New Zealand's distance from the conflict by training aircrew, as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, alongside the other major former British colonies, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. For this task large numbers of De Havilland Tiger Moth, Airspeed Oxford and North American Harvard were manufactured or assembled locally, and second-hand biplanes acquired such as Hawker Hind and Vickers Vincents, as well as other types for specialised training such as Avro Anson and Supermarine Walrus. Only when German surface raiders became active was it realised a combat force would be needed in New Zealand in addition to the trainers.

New Zealand Squadrons of the RAF

Once trained the majority of RNZAF aircrew served with ordinary units of the RAF, or Fleet Air Arm. As with World War I they served in all theatres. At least 78 became aces. Amongst the New Zealanders in the RNZAF were pilots such as the first allied ace, Flying Officer Cobber Kain and leaders such as World War I ace, Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, who commanded 11 Group in the Battle of Britain, the air defence of Malta and in the closing stages of the war, the RAF in South East Asia. Through accident or design, several of these RAF units came to be mostly manned by RNZAF pilots (for example 243 squadron in Singapore, 258 Squadron in the UK and several Wildcat and Hellcat units of the FAA - leading several texts to claim these types of aircraft were used by the RNZAF).

Some squadrons within the Royal Air Force were deliberately set aside for pilots from a particular country.

The first of these was 75 Squadron, formed by the Wellingtons and pilots lent by New Zealand in August 1939, and later Short Stirlings, Avro Lancasters and Avro Lincolns. Later New Zealand squadrons were 485, Supermarine Spitfires 486, Hawker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoons and Hawker Tempests, 487, Lockheed Venturas and De Havilland Mosquitoes 488, Brewster Buffaloes, Hawker Hurricanes, Bristol Beaufighters and De Havilland Mosquitoes 489, Bristol Blenheims, Bristol Beauforts, Handley Page Hampdens, Bristol Beaufighters, and De Havilland Mosquitoes and 490, Consolidated Catalinas and Short Sunderlands.

The RNZAF in the Pacific

The presence of German raiders lead to the formation of New Zealand based combat units - initially rearming types like the Vildebeest, and hurriedly converting impressed airliners such as the DH86 to carry bombs. Lockheed Hudsons were obtained early in 1941 to take over this role.

In December 1941 Japan attacked and rapidly conquered much of the area to the north of New Zealand, and it became imperative that New Zealand start building up its own defence rather than simply help the "mother country". Trainers in New Zealand such as the North American Harvard and Hawker Hind were camouflaged and armed. The Hudsons moved forward to Fiji and together with 5 Squadron with its obsolete Short Singapore flying boats commenced operations against the Japanese. A submarine launched Japanese float plane overflew Wellington and Auckland - where it was chased ineffectually by a Tiger Moth. As few combat capable aircraft were available at home, and Britain was unable to help, so New Zealand turned to the United States and signed a lend-lease agreement. Gradually at first, America was able to supply New Zealand with aircraft for use in the Pacific Theatre.

The early lend-lease aircraft were obsolete and incapable of holding their own against the highly skilled and well-equipped Japanese air forces, but nothing else was available and the RNZAF flew with the tools they had to hand, notably at Guadalcanal where No 15 and No 14 squadrons equipped with Kittyhawks, fought with distinction in mid-1943. Other squadrons flew the elderly but effective Douglas Dauntless and later, the big, modern Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber.

The RNZAF took on a major part of the maritime reconnaissance task too, with Catalina (and later Sunderland) flying boats and Lockheed Hudson bombers.

The role of the RNZAF changed as the allies moved off the defensive. The Americans, leaders of the Allied nations in the Pacific, planned to bypass major Japanese strongholds, but instead captured a handful of island bases to provide a supply chain for an eventual attack on Japan itself. The Allied advance started from the South Pacific. The RNZAF was part of the force tasked with securing the line of advance by incapacitating the bypassed Japanese strongholds.

