AVM Leonard Isitt's visit to our RAF Squadrons 70 Years Ago

[Dave Homewood]

This article appeared in the Evening post dated 4th of July 1944. It's interesting to see a Chief of Air Staff of the RNZAF making a tour of our British-based squadrons, he must have been the first to do so. Are there any photos of his tour of the squadrons?

VISITS BY AIR VICE-MARSHAL ISITT
(Special P.A. Correspondent.)

LONDON, July 3. Visits to five New Zealand squadrons in Britain have been paid by Air Vice-Marshal L. M. Isitt, Chief of the New Zealand Air Staff, accompanied by Air Commodore E. G. Olson, D.S.O. They learnt at first hand about the New Zealand Tempest Squadron patrolling and hunting for flying bombs, and saw the score-board, which shows that practically every member of the squadron has shot down at least one bomb.

From the Mosquito bomber squadron they heard that the New Zealanders have been attacking communication's behind the German lines in France ever since D Day, and from the Mosquito night-fighter squadron they learnt that it has shot down nine more enemy planes over France since the invasion started, bringing the squadron's total score to 29.

From the New Zealand Lancaster squadron they heard a first-hand account of attacks on flying-bomb bases, and from the New Zealand Beaufighter torpedo-bomber squadron they were told of attacks made against Eboats and shipping off the Dutch coast. They had hoped to see the New Zealand Spitfire Squadron, but it was on patrol over the battle area.

While visiting the Tempest squadron, Air Vice-Marshal Isitt and Air Commodore Olson heard a flying-bomb rumble overhead above the clouds, being chased by fighters. The Tempest squadron has received congratulations from Air Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Allied Air Commander-in-Chief -on the Western Front, and Air Marshal Sir Roderick Hill.

[fwx]

I can't spot a visit by Isitt in the 75 (NZ) Sqdn ORB's around that time, but I may have missed it. A visit by Mrs Fraser, wife of the NZ Prime Minister is recorded on 30th May 44, also accompanied by Olson.

Isitt had visited the Sqdn before, on 7 August 1942, when it was based at Feltwell, just a few days before moving to Mildenhall:

"Visit of Air Commodore Isitt, Wing Commander Freeman DSO, DFC and bar, and the New Zealand Minister in Washington, the Hon. Mr Walter Nash. A group photograph of visitors and Squadron aircrew was taken".

At that time, Isitt was officer commanding RNZAF Headquarters in London, which he had set up earlier that year, and the 1942 visits to RAF stations were actually a part of his 'training' for the role of CAS. Isitt had been identified for this role some time before, until then filled by RAF personnel, but it was decided that he needed more experience. He was posted to Canada (where he was involved in the BCATP), USA (where he worked with Nash), and then England.

On his way back he apparently also visited RNZAF units in the Pacific.

Cheers, Chris

[nuuumannn]

At that time, Isitt was officer commanding RNZAF Headquarters in London, which he had set up earlier that year, and the 1942 visits to RAF stations were actually a part of his 'training' for the role of CAS.

He also visited a number of other fields around the UK where new Zealanders were based, the one that springs to my mind is RAF East Fortune on 5 October 1942, where Kiwis and other foreign aircrews were sent for night fighter training with 60 OTU. Isitt went along with newly appointed Secretary of State for Air T.A. Barrow, who was visiting the UK at the time.

[errolmartyn]

Jul 5, 2014 14:39:36 GMT 12 nuuumannn said:

Isitt went along with newly appointed Secretary of State for Air T.A. Barrow, who was visiting the UK at the time.

Grant,

You have elevated Tom Barrow's status just a little! He was actually Air Secretary for New Zealand's Air Department, an appointment made with effect of 1 April 1937.

Errol

[nuuumannn]

Oh dear! I'm sure his relatives will be pleased by this retrospective elevation in status! I got the quote from the East Fortune ORB, so they probably mis-understood his official title when writing the entry. Note to self, check official titles in future...

[davidd]

I have some notes somewhere on Isitt's return to NZ from the USA in about July 1944. From memory he was to have got himself to Hawaii (possibly aboard one of our PB2B-1s, on its delivery flight from San Diego), then intended to act as second pilot on one of our new PV-1s on its ferry flight from Oahu to NZ. Again from memory this plan fell through due to some delay with the Ventura, and he came home in a PB2B-1, at least as far as Fiji. Must look it up and get the REAL story some time.
David D

Special Note; See a little further down this thread; in fact Isitt flew from Palmyra onwards to NZ in a PV-1, although previously he had been travelling south westwards in a PB2B-1.

[Dave Homewood]

Did the Pacific Ferry Flight usually provide a second pilot for the PV-1 Ventura transits? I have not heard of second pilots onboard them before. Was the term 'second pilot' here just because he was planning to get a ride and have a bit of a jolly in then pilot's seat on the way?

