Dear friends !
I have an interest about some inventory of RNZAF squadrons in RAF.
On the site http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn485-490.htm are some mentions about following aircrafts, which are interesting for me:
1) 485 sqn – Typhoon Ib,
2) 486 sqn – Typhoon Ib,
3) 489 sqn – Beaufort I, Blenheim IV.
Also I have the information, that 488 (RNZAF) sqn also used Beauforts for short period.
I would like to know more about these particular types:
– exact numbers of they in using with RNZAF squadrons;
– any codes and serial numbers;
– periods of the using of each type in those squadrons;
and I would like to see any images (photos, drawings, profiles) of these RNZAF planes.
I tried to ask about RNZAF Beauforts via Forum http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi? , but there the authors of answers have some doubts about these facts.
I hope on help of real experts in these questions.
Regards,
Flyer.
By: Dave Homewood - 14th April 2010 at 09:31
Yes I’m pretty certain that No. 489 Squadron did use the Blenheim IV for a while, between Hampdens and Beaufighters
By: Flyer - 14th April 2010 at 08:32
Well, dear Cranswick and Dave Homewood !
Thank You for the answers.
Now it is some clear with Typhoons and Beauforts.
And what about Blenheim ?
Flyer.
By: Dave Homewood - 12th April 2010 at 22:53
No. 488 Squadron had one or two Beauforts for training crews and as hacks whilst they were equipped with Beafighters. I believe they may have kept them a little while into their Mosquito period too bt not certain of that. Wg Comm Ron Watts told me about flying aerobatics in one, one day, and completely forgetting he had an ATC cadet in the tail end who was up for a joyride, till they landed and he saw the kid climbing out all green!
By: Cranswick - 12th April 2010 at 12:25
485 and 486 Sqn Typhoons
485 Sqn was equipped with Spitfires of various marks from its formation but in February 1945 was temporarily withdrawn from 135 Wing at Gilze-Rijen to re-equip with Tempests at Predannack. Unfortunately not enough Tempests were available and a number of Typhoons (total 7) were loaned by 84 Group Support Unit to help in the conversion. Some of these (possibly all) were Typhoon FR.IBs – the fighter reconnaissance version which was surplus to requirements. Serials were EJ900, 904, 975, EK252, 347, 492, 512; it is doubtful if unit codes were carried. Conversion was abandoned mid-April 1945 and the unit received Spitfires again.
486 Sqn began exchanging its Hurricanes for Typhoons at the end of July 1942 and operated this type until April 1944 when replaced by Tempests. During this period it used 95 different Typhoon aircraft. You’ll find a complete list (with codes for many of them) in Paul Sortehaug’s ‘Wild Winds’, published 1998, ISBN 1-877139-09-2.
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April 11, 2010 at 7:08 pm