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Post by sqwark2k on Nov 7, 2008 10:24:03 GMT 12
G'day everyone,
As a member of No.18 (Avon) Sqn, ATC, I only recently discovered that the RNZAF had a 18 Sqn in the pacific during WWII. Operating Kittyhawks and Corsairs.
I found some info at the NZFP museum in Wanaka, but we at the ATC squadron would like to know if a Squadron crest was issued the unit and if anyone had an image of it.
we are looking to link the RNZAF sqn to our ATC sqn as a sqn logo, maybe involving the crest and or Corsair/Kittyhawk aircraft.
Any info can be posted here or emailed to craig.walecki@18squadronatc.com
Cheers for your help
Craig Walecki
FLTLT (NZCF)
18 SQN ADJ
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2008 16:19:23 GMT 12
Hi Craig,
I'm not aware of any official crest being created for the squadron but that doesn't mean there wasn't an unofficial one. The RNZAF Museum at Wigram should be able to assist with any info on the squadron.
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Post by sqwark2k on Nov 9, 2008 16:16:58 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, one of our Parent Support Committee members is involved with the museum and he can find crests for 17 and 19 Sqn's but not 18, thought you'd be the man Dave??
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 9, 2008 16:59:38 GMT 12
I will keep my ear to the ground. If I find one I'll let you know.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Nov 10, 2008 9:06:01 GMT 12
No. 18 fighter squadron Formed June 1943; disbanded October 1945. Aircraft: Kittyhawks, 1943–44; Corsairs, 1944–45. Commanding Officers Squadron Leader J. A. Oldfield Jane 1943–March 1944 Squadron Leader R. H. Balfour May–July 1944 Squadron Leader P. R. McNab August–November 1944 Squadron Leader G. H. Corbet November 1944–April 1945 Squadron Leader W. A. Hardman May–September 1945 Tours of Duty New Zealand June–September 1943 Santo September–October 1943 January 1944 August–September 1944 New Georgia October–November 1943 Guadalcanal May–June 1944 September–November 1944 January–February 1945 Bougainville January–March 1944 June–July 1944 February–April 1945 June–October 1945 Green Island November–December 1944 www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2AirF-b1.htmlCan't find an 18 SQN RNZAF crest either, despite looking up heraldry sites. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 10, 2008 9:35:54 GMT 12
Craig, I'd be interested to know what was depicted on the No. 17 and 19 Squadron crests, and their mottos. Were these officially recognised crests (ie signed off by the King) or just unofficial?
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Post by sqwark2k on Nov 10, 2008 13:08:36 GMT 12
I check with my source...
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Post by baz62 on Nov 11, 2008 15:53:23 GMT 12
Hi Craig
Good to see 18 squadron is still going. My brother and I were with 18 from 77 to 80 (although my brother left to help form 38 Squadron). Do you still parade at Wigram?
Cheers
Barry Tod
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Post by sqwark2k on Nov 12, 2008 15:27:56 GMT 12
Dave, according to my source, the archives at the RNZAF Museum haven't anything for 17,18 or 19 Sqns except for some sketches etc, but 20SQN has something that we are getting a copy of to look at adapting something for what 18 might've had in the day.
Barry,
Yes, 18 (AVON) SQN is still parading at Wigram, however now based in the Cadet Trust Building behind 3 hangar. Parades are on the apron area in front of 2 hangar. The Sqn is going through a bit of a resurgence at the moment, with Officer numbers up 300% in the last year and we're hoping to translate that to more cadets in 09. Currently have 38 cadets on the roll.
38 about the same as 18 and 17Sqn still the largest unit in the country with over 100 cadets.
Come down and visit the unit any Tues during the school term. Final Parade for 18 is Tues 9th Dec 1900hrs. Reviewing Officer LTCDR Knaapen, Ass Commandant NZCF.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 13, 2008 14:59:27 GMT 12
"Officer numbers up 300% in the last year and we're hoping to translate that to more cadets in 09."
Are you planning to bust a few back down to the bottom? ;D
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Post by sqwark2k on Nov 14, 2008 14:51:23 GMT 12
Hell no, we just got these officers, no way we're gonna bust anyone.... with a larger staff, we should be able to concentrate on core areas which will hopefully lead to better planned/organised activities which will encourage cadets to join and/or stay.... It's hard work with just 2, but with 7!!
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chook
Flying Officer
Posts: 63
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Post by chook on Jun 14, 2009 20:13:08 GMT 12
Hi Craig, My Father was a member of 18 (F) SQN for three tours (2 x P40 & 1 x Corsair) He has a bit of memorabilia but no crest. He can't remember a crest either but there are a few (very few) of his old mates I will ask. They will be interested to know 18 is still going! Cheers Rob
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Post by sqwark2k on Jun 20, 2009 17:01:57 GMT 12
Hi Rob, thanks for that, anything you find that we could use would be appreciated. We are trying to come up with a Sqn badge that reflects 18's past and present, so any images that were used by 18 RNZAF that could be continued with 18 NZCF would be superb.
Cheers
Craig
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