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Post by spitfire14 on Apr 20, 2016 10:33:26 GMT 12
I have been thinking a lot recently about the Temora Aviation MUseum's gorgeous Mk VIII Spitfire 'Grey Nurse' (without trying to start an argument, possibly my favourite out of all today's flying Spitfires- love the paint scheme, sleek, fast, powerful...looks good, sounds good), and with ANZAC Day fast approaching, a question entered my mind- does anyone know if any New Zealand pilots were called upon to help the RAAF in their hour of need in the defence of Darwin? I'm thinking along the same lines as hour the Empire Air Training Scheme saw New Zealand pilots serving in the Battle of Britain, Africa etc.
Cheers,
Nick.
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Post by davidd on Apr 21, 2016 11:13:23 GMT 12
Nick,
Not that I am aware of, but you never know 100%. However highly unlikely in my opinion, as this would have made good propaganda in WW2 New Zealand at the time, a great ANZAC all-for-one and one-for-all story. More likely (but still remote) that there could have been a New Zealand-born naturalised Australian on strength of one of these squadrons.
David D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 21, 2016 15:36:21 GMT 12
Three Spitfire squadrons were moved from Britain to defend Darwin and the top end of Aussie, No's 452 and 457 Squadrons RAAF, and No. 54 Squadron RAF. Now, the members of these squadrons were not all Australians, and apparently several British, Empire and Free European pilots were serving with No. 54 Squadron, so perhaps there were kiwis among these units when they made the move down to Aussie with their "Capstans" (Aussie code for Spitfire!)
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