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Post by alanw on Jun 2, 2008 3:05:11 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 2, 2008 13:33:59 GMT 12
Is there a specific descrepancy in mind?
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Post by alanw on Jun 2, 2008 15:01:38 GMT 12
Hi Dave
It's regarding a model making query.
A modeler on Brit modeller forum wants to build a F4U-1 Corsair
of the RNZAF, the aircraft in mention is NZ 5255.
NZ serials state that the a/c in question was issued to both
15 and 21 sqns respectivly between may/july 1944, before
being lost in action
According to the modeller the Ventura decals state the a/c
in question was with 18 sqn.
Whom do we believe is the correct version
Any help would be appreciated
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 2, 2008 15:48:56 GMT 12
The adf.serials site often does not have the full history, just what Ivan managed to piece together. I have filled in a few blanks over the years for him. Ivan is no longer running the site by the way and I think adf.serials in Aussie has appointed someone else to take charge now.
I would think though that by and large Ivan's info will be correct, but as I say sometimes with gaps in the history.
As for the aircraft being issued to those squadrons, in fact it would not have been quite that way. It would have been issued to a Servicing Unit, and those squadrons would have then used it. RNZAF operational squadrons stopped being issued aircraft in mid-1943 although No. 3 Squadron seems to have gone on for longer with their own aircraft. That way a squadron (aircrew only) could be rotated in and out of the combat zone with three months service in the hot area, whereas the SU would do up to a year's tour in the combat area. The ground crew were not deemed to be in as much danger of stress and burn out as the aircrews.
So NZ5255 would have been with a SU and probably used by all three squadrons.
Take for example that famous P-40 NZ3072 Wairarapa Wildcat, that aircraft was operated in a short period in combat by No.'s 14, 15 and 16 Squadrons, and various pilots shot down enamy aircraft with it.
With the Venturas, No. 1 Squadron took its Venturas to Guadalcanal and handed them to No. 10 SU to service and maintain. When No. 1 BR Sqn came home, they came by Dakota and left the aircraft for the next squadron to use, No. 2 BR Sqn.
Also at Whenuapai No. 1 BR Sqn and No. 9 BR Sqn both used the same aircraft from one SU for a time. It was a pool of servicable aircraft.
So in your case, I think both are probably right.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 2, 2008 15:58:46 GMT 12
To add more to this, some Squadrons were divided into a Squadron (aircew) and Servicing Unit (groundcrew) but deliberately kept together at home and in combat due to their specialist nature. This included No. 25 Sqn and No. 25 SU who operated the Dauntless - they were the only ones that did so for any length of time so they served together. There was also No. 30 Sqn and No. 30 SU which operated the Avengers, they stayed together all the way through 30 Sqn's tour, and then when 30 Sqn returned home some of the men for 30 SU stayed on to look after the other Avenger Squadron, No. 31 Sqn. Others from No. 30 SU transferred to No. 2 SU and went onto Corsairs to complete their year long tour.
It's a complicated business, and there was no set date that all squadrons split into Sqn and SU. It happened over a period of time, squadron by squadron, and it all got a little confusing and mixed up.
The RAF system of having a rigger and fitter and armourer attached to your particular aircraft went out the window in most squadrons when the SU system came in. The pilots just signed out a serviceable aircraft from an SU, much like they do these days - ie no personal aircraft (unless you had some sort of rank privilege).
Totally confused yet?
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Post by alanw on Jun 2, 2008 16:01:01 GMT 12
Hi Dave
Thanks for that you're a legend ;D ;D ;D
Oh! Forgot to mention a gentleman and a scholar!!!
Really appreciate the info, I will pass it on to the modeler in question
Regards
Alan
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