As the war progressed, the older types were replaced with more powerful modern aircraft: the Kittyhawks gave way to Corsairs and the Hudsons to Venturas. At its peak in the Pacific, the RNZAF had 13 squadrons of Corsair fighters, six of Venturas, two each of Catalinas and Avengers, No 25 Dauntless dive bombers, two of C-47 Dakotas, as well as mixed transport and communications squadrons, a flight of Short Sunderlands and nearly 1000 training machines. Worldwide the RNZAF had over 41,000 personnel.

Postwar RNZAF

In the post war period the RNZAF dealt progressively with demobilisation and disposal of its large obsolete fleet, rearmament to support the cold war, some loss of training opportunities with the American suspension of ANZUS Treaty obligations in protest at New Zealand becoming a nuclear free zone, social changes which saw women become combat pilots, and most recently loss of fast jets as part of the continuing funding cuts, that have seen the air force decline from over a thousand aircraft to just fifty.

Following WWII, 14 Squadron was sent to Japan as part of the occupation J-Force. The rest of the air force rapidly divested itself of aircraft and manpower and settled mainly into training and transport mode before the advent of rejuvenated 14 and 75 squadrons. The first Gloster Meteor arrived in 1945, introducing the jet age. The force was equipped from 1946 with De Havilland Mosquito before the arrival of De Havilland Vampire which were used in peacekeeping in Cyprus, De Havilland Venoms and English Electric Canberras which saw action in the Malayan Emergency and subsequent confrontation with Indonesia. The Canberras were replaced in 1969 by A-4 Skyhawks, (the cheapest of the options considered). In the late 1980s further Skyhawks were obtained from Australia, and under the Kahu (Falcon) program, the fleet was updated with F-16 radar and avionics, acquiring AIM-9L, AGM-65 Maverick and laser guided bombs. The ageing Vampire fleet was used largely for training and any pretence of maintaining a fighter arm was abandoned when these were replaced by BAC Strikemasters in the early 1970s. When in the early 1990s these had to be retired due to serious wing fatigue they were replaced by Aermacchi MB-339s.

In the immediate post war period, internal communications and transport were maintained by 42 Squadron. De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter and Auster types helped explore Antarctica. A research flight helped develop Aerial Topdressing. 5 and 6 squadrons traded their Catalinas for Short Sunderland MR5s, operating in maritime patrol and search and rescue roles from Hobsonville and Fiji before receiving Lockheed Orion P3Ks in 1965. Transport aircraft such as the Bristol Freighter, De Havilland Devon, Handley Page Hastings, Douglas DC-6, C-130 Hercules, Hawker Siddeley Andover, Boeing 727 and Boeing 757 operated by 1, 40, 41 and 42 Squadrons flew in support of the New Zealand Army in the Vietnam War, Afghanistan war, the Gulf Wars, as well as several UN missions such as UNTAET. Bell 47 introduced the helicopter to the RNZAF, and the Bell UH-1 Iroquois of 3 Squadron went to the Sinai and East Timor, while Westland Wasp and Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopters were also operated by the squadron. The Naval Support Flight was separated from 3 Squadron to re-form 6 Squadron in October 2005.

21st century

In 2001 the Labour Government, citing a benign security environment, cancelled the purchase of 28 Block 15 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters, and disbanded the existing A-4 Skyhawk and Aermacchi MB-339 squadrons. One of the units disbanded included the famous No. 75 Squadron, an ex New Zealand squadron unit in the Royal Air Force that transferred to the RNZAF due to that unit's meritorious service during World War II and last flew A-4 Skyhawk fighter bombers. The other disbanded squadrons were No. 2 Squadron flying A-4 Skyhawks and No. 14 Squadron flying Aermacchi MB-339CB aircraft.

File:NZ Seasprite.jpg
A Seasprite of No. 6 Squadron RNZAF


By 2003, the RNZAF was reduced to a total of 50 aircraft and 2,523 personnel (including civilian employees). The RNZAF no longer has any strike capability. Current duties include maritime patrol, search and rescue, and transport.

