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.
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Events In History
2 September 1945
Air Vice-Marshal Leonard Isitt added New Zealand’s signature to the Instrument of Surrender between the Allied powers and Japan.
24 May 1943
In the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the most important campaigns of the Second World War, 24 May 1943 was a crucial date. Thousands of New Zealanders took part in this long and bitter struggle.
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.
Articles
Prisoners of War
During the Second World War, many New Zealanders became prisoners of war. Most were soldiers captured in Greece, Crete or North Africa. Around 9000 were held in captivity – one in 200 of New Zealand's population at the time. Read the full article
Page 2 - Capture
Most of New Zealand's Second World War POWs were captured in southern Europe and North Africa in the first half of the war. Only about 100 New Zealand servicemen fell into
The Cold War
Although the origins of the so-called Cold War can be traced back to the Bolshevik revolution of 1917, this intense ideological struggle between the Western powers and the Soviet Union really began after the Second World War. Read the full article
Page 3 - Choosing sides
New Zealand backed Britain and the United States against the Soviet Union as the Cold War began in the late 1940s. Like the other Western Allies, New Zealand’s relationship with
Flags of New Zealand
The New Zealand flag hasn't always been our official flag. It was adopted in 1902, replacing the Union Jack. Between 1834 and 1840, the flag of the United Tribes was recognised as our first 'national' flag. Waitangi Day 2010 saw the first official recognition of the national Māori flag. Read the full article
Page 5 - Other official flags
Six flags other than the New Zealand flag are flown for official purposes in New
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
Biographies
As commander of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), Kitty Kain was one of New Zealand's most senior women military leaders during the Second World War.
Michael James Herrick was one of five brothers to serve during the Second World War. He flew with distinction during the Battle of Britain and in the Pacific before being killed on air operations over Denmark.
Main image: McDonnell Douglas Skyhawk
McDonnell Douglas Skyhawk replica at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch, 2006
