No. 9 Squadron RNZAF
No. 9 Squadron RNZAF was a New Zealand bomber reconnaissance squadron in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.
History
The squadron formed as No. 9 General Reconnaissance Squadron operating Lockheed Hudson aircraft at Plaine Des Gaiacs Airfield in New Caledonia during July 1942.[1] The squadron was attached to Task Group 63.1 responsible for patrolling the seas for 400 miles round the coast of New Caledonia, and for the air defence of the island. In addition to No. 9 Squadron, Task Group 63.1 comprised 69th Bomb Squadron, 67th Pursuit Squadron and two U.S. PBYs.[2] The squadron remained on New Caledonia until March 1943, when it moved forward to Palikulo Bay Airfield on Espiritu Santo.[3] The squadron came 'home' to New Zealand to re-equip with Lockheed Venturas in October 1943, returning to Santo in February 1944, moving to Bougainville from May to August of that year. The squadron rotated through Fiji January 1945, and advanced to Emirau in March. With the winding down of aerial operations against the Japanese in the South West Pacific, it was disbanded in June 1945.
Commanding officers
- Squadron Leader D. B. Grigg July 1942–June 1943
- Squadron Leader J. J. Busch June–July 1943
- Squadron Leader A. C. Willis July–August 1943
- Wing Commander A. C. Allen October 1943–May 1945
References
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