[davidd]

Dave H;
The first batch of nine PV-1s all carried second pilots, but there was a problem. Most had never flown Hudsons before, and some not even multis! Some like Arthur Manz had only flown Vildebeests! As some dual converison sets were supposed to be available at NAS Oahu, and it was thought that the ferry captains could do with some assistance, the second pilot idea was approved. Unfortunately various minor problems cropped up with this plan, and the result was that none of the second pilots managed to get any dual at all, so mostly acted simply as observers of the captain doing all the flying! As there was little opportunity for "hands on" experience on the actual ferry flight (apart from some "straight and level" stuff), the second pilots profited little, although by all accounts they had a great time at Pearl Harbour, etc, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This first ferry experience caused a re-think of the 2nd pilot scheme, and decision was made to dispense with their services on all subsequent trips; flight mechanics (normal tradesmen) were allocated instead. It was thought that the captain was perfectly capable of actually flying the PV-1s solo, but as service pilots seem to have been considered somewhat unreliable in keeping a close eye on engine operations and fuel consumption performances, the decision was made to employ tradesmen to undertake this side of the operation (maintaining engine performance logs, thus relieving captain of this onerous task), with the added bonus that they could also complete minor adjustments on engines, etc en route, as some of the intermediate stops had little in the way of technical assistance. These flight mechanics were apparently carried by all subsequent ferry flights from Hawaii, although despite my best efforts to date, their names remain obscure. As for Isitt being a "second pilot", this was just an honorary ploy I think; although probably "retired" from active flying by 1944, he would still have enjoyed being in the front office for the trip. He was certainly initially listed as second pilot for his Catalina flight, although his previous flying boat experience was on the Cutty Sark and Fairey IIIF! Generally PV-1s were NOT equipped with full dual controls, although sets were available when required. The co-pilot's folding seat and rudder pedals made access to the bow compartment quite challenging apparently.
David D

Special note! In fact Isitt was NEVER listed as a second pilot during either PB2B-1 or PV-1 deliveries.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks very much for this info David. Interesting stuff.

[davidd]

Have now located the information on AVM Isitt's trans-Pacific trip.

A group of four RNZAF PB2B-1 ferry crews departed NZ early in July 1944 to pick up four new 'boats at San Diego and ferry them to Fiji (these were the future NZ4043 to 4046). This group was under F/L W T (Bill) Eiby, and a special duty befell this man, as he was also required to bring AVM L M Isitt from the USA to Fiji. The First crew (No. 1, F/L Eiby) departed Whenuapai by RNZAF transport on 7th July, with remaining crews departing at two day intervals. No. 1 crew arrived at San Diego on 11/7/44, with remaining three arriving on the 15th. No. 1 crew took over the first aircraft available (Buaer 73056, later NZ4046) and it was anticipated that this aircraft would depart for Hawaii on the 22nd, although this was soon brought forward to the 21st. The CAS (Isitt) arrived at San Diego on the the 20th, but just prior to departure the following day, this aircraft developed a serious fuel leak, forcing a postponment. The following day, after repair of the offending fuel tank, all excess equipment was removed and aircraft was test flown, then following reloading, refuelling, etc, it departed that night for Hawaii. (These long ferry trips were often made in the cool and calm of the night, to permit daytime takes offs and alightings). "After a routine trip, they (the crew) arrived at Lauthala Bay on 28/7/44. Owing to this crew being unable to reach Fiji by 27/7, the CAS proceeded from Palmyra by PV-1 (captain F/L G P Keller)". Reason for Isitt's great hurry not mentioned. The text of a message dated 27/7/44 (transmitted by Joint Army-Navy Communications Center, Palmyra, to RDO Kanehoe), stated "PB2B IV218 (radio call-sign) here top side, Air Vice Marshal Isitt aboard." As an aside, this must have the very last RNZAF PV-1 delivery.
Source of this information: Air File 131/19/5, Organisation - Ferry Flights - Catalina deliveries.

David D

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks David. Good stuff.

[davidd]

One more point on Isitt's purported (by me!) duty as a second pilot on PV-1 delivery. Although he was not officially a second pilot, just a passenger, the PV-1 was a fairly spartan aircraft with very few available seats, and the most likely one to have been used by Isitt would have been the co-pilot seat. This was a simple fold down job located at the top of the "stairs" which descend into the observers' compartment (also known as the bow compartment). The only other available seats were the navigators secondary seat (also a fold-away type) in the main cabin next to the large chart table, and the two gunnery positions. Which would you choose?
David D

[fwx]

Isitt's 1944 visit to 75 (NZ) Squadron is mentioned in Ron Mayhill's "Bombs On Target" (p.66), putting it at 3 July 1944, the same date that it was reported above.

[Dave Homewood]

I still need to find a copy of Ron's book. I've met him on several occasions and he's always very interesting to listen to when he talks about his wartime experiences so I am sure his book must be very good. The copies I have seen around are so expensive though!

[fwx]

I just got mine from a bookseller in the UK, via Abe's Books, ex-library copy in OK condition, cost me $20.

I first read another library copy when I started out on this stuff 2 years ago, and now I'm re-reading it through fresh eyes.

I think it's the best book on 75 (NZ) Sqdn that I've read so far; matter-of-fact, but so much operational and day-to-day detail, which I understand and appreciate even more now. He also gives you a great feel for the social life, slang and attitudes of the Kiwi Bomber boys.

Having heard Ron talk just recently at the MoTaT Lancaster service, and knowing of his continuing involvement in the NZBCA, I think he is a very impressive guy.

Cheers,
Chris

[Dave Homewood]

He certainly is. I had the privilege to sit and chat with him and Arthur Joplin (No. 617 Squadron pilot) with Peter Wheeler last year, and it was amazing to hear the stories and banter coming out. Much respect. I should release that recording some day.

[fwx]

Belated update - AVM Leonard Isitt's 1944 visit to 75 (NZ) Squadron at RAF Mepal is recorded in the Mepal Station Log - (Thursday) 29th of June 1944. He "lunched in the Officer's Mess and spent some time with the New Zealand personnel before returning to London".