Five Vampire fighter aircraft of No. 14 Squadron carried out the RNZAF’s first combat strike since the Second World War against guerrillas in the Malayan jungle.
Air Force
Events In History
19 August 1944
As his damaged Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber rapidly lost height, Pilot Officer James Stellin struggled to avoid crashing into Saint-Maclou-la-Brière, a village of 370 people. He succeeded, but at the cost of his own life. The villagers gave him a hero’s funeral and have honoured his memory ever since.
2 October 1941
In October 1941, New Zealand Spitfire pilot Carlyle Everiss heroically sacrificed his life to save the Scottish village of Cowie from serious damage.
16 January 1941
The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) was formed to enable the Royal New Zealand Air Force to release more men for service overseas during the Second World War.
7 June 1940
The Hastings-born pilot's exploits flying Hurricanes for the Royal Air Force’s No. 73 Squadron in the first year of the Second World War made him a household name.
Articles
D-Day
It was one of the largest amphibious landings in history. On 6 June 1944 a huge Allied military machine embarked on the invasion of German-occupied France. Thousands of New Zealand sailors and airmen were on active duty that day. Read the full article
Page 7 - New Zealanders in the air
By 1944 more than 6000 New Zealanders were based in the United Kingdom, serving in the
Royal New Zealand Air Force
In 1937 the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) became an independent service within the New Zealand defence forces. In the subsequent 75 years the RNZAF has built up a proud tradition of service, demonstrating resourcefulness and professionalism in the face of changes and challenges. Read the full article
Page 1 - Royal New Zealand Air Force
In 1937 the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) became an independent service within the New Zealand defence forces. In the subsequent 75 years the RNZAF has built up a proud
Page 2 - Overview: 1913-1945
Overview of the Royal New Zealand Air Force from 1913 to
Page 3 - Overview: 1946-2012
Overview of the Royal New Zealand Air Force from 1946 to
Page 4 - RNZAF timeline
Timeline showing key events related to the history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF),
Page 5 - Further information
Books and further reading relating to the Royal New Zealand Air
Main image: McDonnell Douglas Skyhawk
McDonnell Douglas Skyhawk replica at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch, 2006
