|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 30, 2010 17:20:41 GMT 12
I have been thinking lately that it is, rather incredibly, twenty years since the RNZAF went to war in the Gulf in Operation Desert Shield. As I'm away from my records and books I don't have the exact date that No. 40 Squadron was deployed (it was in early summer 1990 from memory) but nevertheless there was a lot of activity in the RNZAF beforehand in preparation for war. Taht included No. 40 Squadron who went to Saudi Arabia, and the RNZAF medical team who went to Bahrein. And No. 75 Squadron was also on full alert and trained up to go too.
They were very interesting times for the RNZAF. I thought it would be worth starting a thread to see if any of our readers or contributors were involved in the operations, Desert Shied and Desert Storm. Any memories, stories and photos would be most welcome.
I recall in 1991 Sqn Ldr Bob Henderson, CO of 40 Sqn, toured the bases with his personal slide show of the war. The photos were absolutely brilliant. If he's out there, it would be great to see them again.
In the meantime, I found this:
|
|
|
|
Post by 30sqnatc on Sept 30, 2010 17:35:17 GMT 12
I was attached to the ADF at the time. Attended an interesting briefing where the possible NZ contingent was explained. Certainly was a surprise on what the Aussies thought were deploying.
From memory:
A frigate
Close Reconnaissance Armoured Sqn as part of a Commonwealth Tank Regiment
Light Infantry Battalion (to guard prisoners of war)
A Skyhawk Sqn with refuellers
Hercules Sqn
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 30, 2010 17:48:52 GMT 12
Not trying to be funny, but I think that certain members of the Government who were against the war (and against Skyhawks...) actually persuaded the ineffectual PM, Geoffrey Palmer, away from his original plans to send the Skyhawks and the frigate. They probably threatened him with a coup, as he should never have been PM and very soon afterwards was ousted from the job. I'm sure he actually announced on TV the Skyhawks had been requested and would go, and then a few days later made a very embarrassing backdown. Am I recalling that right?
|
|
|
|
Post by Calum on Sept 30, 2010 18:05:32 GMT 12
we had a fake palm try in the 75 sqn baggies crewroom over the Xmas period
|
|
|
|
Post by kiwiscanfly on Sept 30, 2010 18:58:49 GMT 12
My father was on 216 Squadron in the RAF flying the Tristars and according to him the RNZAF had a C-130 from 1991 onwards and saw it on and off during the war operating all over the middle east, Saudi ect......
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 30, 2010 20:41:24 GMT 12
From memory No. 40 Squadron had two Hercules based in Riyad from December 1990 onwards, under the command of the RAF. They did indeed fly everywhere and were highly commended for their work.
|
|
|
|
Post by Parrotfish on Sept 30, 2010 21:55:04 GMT 12
Not trying to be funny, but I think that certain members of the Government who were against the war (and against Skyhawks...) actually persuaded the ineffectual PM, Geoffrey Palmer, away from his original plans to send the Skyhawks and the frigate. They probably threatened him with a coup, as he should never have been PM and very soon afterwards was ousted from the job. I'm sure he actually announced on TV the Skyhawks had been requested and would go, and then a few days later made a very embarrassing backdown. Am I recalling that right? Iraq invaded 2nd August. NZ condemned the invasion and agreed to the international sanctions and offered aircraft to deal with third party country refugees. Following instigation and powerful support by the United States of America, on the 29th of November 1990 under resolution UNSC678, the United Nations agreed to “use all necessary means to uphold and implement resolution 660(1990) and all subsequent relevant resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area” (UN, 2003) if Iraq did not withdraw by the 15th of January 1991, which was universally understood to mean the ejection of Iraqi forces from Kuwait by force of military power. In October there was a change in government to National who sort to provide a possible combat contribution including Skyhawks. New Zealand sought input from traditional allies the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. After guidance from these countries, on the 3rd of December 1990, the New Zealand government stood down combat elements and committed two air force Hercules transport aircraft and a military medical team which would be joined by a second medical team that was announced on the 21st of January 1991. National withdrew combat elements- a decision removed from Labour by the October election. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 1, 2010 0:31:16 GMT 12
Thanks for the correction Sean. It shows my memory ain't so good 20 yars later. Mind you, a lot has happened in between to cloud the grey cells.
I seem to recall NZ's only casualty in the war was a bad injury from a car accident, a broken back from memory.
|
|
SeanG
Warrant Officer
Me in my Sim....
Posts: 43
|
Post by SeanG on Oct 2, 2010 2:10:48 GMT 12
I just got back from a weeks work in Kuwait, and it is pretty amazing to see that reminders of the war are everywhere; There are air raid shelters in the airport, and at the hotel. Our driver had some "interesting" opinions on the war, which he seemed only too keen to share on the longest 30 minute drive I have even experienced  SeanG |
|
