No. 42 Squadron RNZAF
| No. 42 Squadron RNZAF | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | December 1943 – Present |
| Country |
 New Zealand
|
| Branch |
 Royal New Zealand Air Force
|
| Role | VIP flights, multi-engine conversion courses, general transport |
| Part of | CO Flying Training |
| Garrison/HQ | RNZAF Base Ohakea |
| Motto(s) | Māori-Tara Ki Uta, Tara Ki Tai, English-"We span the land" |
| Colors | Blue and white |
| Mascot(s) | Wood Pigeon |
| Equipment | 4 X Beechcraft B200 Super King Airs |
| Engagements | Gulf War, Iran Iraq War, Somalia |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Squadron Leader Simon Shaw |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge | Wood pigeon, perched superimposed on a terrestrial globe on which New Zealand is highlighted. |
No. 42 Squadron of the RNZAF was formed at Rongotai Airport (Wellington) in December 1943 to provide a communications service around New Zealand, initially using impressed civilian types. It was briefly officially disbanded in 1946, but its aircraft continued with general purpose operations at RNZAF Station Ohakea (near Bulls). When reformed the squadron was equipped with various numbers of Harvard IIB & III, Auster, Avenger, Oxford, Devon C.1, Mustang and Dakota.
TBF Avengers flown by 42 Squadron pilots were involved in the first aerial topdressing trials carried out in the world, spreading superphosphate fertiliser alongside the runways at Ohakea. Their main purpose was to tow gunnery targets (drogues and banners) for air-to-air gunnery and for the navy and army. The P-51 Mustang also provided high-speed towing of banner targets, especially for Vampire jets, and was used extensively for co-operation in army manoeuvres.
The role of the squadron gradually changed to VIP flights (DC-3 and Devon), multi-engine conversion courses (Oxford and Devon), and general transport flying around New Zealand and the South Pacific. During the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1953/54, 42 Squadron Dakotas carried her around New Zealand. In the late 1950s the squadron's inventory comprised only Dakotas and Devons, and in the mid 1960s the Dakota fleet was enlarged to six aircraft.
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