In 2005 The New Zealand Ministry of Defence selected the NH90 helicopter to replace the RNZAF's ageing fleet of 14 UH-1H Iroquois helicopters. The NZ government allocated NZ$550 million for the replacement of the Iroquois and the RNZAF's small fleet of Bell 47 Sioux training helicopters. In late 2005, the NZ government announced the surviving A4K Skyhawks and MB339Cs, (17 aircraft of each type each, not counting A4s in museums), were to be sold to an American company, Tactical Air Systems, for use in jet training, subject to the usual US governmental approvals. Tactical Air Systems announced RNZAF colour schemes would be preserved, "out of respect for the history and traditions of the RNZAF".

Victoria Crosses

Lloyd Trigg 1914-1943. On the recommendation of U-Boat survivors, Trigg was awarded the VC for continuing to attack their submarine until it sank, even after his Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber was engulfed in flames.

Leonard Trent 1915-86. For inspiring 487 Squadron to persist in an attack deemed vital until all of its Lockheed Venturas were shot down. Trent became a prisoner of war and later took part in the Great Escape.

James Allen Ward 1919-41 For climbing on the wing of his 75 Squadron Vickers Wellington bomber AA-R to smother a fire in flight. Ward was shot down and killed in a raid on Hamburg two months later.

RNZAF bases

Current strength

Aircraft

File:RNZAF Orion.jpg
A P-3K Orion maritime patrol aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force in an early colour scheme
  • Six P-3K Orions are operated in the maritime patrol mission. Five were originally delivered in 1966 as P-3Bs. Another was purchased from the RAAF in 1985, following which all were upgraded to their current standard.
  • Five SH-2G(NZ) Seasprites were purchased in 1997 for operation from the RNZN's new Anzac class frigates. Although these are navy aircraft, they are operated and maintained by the RNZAF.
  • Three Beech Kingair B200 were leased by the RNZAF in 1998, with a further two leased in 2000. These are used in the multi-engined training role.
  • Two Boeing 757-200s are operated in the fast air transport role.
  • Five C-130H Hercules are operated in the air transport role. Three were delivered in 1966, with a further two in 1969.
  • The UH-1H Iroquois is currently the most numerous operational aircraft in the RNZAF inventory, with 14 units in service.
  • 13 Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Airtrainers were leased by the RNZAF in 1998 to serve as the air force's basic flying trainer.
  • Five Bell 47 Sioux are in service as basic helicopter trainers.

Squadrons

Symbols, flags and emblems

The RNZAF Roundel is based on that of the British Royal Air Force, with the central circle replaced by a Kiwi, a symbol of New Zealand
File:Royal-NZ-Air-Force-Ensign.svg
Ensign of the RNZAF

The RNZAF ensign was approved in 1939, based on the ensign of the Royal Air Force, with the letters "NZ" inserted within the roundel.

Until the 1950s NZPAF and RNZAF aircraft flew with Royal Air Force roundels; sometimes only the "NZ" prefix to the serial number revealed it's nationality within the Commonwealth. A white kiwi or silver fern on a black background, or a New Zealand flag frequently appeared on RNZAF aircraft, (but also on RAF aircraft with NZ aircrew). Map outlines of New Zealand, with a Kiwi superimposed, appeared on the tails of Canberras flown from Singapore in the Malayan Emergency. From the mid 1950s RNZAF roundels were at first modified by placing a silver fern frond within the inner red circle. The Kiwi roundel was only adopted at the end of the 1960s. To assist camouflage in the 1980s the white was sometimes eliminated, providing a red kiwi within a blue circle (e.g. on Hercules, Aermacchis and Skyhawks). The kiwi roundel is now frequently a black circle around a black kiwi (Hercules, Iroqouis) or two tone grey (Orion, Sea Sprite).

See also

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