No. 4 Squadron RNZAF
| No. 4 Squadron RNZAF | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1940–1945, 1948-1957 |
| Country |
 New Zealand
|
| Branch |
 Royal New Zealand Air Force
|
| Role | Patrol Bomber - 1940-1945 Training - 1948-1957 |
| Size | One Squadron |
| Garrison/HQ | RNZAF Base Whenuapai |
| Motto(s) | Always attack |
| Anniversaries | October 1940 |
| Equipment |
Lockheed Ventura North American P-51 Mustang |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge | Scottish dirks with a Maori greenstone mere |
No. 4 Squadron RNZAF was a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) patrol bomber unit that served in the South Pacific during World War II.
In the 1950s it also served as a Territorial Air Force unit flying Harvards and Mustangs from Taieri in Otago.
Due to activity by German surface raiders, the squadron was hurriedly formed in Fiji in October 1940. The squadron was equipped with a range of converted civilian airliners, the twin-engined de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, and four engined de Havilland DH86 Express from Union Airways of New Zealand and de Havilland DH.60 Moth single-engined machines from aero clubs – New Zealand's modern Vickers Wellington bombers having been offered to the British Royal Air Force for the war in Europe, two years previously.
Squadron Leader G R White was the first commanding officer and stayed with the squadron until October 1942. He was replaced by Wing Commander B M Lewis who served with the squadron until May 1943. Squadron Leader Ernest W Tacon replaced him and was in command until December 1943. He in turn was replaced by Squadron Leader E Brooke-Taylor until April 1944, Squadron Leader N R Lecher until January 1945, Wing Commander F R Dix until February, Squadron Leader A F A Tye until June, and Squadron Leader L H Parry until August. The final commanding officer was Squadron Leader G S A Stevenson until the unit was disbanded in September 1945 at Los Negros.
The squadron was initially based in Fiji assisting No. 5 Squadron RNZAF. It took over obsolescent Vickers Vincent biplane torpedo bombers and later re-equipped with modern Lockheed Hudsons. When war with Japan broke out in December 1941 the Squadron remained in Fiji operating as a reconnaissance unit, and also for training crews to reinforce units in the forward area.
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