No. 20 Squadron RNZAF
No. 20 Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1944–1945 |
Country | New Zealand |
Branch | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
Type | Fighter bomber |
Size | One Squadron |
Garrison/HQ | RNZAF Base Ohakea |
Engagements |
No. 20 Squadron was a squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Formed in January 1944 at RNZAF Station Ohakea, it was originally equipped with P-40 Kittyhawks. It later flew F4U-1 Corsair fighter bombers.
History
20 Squadron was deployed to Kukum Field on Guadalcanal from April-May 1944 and then to Piva Airfield on Bougainville from May-June 1944. The Squadron deployed to Palikulo Bay Airfield on Espiritu Santo from August-September 1944 and then returned to Guadalcanal from September-October 1944.[1] The Squadron deployed to Green Island on 26 October 1944 assuming responsibility for local patrols and Dumbo escort.[1]:269 The squadron returned to Santo in January 1945, then deployed to Bougainville until April 1945 and Jacquinot Bay from May–August 1945.[1]
Commanding officers
- Squadron Leader S. R. Duncan January–July 1944;
- Squadron Leader G. M. Robertson July–November 1944;
- Squadron Leader L. R. Reynolds December 1944–September 1945.[1]