THE R.N.Z.A.F.

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 129, 28 November 1945, Page 6

THE R.N.Z.A.F.

FINE WAR RECORD

WHAT STATISTICS SHOW

Squadrons of the Royal New Zealand Air Force operating from the United Kingdom and in the South Pacific flew more than 40,000,000 miles during the wars in those theatres. They were airborne for 257,100 operational hours on 93,750 sorties, and in combat with the enemy destroyed 312 enemy aircraft, probably destroyed 40, and damaged 113.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) said that these figures recorded only the activities of purely R.N.Z.A.F. squadrons, and did not take into account the work of New Zealanders serving in the Royal Air Force' in widely scattered theatres from Europe to the Far East. The operational figures of New Zealand squadrons in Britain represented only a very small part of the work done by R.N.Z.A.F. personnel in the United Kingdom, as most of them served in R.A.F. units.

"While the measure of the R.N.Z.A.F.'s magnificent war achievement cannot be stated in figures." Mr. Jones declared, "statistical records now available do give some idea of the remarkable extent of our air operations and some slight picture of ths> success gained. This success has been recognised in terms of the highest praise by Allied commanders in whatever theatre of war our men have fought. By their deeds, by their skill and their courage, and by their sacrifice, they have established traditions that will live for ever in our history and in the hearts of our people."

THE VARIOUS WAR ZONES

Mr. Jones said that R.N.Z.A.F. squadrons operating in the South and South-west Pacific areas had flown a total of 21,468,000 miles from the opening of hostilities in the Pacific up to VJ Day (August 15). They carried out 54,670 sorties against the enemy, and were airborne for 158.800 operational hours. They shot down 103 Japanese aircraft. 99 of which were accounted for by fighters, probably destroyed 15 and damaged 16. Ten more enemy aircraft were destroyed by American aircraft receiving ground control from R.N.Z.A.F. radar units. Their count of shipping destroyed was conservatively given at 200, mostly barges and other small craft, with 300 more claimed as probably destroyed or damaged, and in addition they claimed one submarine probably destroyed and two probably damaged. "Official figures up to the end. of hostilities in Europe, which have just been received from RJST.Z.A.F. Headquarters in London, show that New Zealand squadrons in the United Kingdom flew 39.080 sorties, covering nearly 19 000,000 miles in 98,300 operational hours," the Minister continued. "These squadrons destroyed 209 enemy aircraft, m-obably destroyed 25, and damaged 97. During the attacks on London New Zealand Squadrons destroyed 224 flying bombs.

DAMAGE TO SHIPPING

"The New Zealand Torpedo Bomber Squadron lias sunk 11 enemy ships of 38.676 tons and damaged another 11 totalling 36.898 tons, as well as two escort vessels. As part of the strike wing, the squadron also shared in the sinking of 19 ships of 67,079 tons and 12 escort vessels, and damaged 18 ships of 41,291 tons and 49 escort vessels.'.

Mr Jones also announced that more than 1500 honours and awards had been won by New Zealand airmen, including those serving in the Royal Air Force, including more than 1000 Distinguished Flying Crosses.

A total of 1327 British awards had been made to New Zealanders serving in the European, theatre and 85 m the Pacific, and 23 American awards had gone to the Pacific and 13 to Europe. Fourteen awards had been made to New Zealand airmen by foreign countries. In addition to these 'awards, 39 honours had been conferred on New Zealand airmen, 205 members of the R.N.Z.A.F. in Europe, and 15* in the Pacific had been mentioned m dispatches, and 17 had received commend r» t i o •_________________________