RNZAF, A Short History

Reed, 1969. Dustwrapper with faded spine and small tears. Touch of foxing on top papaer edge. Harback in good condition. Name inscription present.

The RNZAF was officially established in 1934, but even then could trace its origins back to WWI and the establishment of flying training schools in NZ, while many NZers served in the Royal Flying Corps and the RAF. Following WWI some flying referesher courses were organised for those who had served in the conflict and in 1923 the NZ Permanent Air Force was formed and the territorial New Zealand Air Force was also set up, both under the control of the Army. From them developed the RNZAF and it was still young when WWII broke out. Bentley's study of the RNZAF covers well the different stages of that conflict, --- NZ squadrons in the European theatre, the Pacific campaigns including 488 Squadron's desperate defensive operations over Singapore and the rapid growth of the RNZAF in those years. Following the Japanese surrender NZ sent a fighter Squadron to Japan for occupation duties, while at home planning began for the future shape of the RNZAF. The author follows that course including the introduction of the first jet aircraft, the role the transport and flying boat wings, with the latter participating in many mercy and rescue missions. He takes the story up to the late 1960s, covering the beginning of the modernisation of equipment. His text also recalls prominant personalities who guided the RNZAF through its early and most tempestuous days.