No. 14 Squadron RNZAF Mosquitoes?

[Dave Homewood]

According to an article in RNZAF News that was published in April 1992 to mark the 50th anniversary of No. 14 Squadron RNZAF, this squadron apparently flew Mosquitoes though 1949.

They had returned from Japan in 1948 where their Corsairs were burned, and in 1949 they had Mossies. Then in 1950 they re-equiped with Oxfords (that must have been a comedown!).

So, why have I not read this anywhere else? or is my memory playing tricks and this is common knowledge?

I thought that only No. 75 Squadron flew the Mosquito in NZ, and that only a third or so of those bought were used in service. But if both 14 and 75 were flying them, than surely more were used than many books make out?

They even had the Mossie on the poster for the 50th Reunion (along with all the other types the Sqn used, including a Meteor which i assume was used in Cyprus or Singapore?)

[Dave Homewood]

Well, I have just learned that No. 14 Squadron operated four trainer Mosquitoes and acted as an Operational Conversion Unit to No. 75 Squadron during 1949 (just like they did in the early 1970's with the T-bird Skyhawks I guess).

You learn something every day.

I wonder if they were marked up with 14 Squadron crests or anything to distinguish them from the 75 Sqn mob?

[agalbraith]

Hi Dave

I am sure I once read or heard that the ones coded in the later letters like 'Y' or 'Z' were the 14sqn ones and the 'A', 'B', 'C'.........etc in the earlier letters were 75sqn. But others may know more, however both had 'YC' so I dont know how that worked? Maybe they were loaned from 75 and were serviced by them also until they got Oxfords??

Anyway, thats what I have heard on a couple of ocasions for what it is worth.

Good question though

Anthony

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks