RNZAF Sunderland MR5 (A) Designation

[alanw]

Hi All

Question was posed to me just recently from a Finnish
gent involved with Air Britain Books/Magazine.

The question posed, "Were the RNZAF MR5's ever
designated MR5A's"?

To my knowledge NO.

None of my books written in New Zealand and by
New Zealanders especially the "The Golden Age of New Zealand Flying Boats", mentions anything of the sort.

I have never seen it in any "Official" RNZAF litrature.

I don't ever recall my father referring to the Sunderlands
as MR5A' either.

My personal thoughts are, that it was some person(s) at
some point in time overseas somewhere, decided that due
to the difference in radio system (Marconi) and naviagtional/radar
modified to New Zealand standards, the RNZAF MR5's were
now MR5A's.

Interestingly none of my books/magazines written by overseas
authors make no mention of the designation MR5A

Any thoughts from the Excellent Forum Brain Trust?

Thanks

Alan

[Dave Homewood]

Maybe some kiwi told a foreigner they were designated the "MR5, eh"?

[alanw]

Nov 12, 2012 8:17:26 GMT 12 Dave Homewood said:

Maybe some kiwi told a foreigner they were designated the "MR5, eh"?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Hi Dave

That's excellent!!!

[davidd]

A new one on me too! It has also been pointed out (by Brian Lockstone I think it was) that the RNZAF did not normally use the "MR" prefix to the local Sunderland mark number, and generally referred to them simply as Sunderland Mk. 5s, in contradiction to RAF practice, and despite the fact that RNZAF had adopted the "MR" designation for the squadron's role in the unit title. Incidentally the "FB" (Fighter Bomber) prefix used on Vampire FB. 5s in RNZAF service likewise seemed to be not applied to our earlier MK. 52, despite the obvious similarity of the two types.
The definitive "bible" on the RNZAF's Sunderland MK. 5s would be the special RNZAF engineering supplement to AP 1566 (which describes all the non-standard items fitted to our aircraft as compared to standard RAF model), but to best of my knowledge no strange designation such as "Mk.5A" appears in this volume either - I would guess that this new designation is a latter day invention, and unless any authorative source for this can be quoted it is best ignored for all practical purposes. Dave H's explantion sounds pretty good to me!
David D

[alanw]

Hi Dave/David D

Just in this morning.

An interesting turn of events, I received an E-mail
from a gent in the UK who visited MOTAT here in Auckland
earlier this year.
During his visit he saw what he described
as an "Official" looking piece of paper with the term
MR5A on it, in reference to the changes in the equipment
(ie radio equipment etc).
He asked one of the volunteers who (apparently
was ex RNZAF - Hobby) who said it may be due to the
afore mentioned changes?

On this I have sent an E-mail to the RNZAF museum,
(Barf/Nathan) to see if they can shed any light on it.

Be interesting to see what (if any) turns up.

Regards

Alan