No. 490 Squadron RNZAF

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

490 (NZ) Squadron Royal Air Force, was formed 28 March 1943 with Royal New Zealand Air Force aircrew at Jui near Freetown in West Africa under Wing Commander D W Baird. Equipped with Consolidated PBY Catalinas, the squadron was tasked with maritime patrol and search and rescue. Its first operation was convoy escort on 2 July 1943. In August the squadron rescued its first seamen, and damaged its first U-boat.

Wing Commander W.S. Nicholl took over in November 1943 and oversaw re-equipment with Short Sunderlands in May of the following year. Wing Commander T. S. Gill took over in October 1944. The squadron flew its last operation on 6 May 1944, and when it became obvious that 490 would not be needed in Japan, the squadron was disbanded on 1 August 1945.

Of all New Zealand squadrons of the RAF, 490 saw least action, but nonetheless flew 463 operational sorties, totalling 4853 hours. One Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded.

The squadron's Māori motto was "Taniwha kei runga" which translates as "Taniwha in the air". Taniwha are mythical intelligent monsters in Māori legend, occasionally but not particularly accurately translated as "dragons". They are often associated with water, but a flying taniwha is relatively unusual.

[edit] Bibliography

Official New Zealand History:

Thompson, H L, Wing Commander. New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Vol I): European Theatre September 1939-December 1942. Wellington, NZ: War History Branch, Department of Internal Affairs 1953. ISBN N/A
Thompson, H L, Wing Commander. New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Vol II): European Theatre January 1943- December 1945. Wellington, NZ: War History Branch, Department of Internal Affairs 1956. ISBN N/A

[edit] A note on New Zealand Squadrons in the RAF

It is now largely accepted that World War II squadrons of the Royal Air Force manned by New Zealanders are recorded by the formulation 488(NZ) Squadron RAF. However some authors (e.g. Bill Gunston), have used the formulation 488 squadron RNZAF. The latter is misleading. RNZAF units were a separate entity, formed and controlled entirely by the RNZAF; all RNZAF units operated in the Pacific Theatre.

On December 19 1939 Article XV was promulgated, creating the Empire Air Training Scheme. Under this article provision was made for the formation of Commonwealth squadrons within the RAF. On 17 April 1941 a further agreement was negotiated allowing for six New Zealand Squadrons to be formed: 485 Sqn., 486 Sqn., 487 Sqn., 488 Sqn., 489 Sqn. and 490 Sqn. These units were manned and (mostly) commanded by New Zealanders trained under the EATS. provisions, although this didn't preclude other nationalities from being members. Administratively the "Article XV" Squadrons were an integral part of the RAF, with all command appointments being made by the RAF. Other Dominion or Commonwealth countries involved were Australia and Canada, along with Rhodesia and South Africa.

Many New Zealanders served with mainstream RAF squadrons and several were to become Wing Commanders and Group Captains. Two outstanding New Zealanders to play a vital role in the war, and two of the best commanders in aviation history were Sir Keith Park and Sir Arthur Coningham.

Australian site on Article XV: