No. 1 Squadron RNZAF
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2013) |
| No. 1 Squadron RNZAF | |
|---|---|
Malaysian Emergency | |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge | A sword and a quill |
No. 1 Squadron RNZAF was a New Zealand reconnaissance and patrol bomber squadron operating in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After the war the squadron served in the transport and VIP role.
History
It was formed as the New Zealand General Reconnaissance Squadron in March 1940 with
The squadron was based at
The squadron was reactivated as a reserve
It was re-formed in 1972 to provide a medium-range transport squadron within New Zealand, at Whenuapai and equipped with six of the RNZAF's Bristol 170 Freighter Mk 31s. In 1977, 1 Squadron re-equipped with six Andover C.1s. The No 1 Squadron Standard was presented to the Squadron at a parade at Base Auckland on 17 February 1984. The parade was inspected by Sir Geoffrey Roberts CBE, AFC, LM (US) who had been the first CO when the Squadron was formed in 1941.
The squadron was again disbanded on 7 December 1984 and its Andovers taken over by No. 42 Squadron.[1]
Wartime commanding officers
- Squadron Leader G.N. Roberts May 1940 – August 1941
- Squadron Leader G.H. Fisher August 1941 – July 1942
- Squadron Leader F.J. Lucas July–December 1942
- Squadron Leader C.L. Monckton December 1942 – March 1943
- Squadron Leader E.W. Tacon March–May 1943
- Squadron Leader H.C. Walker May 1943 – April 1944
- Squadron Leader K.C. King April–July 1944
- Wing Commander A.N. Johnstone August 1944 – January 1945
- Wing Commander A.A.N. Breckon February–June 1945
Commanding officers - after reactivation
- Squadron Leader P.R. Adamson – August 1972
- Squadron Leader C.F.L. Jenks – December 1973
- Squadron Leader G.A. Oldfield – April 1976
- Squadron Leader R.S. Holdaway - August 1976
- Squadron Leader G.A. Oldfield – February 1977
- Squadron Leader I.J. Roberts - July 1977
- Squadron Leader K.A. Skilling - September 1977
- Squadron Leader R.S. Holdaway - February 1978
- Squadron Leader K.J. Wells DFC - January 1980
- Squadron Leader I.W. Collins - January 1982
- Squadron Leader K.L. Crofskey - July 1984
Notes
- ^ Sanders 1986, pp. 132–133.
References
- Sanders, James (1986). A Long Patrol, An Illustrated History of No 1 Squadron RNZAF. Auckland: Century Hutchinson. ISBN 0-09-163600-0.