AVM Isitt's VIP Lodestar NZ3510 Roundels Question

[alanw]

Hi All Happy New Year, I trust all are well?

Question for the Forum Brain Trust.

When AVM isitt (and staff?) flew to Japan for the
Official signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo,
AVM Isitt's Lodestar was only allowed to fly to Okinawa
and go by ship to Tokyo (apparently)
The question is what RNZAF Roundels was NZ3510 wearing
during this important flight?

This photo from the RNZAF Museum Collection shows the Pacific Roundel

No date given though

fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz/fotoweb/cache/5003/Collection/PR4075.t5f34aa5b.m800.x488VSK7P.jpg

My thoughts are it would have been wearing the RNZAF Pacific Roundel,
as this was the Agreed and Recognised identification - given that
the Surrender signing was September 2, only two weeks after cessation
of hostilities.
There is question that NZ3510 was actually wearing traditional Blue/White/Red
Roundels. If so flying into a still active War zone Why?

Any comments most welcome for an inquiring mind

Thanks/regards

Alan

[davidd]

Firstly, by 2nd September 1945, the North Pacific (and indeed in all previously active Pacific operational theatres) was no longer an operational war zone. Firm rules were already in force throughout all areas on this subject, although these mainly applied to ex-enemy aircraft of course.

Secondly, the RNZAF during 1945 and 1946 seemed to be in a constant state of confusion as to what the official NZ identification roundel was supposed to be. For a while they imagined that we should revert to the prewar-type RAF roundel (something the RAF never intended to do), but that is why you can find photographs of RNZAF aircraft (including most of the FG-1D Corsairs intended to equip 14 Sqdn in Japan, as well as many of the PV-1 Venturas of 2 Sqdn at Ohakea) wearing what appears to be pre-war roundels. I think possibly also at least one of the RNZAF's Mk. III Sunderlands at one stage also wore similar roundels. In fact the RAF had decided to retain the Type C roundels and appropriate fin flashes (as adopted in, I think, late 1942), and eventually this was also adopted by RNZAF, while such new aircraft (ex-UK) as the new Auster J/5s as well as pretty well all the ex-RAF Mosquitos arriving with such markings, plus the two Miles Aerovans in 1949. In fact the first RNZAF aircraft to be seen painted with Type C roundels were probably the second batch of Ansons in mid 1943, as well as continuing shipments of new Oxfords and Harvards, plus the four Mk. III Sunderlands. However in about 1949 (other Board member will no doubt supply the exact date) the RAF introduced a new roundel, often referred to as the Type D, and the RNZAF adopted this type shortly afterwards (long before the adoption of fern leaves or kiwis!)

My advice, use photographic evidence only for the NZ VIP C-60, with so-called "Pacific" roundels, which so far as I know, had numerous and varied interpretations throughout the Service. I believe the unique "flash" on the nose of this polished bare-metal aircraft was applied in green and gold.

David D

[alanw]

Hi David,

Many thanks for your reply to my query,
and now also know that the NZ3510 was
a C-60 VIP aircraft


Thanks/regards

Alan

[davidd]

Yes, from notes I have seen, it was converted shortly after arrival in NZ (by Union Airways workshops at Milson, I think), and equipped with seats "liberated" from one of the DH 86s, and also provided with a large "picnic basket" and thermoses for in-flight refreshments. So undoubtedly the first designated RNZAF VIP aircraft, including "Vice-Regal" duties.
David D

[alanw]

Hi David,

Thank You again for that fascinating information!
I had to look up Milson

I gather from your comments, that given its "Vice Regal" Duties,
it may have been used to fly the then Prime Minister (Peter Frazer)
around the Country too, bit like the RNZAF 757 does now?

Thanks/regards

Alan

[davidd]

Mostly used on overseas jaunts, Alan, as internal (NZ) flights were available on Union Airways, but sometimes it was also used internally.
David D

[Dave Homewood]

I think I have a few other shots of that VIP Lodestar up in the Pacific at home. I'm on Christchurch right now but fly home tomorrow. Remind me and I'll look them out.