25 (Dive Bomber) Squadron

[Dave Homewood]

No. 25 Squadron were one of two Dauntless Squadrons in the RNZF, and the only one to go onto operations on the type.

So little seems to have beenn recorded of this squadron compared with the likes of the Corsair and Kittyhawk squadrons and their operations.

Does anyone know of any books or memoirs by 25 Squadron pilots? Or any interviews done with them over the years?

The only interview I can think of was a TV One news item from 1987 in which the late Theo Maclean de Lange, the CO of 25 Sqn, was briefly interviewed regarding the recovery of one of their aircraft by the RNZAF (which is now in storage in the RNZAF Museum). Other than that I recall mention of the squadron when the Seagrove Memorial was unveiled, and that their Squadron Association was having a reunion in the 1990's.

Is the No. 25 Sqn and SU Association still active?

I'd love to learn more first hand knowledge of the squadron and its activities. Does anyone know of any 25 Squadron aircrew or 25 SU groundcrew who're still alive and can be interviewed?

[tazjet]

Wally Lake used to be the secretary of that organisation in Berhampore, Wellington. He died a couple of years back under a cloud. His wife Joyce lives in Rintoul St and should be in the phone directory. She may know some of the old contacts.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks tazjet

[Dave Homewood]

There are no J Lakes in the whitre pages matching that area of Wellington