5 Squadron RNZAF Association
History No 5 Squadron
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No.5 Squadron was originally formed in November 1941 as the Royal New Zealand Air Force expanded to meet the inevitable fact of a Pacific War. Based in Fiji with Vincents, then four elderly Short Singapore flying boats, the Squadron provided a long-range maritime patrol force for that region. The Squadron was disbanded in 1942, but reformed again at Fiji in 1944 with Catalina flying boats. The Squadron moved to the operational area of the South West Pacific in late 1944, operating from Espiritu Santo to the Admiralty Islands. For a detailed update on the history of the RNZAF 5 Squadron P3 read KIWI ORIONS
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No 6 Squadron RNZAF
The No 6 Flying Boat Squadron formed in
February 1942. |
From 1942 New Zealand used 56 non-amphibious PBY-5 and PB2B-1 Catalinas in the South Pacific, to replace the Short Singapore with the Royal New Zealand Air Force's 5 Squadron and 6 Squadron, initially operating out of Hobsonville and Fiji on maritime patrol and air-sea rescue roles. Additional RAF-owned aircraft were used by 490 (NZ) Squadron in the anti submarine role during the battle of the Atlantic. 490 squadron operated Catalinas out of Jui, West Africa, from 1943 until they were superseded by Short Sunderlands in 1944. The last RNZAF Catalinas were retired in 1953 and all had been sold or scrapped by the end of 1956.[19][20] An airworthy PBY-5A Catalina amphibian in 6 Squadron markings is privately owned.[21] The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum is restoring a former fire training Catalina. |
Acknowledgments to:
Stephen Sharpe
Stuff .co
The links below are well worth a visit. They contain a huge amount of largely forgotten info and photos.
R.N.Z.A.F Catalina Lost at Satapuala
World War II photos offer treasure trove Stuff.co.nz