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Post by John L on Mar 7, 2012 19:11:11 GMT 12
Am I right in thinking, that the RNZAF was starting to replace the Venturas with PV2 Harpoons. I'm sure I read somewhere that the first few had been delivered to one of the SU's but, with the war ending, they basically reverted back to the US, not getting as far as being remarked.
Info? Photos?
or am I totally wrong?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 7, 2012 19:31:47 GMT 12
Correct. Only four of them were assembled in Hawaii by the RNZAF, and the Pacific Ferry Flight unit flew the first three to Whenuapai in March 1945, followed a few weeks later by the fourth one. They went into storage at Rukuhia, and a change in RNZAF thinking saw the plan to disband several Bomber Reconnaissance squadrons. The aircraft went back to the US Navy in April-May 1945.
There's a photo of one in RNZAF colours in Pacific Twins, a Ventura Publication.
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Post by trx850 on Mar 7, 2012 19:36:08 GMT 12
Hi Jon. Yes, PV-2's had been ordered, but only 4 (NZ4701 - NZ4704) had arrived when the order for 47 was canceled.
Serials were to have been NZ4701 - NZ4747. Allegedly only two received their NZ serials before being handed back to the USN.
The only photo I have seen is one taken of NZ4702 taken on Guadalcanal during it's return flight to Hawaii. It has been posted on the forum from memory. It has full RNZAF roundels and markings.
Cheers,
Pete M.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 7, 2012 19:49:08 GMT 12
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