How many New Zealand aircrew served in Europe?

[apteryx]

Hi

I'd be grateful if anyone could point me to an authoritative reference for how many New Zealand aircrew served in Europe in WW2, and how many did not return. I have c. 11,000 and c. 3,300 respectively from various sources.

There are variations depending on whether you're talking about air force personnel or strictly aircrew, and whether you're counting served in Europe or served in the RAF, though there may not be much difference.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks.

[Andy Wright]

Hi apteryx

Max Lambert's Night After Night quotes 1850 New Zealanders were killed while flying with Bomber Command. He says this number is definite given Errol Martyn's work for his wonderful For Your Tomorrow trilogy. However, he also says the definite number of those flying who with BC at one time or the other can be calculated at 'about' the 6,000 mark. The 11,000 is also mentioned but covers the RAF as a whole and does not screw down into the various commands.

I don't think I have anything on the other commands at the moment.