ANNIVeRSARY AIR SHow! - Royal New Zealand Air Force

dUMbo dIARY, RoYAl
New ZeAlANd AIR FoRce
No.6 (FlYING boAT)
SQUAdRoN 1943-1945.
by Jenny Scott;
published by the author via lulu, 2012
Dumbo Diary is the story of No.6 Squadron RNZAF during the
Pacific war, when air-sea rescue catalinas were known by the
callsign dumbo (after the walt disney flying elephant).
Jenny Scott, daughter of the late wGcdR Alastair Scott who
was Adjutant of the Squadron, spent many years researching
the Squadron’s activities—and this is a definitive history.
The author draws on the archival records in private and public
collections, for the experiences of the New Zealand airmen
flying long missions over the south west Pacific patrolling for
THe elePHANT oN MY wING.
by Peter A wright.
woodfield Publishing, england, 2011
The wartime experience of New Zealander FlTlT bobby
campbell during 1939-43, is described ‘as told to’ the author.
bobby campbell learned to fly in Taranaki and in 1938 went to
the Uk for a short service commission in the RAF—like so many
dominion pilots. Flying with No.211 Sqn (blenheims) in support
of the Greeks against the Italians during 1940-41, bobby and
his crew were shot down and taken prisoner, dumped in a
concentration camp for Albanians and treated abominably.
They were rescued by the Red cross and transferred
to an official Pow camp in Italy. when Italy surrendered in
1943—and minutes before the Germans took over the Pow
AnZAC
ExChAnGE
by FlTlT dan hayward
Communications and Information systems officer
each year, the NZ defence Force engages in a series of
personnel exchanges with the Australian defence Force
(AdF). This programme, known as exchange Programme
ANZAc (eXPANZAc) is a reciprocal exchange where NZdF and
AdF personnel swap jobs for roughly three months with the
aim of broadening the professional knowledge of exchange
participants and promoting a closer relationship between our
two defence forces.
last year, among the 22 NZdF personnel who ‘crossed the
ditch’ to work with the AdF, six RNZAF personnel were chosen
to go, including one spot for an RNZAF cISo, me.
I was fortunate enough to take an exchange post with
No.1 combat communications Squadron (1ccS) at RAAF
base Richmond west of Sydney. 1ccS is a busy, operationally
camp—bobby escaped. He tells an
exciting story of his travels down Italy
to Allied lines. The book is worthwhile
reading, reminding us all of the need for
escape and evasion training for aircrew.
bobby came home to fly with the
RNZAF in the Pacific during remainder
of the war, and later, in 1965, became
the first Adjutant of No. 3 (battlefield
Support) Squadron. Sadly for the NZ
reader, this story is not included. but
‘The Elephant on my Wing’ is a reminder
of all the kiwis who joined the RAF and had many unexpected
adventures.
focused, squadron
and is very similar
to Air cIS in the
way it contributes
to the wider AdF.
during my time
at Richmond, I
was able to take
part in a tactical
communication
international
enemy submarines and looking for
downed airmen.
The book, in a detailed diary format,
includes the experience of many of the
hundreds of airmen—cooks and clerks,
wireless mechanics and beaching
crew—who were needed to run an
effective and efficient flying boat
squadron.
The author was present at the
Air Show and her book was formally
launched at Artel Gallery, lindale
centre, on the kapiti coast, the day after the Air Show.
website: www.lulu.com
http://www.lulu.com/shop/jenny-scott/dumbo-diaryroyal-new-zealand-air-force-no6-flying-boat-squadron-1943-
1945/hardcover/product-18929187.html
A detachment escorting a 6x6 land Rover
FFR (fitted for radio) during the Tactical
communications course at the Singleton
Army Training Area, NSw.
Photo: AdF
course that culminated in a field phase, attend RAAF cIS
conferences and visit some of the other AdF bases.
Throughout the exchange, there was plenty of opportunity
to discuss ideas with RAAF personnel and see how the RAAF
approaches similar day-to-day problems that we encounter
in New Zealand. I came away with a new appreciation of how
our closest defence neighbours operate and how we can work
together on exercises and potential deployments.
eXPANZAc is a lot of fun and very fulfilling. It is open to a
wide variety of trades across all ranks from Ac – FlTlT. It is a
reflection of the close working relationship between the NZdF
and AdF and anyone taking part will find it well worthwhile.
Air Force news 31