We occasionally have contact from ex-serviceman searching out the 41 Squadron Association of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, are Antipodian sister Association. This year they are commemorating the 40th anniversary of their disbandment and have asked that I share a few words from their committee below. In 2017 we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the disbanding of 41 Squadron in the RNZAF Our squadron was formed in1947 at RNZAF Station Whenuapai in Auckland and was sent on detachment almost immediately to Malaya to assist during the insurgency in that country. The squadron flew a number of aircraft types in the early days including DC-3’s and Hastings but became better known through our relationship with the Bristol B-170… more commonly known simply as the ‘Bristol Freighter’. From the early 1950’s the squadron Freighters were assigned to serve with the RAF from its base at RAF Changi in Singapore - and there it remained through until the 1970’s before finally being transferred across to Tengah to finish up it’s days as 141 Flight flying the UH-1 (Huey). The Freighters being repatriated back to New Zealand to be sold off after the squadron was closed down. The ‘Colours’ were laid up in the chapel, where they remain to this day, at what is now known as RNZAF Base Auckland, however still located at Whenuapai. Most of the Association members did some time on Changi (some doing two or even three tours during their careers) trundling across the skies of Laos, Cambodia, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam… with the occasional side trip to Thailand, Japan or Nepal. During our time we managed to achieve the distinction of serving the longest deployment of any New Zealand squadron, we were the last to lose and aircraft (and crew) on operation and also came home with a few extra holes from Borneo and Vietnam although fortunately with no further injury or losses.
8 Comments
3/9/2017 21:30:39
Hi,
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Alastair McFarland
5/9/2017 05:46:13
Good morning,
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FRANK MARSH
30/6/2018 14:36:49
Had the pleasure of serving with you guys in Korat, Thailand. I was at the Army Hospital 64 & 65. you guys were billeted with us. supplied us with Leopard and Tiger beer. thanks. there are several facebook sites for thailand forces during this time.
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John Day
26/10/2018 22:20:29
Served 2 years with 41 Sqn., Singapore and Korat. Still have a few photos of tent lines etc. at Korat Is anyone interested? 35mm slides have a limited shelf life.
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11/2/2020 06:14:17
Hi John,
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Ron Dailey
11/4/2021 00:14:51
John, I flew with you in 1962. I have pictures of you, me,and Tickets. Would like me to send you copies?
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Keith Martin (Casper)
1/11/2020 06:50:07
I spent just on 2 years with 41 at Changi mid 64 thru April 66.
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Viv Harris nee Thomas
8/1/2023 22:51:42
Hi Keith (Casper), my dad was Dick Thomas and I was a small child in Changi about the same time as you were there. I remember big parties at our house. Dad was Squadron Leader JVW Thomas but most people called him Dick and mum was Betty. Would love to see any images you have. Thanks, Viv
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Rich Cooper/COAP Association BlogUpdates and news direct from the Committee Archives
May 2020
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