For years I have been very interested in RNZAF history, but I have very seldom found any information about one of our squadrons that was attached to the RAF, No. 490 (NZ) Squadron RAF.
The squadron was a flying boat outfit, initially with Catalinas and later with Sunderlands. I had known that they were established in West Africa, but I just found a website that has some personal memories of a former member, who says they also served in the Middle East. This I never knew, and this got me thinking – the squadron has been almost forgotten compared with the others.
I mean 75 (NZ) Sqn will always be remembered, it was one of Bomber Command’s best and has had several books written about it. 485 (NZ) Sqn has had a book written and more is covered in Spitfire: The New Zealand Story. 486 (NZ) Sqn has had the book The Four Winds written. 487 (Sqn) is covered in several books, though I’ve not look into this sqn in great depth yet. 488 Sqn has had an official history written by its IO, Les Hunt. And 489 Sqn has been nicely covered by Don Tunnicliffe in his autobiography-come-squadron history “From Bunnies to Beaufighters”.
But has 490 (Sqn) been covered at all? The only thing I can think of is perhaps it was mentioned Alan Mitchell’s book on NZ’ers in the RAF, which I will get out of the library tomorrow, but I know his book is brief as it’s based on his press reporting that was censored I think. But does anyone here have any info or photos from the sqn?
I’d hate to think this whole squadron has been forgotten.
By: STORMBIRD262 - 20th September 2004 at 10:50
Cool Dave, Best of luck, But there doe not seem to be much, What’s the time there, I have to ring my Auntie one day and she is preety old, Cheers, Tally Ho! Phil
By: Dave Homewood - 20th September 2004 at 10:43
Cheers Phil,
Yes it seems they had a quieter war than the other NZ squadrons in the RAF. I do know it was 490 (NZ) Sqn crews that brought the RNZAF’s first four Sunderlands out to the Pacific in 1944 to operate as transports between NZ and the islands.
I had forgotten to post the link to the site I mentioned yesterday. Here it is.
http://www.georgian.net/422sqdrn/422morsn.htm
I still haven’t looked up Alan Mitchell’s book yet. Hopefully tomorrow.
Cheers
Dave
By: STORMBIRD262 - 20th September 2004 at 06:18
No.490.
After more digging I can still find very little on No.490 🙁 , Dave, Seem’s they might have had a very boring War :p , Lucky Chap’s I guess :rolleyes: , Cheers 😀 , Tally Ho! Phil :diablo:
By: STORMBIRD262 - 19th September 2004 at 16:09
G’day Dave
I can not find much ether Dave :confused: , Heres what I have got.
No.490 Sqd RNZAF (TANIWHA KEI RUNGA)
On 28th March 1943 the New Zealanders formed No.490 Sqd at Jui, West Africa with Catalinas for Atlantic patrols.
In the following month it was operational, But very little activity came its way. No.490 passed the War Making monotonous but necessary patrols over the central Atlantic from three bases in West Africa. Short Sunderland Mk. IIIs replaced the Cats in May 1944, And the basic task was maintained until disbandment at Jui on 1 August 1945.
That’s it Dave 🙂 , Cheers 😉 , Tally Ho! Phil :diablo:
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September 19, 2004 at 2:10 pm