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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 12, 2006 0:06:35 GMT 12
Though no official recognition is given to this being a NZ squadron, did you know No. 830 Squadron Fleet Air Arm, when it reformed in 1943, was made up mostly of Kiwis?
They came from the EATS scheme just like our RNZAF squadrons in the UK. 830 Sqn operated Fairey Barracuda II's from May 1943-Oct 1944.
Notably they flew from HMS Furious for a successful dive-bombing attack, Operation Tungsten, on 3 April 1944 with No.s 827, 829 and 831 squadrons which crippled the German battleship Tirpitz in Kaa Fjord, north Norway. One aircraft was lost.
They sank a convoy in May 1944 off Norway, and in July 1944, they again attacked the Tirpitz, this time flying from HMS Formidable. They were unsuccessful this time, due to smoke screens the enemy put up.
So I guess if you're looking for an interesting NZ-related modelling or research project, this is an option. I guess it also explains the excllent model at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Motat, of Barracudas attacking the Tirpitz.
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Post by phasselgren on Feb 3, 2006 7:53:43 GMT 12
You can get information about more "New Zealand" squadron in the FAA on: www.fleetairarmarchive.net/CommonwealthCountries/NewZealandHomepage.htmlI found following "New Zealand" units in the RAF: 258 Squadron After reforming in November 1940 most of the pilots were New Zealanders and they painted the fernleaf as an unofficial badge on the Hurricanes. When they left UK in the Autumn of 1941 only five New Zealand pilots remained in the unit. 243 Squadron Mostly New Zealand pilots from formation in March 1941 to the fall of Singapore. 67 Squadron Mostly New Zealand pilot from formation in March 1941 down to about 2/3rd New Zealanders during the spring of 1942. 605 Squadron Had a New Zealand Flight during the last days of the defence of Java. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 3, 2006 11:22:44 GMT 12
Wow, that is really fascinating - thanks Peter. I'd like to look further into these squadron's histories.
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Post by SEAN on Feb 14, 2006 21:21:30 GMT 12
I have just picked up book on this very subject (Kiwi's in the Fleet Air Arm) called Memoirs of a Reluctant Batsman - New Zealand Servicemen in the Fleet Air Arm 1940-45 by AO "cappy" Masters. Published by Janus Publishing Company London 1995, ISBN 1857561481, 400 odd pages, some photos, and a few appendices. I have not read it yet but it does look very good.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 14, 2006 21:37:13 GMT 12
I have seen the book on the shelf in the library but not had a chance to actually read it either. Let us know what it's like when you've read it please Sean.
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Post by phasselgren on Apr 7, 2006 5:38:50 GMT 12
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fb6
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 96
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Post by fb6 on May 28, 2006 17:34:57 GMT 12
Phasselgren's mention of RAF 243 & 67 Sqns reminds me what a powerful and compulsive read 'Buffaloes over Singapore' is, about Kiwis in that conflict.....
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 20, 2024 18:31:10 GMT 12
I am resurrecting this old thread because it seems this squadron fits here quite well. Does anyone know which unit this was? And what were they flying? And can anyone fill in the full names? From the NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 18 JANUARY 1944.
R.A.F. SQUADRON
NEW ZEALANDERS IN INDIA
The commanding officer and two of the flight commanders in a Royal Air Force squadron stationed in India are New Zealanders. In addition, a number of other New Zealanders are serving in the unit.
Wing-Commander L. G. W. Lilly, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Lilly, of 17 Cedar Road, Epsom, is the commanding officer, and the two flight commanders are Squadron-Leader A. O. Hawkins, of Hokianga, and Squadron-Leader Henry, of Dunedin.
All three officers have been on operations with the Coastal Command in Great Britain, and late in 1941 they were among reinforcements sent to Singapore. From there, they were evacuated to Java and thence to India, where Wing-Commander Lilly formed the present squadron.
Aged 26, he is one of the youngest commanding officers in India.
Included among New Zealanders who have since joined the squadron are:— Flying-Officer Puttick, Flying-Officer Alldred, Warrant-Officer Grainger, Flight-Sergeant Townsend, all of Auckland; Flying-Officer Morey, of Rotorua; Warrant-Officer Frederickson, of Hawke's Bay; Warrant-Officer Mexted, of Masterton; Flight-Sergeant McCloy, of Canterbury; Corporal Densem, of Christchurch; and Corporal Hansen, of Taranaki. Pilot-Officer J. Glendinning, Otahuhu, has now left the unit.
The squadron has been on continued operations over enemy territory. It was recently assigned a task of considerable importance to future operations in the East.
Rugby football is a popular pastime, and the New Zealanders are a force to be reckoned with in this sport. Games are played between teams from the Dominions and the United Kingdom.
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