Wartime NZ Squadrons With The RAF

[11SQNLDR]

I'm hoping for some clarity on a debate i'm having with a Canadian chappy.

Under the establishment of the Article XV squadrons were No's 485, 486, 487, 488, 489 & 490 Squadrons formally part of the RAF or the RNZAF? As far as i know they were operationally controlled by the RAF & all operational costs were met by the RAF & not the RNZAF.

I've seen (for example) No.485 (NZ) Sqn but is No.485 Sqn RNZAF the correct terminology?

I know the Squadron Crests were very 'Kiwi like' & had 'Royal New Zealand Airforce' on them.

Wiki page attached for reference. This shows (if it is to be believed) that the Aussies & Canucks certainly had RAAF & RCAF after theirs but our 6 Sqn's did not

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_XV_squadrons

Any clarity would be appreciated

[errolmartyn]

Under Article XV of the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) it was agreed that each Dominion’s contribution should be recognised by squadrons of its own air force in the field. Those formed for New Zealand were 485, 486, 487, 488, 489 and 490 Sqns, RNZAF. As far as possible air and ground crew were drawn from RNZAF sources, with RAF (or other Dominion air force) personnel making up the difference. Although their respective badges include the wording ‘Royal New Zealand Air Force’ each squadron’s administration, equipment issue and operational control were entirely an RAF responsibility. While technically incorrect, they were often informally (and more appropriately) referred to as 485 (NZ) Squadron, RAF, etc, but the only squadron officially entitled to this form of nomenclature is 75 (NZ) Squadron, RAF.

Errol