No. 41 Squadron Association
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Media
    • Photos >
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2014/15
      • 2011
      • 2010
      • 2007/08
    • Archive
    • World War II Aircrew
    • Professional Photographers >
      • Centre of Aviation Photography
      • Peter Lewis
    • 41 Retro (Jaguar) >
      • Misc
      • 1976-1980
      • 1981-1985
      • 1986-1990
      • Gulf War
    • Outer Marker (Jaguar)
    • Plane Focus (Jaguar)
    • Videos
  • Forum
  • Info
    • Association Documentation
    • Seek and Support Fund
  • Hall of Heroes
    • World War 2
    • Post WW2
  • 41(R) TES
    • Online Resources
    • About
  • Contact

Association blog

41 Squadron RNZAF

25/1/2017

9 Comments

 
 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.
Picture
41 Squadron RNZAF at Vung Tau
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.
Picture
RAF Changi circa 1965, euphemistically known as the ’Nose Hangar’. Could be approached from both sides… quite good keeping the sun off during certain parts of the day. Not much ‘chop’ during inclement weather. When it rains in Singapore - it can come in from any angle and (usually does).
41 Squadron RNZAF December 2016 Newsletter
File Size: 14739 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

41 Squadron RNZAF Committee:

President : Mr Pete Lacey (petesandnz@xtra.co.nz)

Vice Pres/Editor : Mr Bryan Franklin (bryan.s@franklins.net.nz)

Hon Sec : Mr Alan Chung (alanchung42@gmail.com)

Committee Liaison : Mr David Bamfield (bamfield@extra.co.nz)

Immediate Past Pres : Mr Barry Balsom (alandbaz@gmail.com)

Immediate Past Hon Sec : Mr Des Budd (des.glen@xtra.co.nz)

9 Comments
Graeme Francis (F/S Rtd) link
3/9/2017 21:30:39

Hi,
I am part of the organising committee that is planning an Avionics and associated trades reunion in March 2018. I am hoping that you will publish our event info in your next newsletter.
The venue is the Airforce Museum of NZ at Wigram. Dates are the 23rd of March for a meet and greet and the 24th for a dinner event.
The reunion is open to all past and present Avionics trades and all those that were trained at No 2 TTS Wigram.
Our website info is above. Please let me know if you need any more info.
Kind Regards
Graeme Francis
Avionics Squadron
RNZAF Base Auckland.

Reply
Alastair McFarland
5/9/2017 05:46:13

Good morning,

Not a problem, we can do something similar to the article above using information from your website.


Alastair
41sqn.association.secretary@gmail.com

Reply
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.

Reply
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.

Reply
Gary Danvers link
11/2/2020 06:14:17

Hi John,
I'm definitely interested in any shots you have, email below

Regards,
Gary Danvers
garydanvers@gmail.com
Palmy, NZ

Reply
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?

Reply
Keith Martin (Casper)
1/11/2020 06:50:07

I spent just on 2 years with 41 at Changi mid 64 thru April 66.
I may have some slides photos of the time spent there.
You interested?

Reply
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

Reply
Bhanu Choudhrie link
24/10/2023 23:34:05

Great readding your blog

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Photo Credit:
    Rich Cooper/COAP

    Association Blog

    Updates and news direct from the Committee

    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016

    Categories

    All
    Artwork
    Association News
    Books And Resources
    Events
    Industry Partner News
    Obituaries
    On This Day
    Sharing Our History
    Sister Associations
    Squadron Updates

    RSS Feed

Follow or Contact the Association:
Picture
Let your friends know about the Association website:
© COPYRIGHT 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Media
    • Photos >
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2014/15
      • 2011
      • 2010
      • 2007/08
    • Archive
    • World War II Aircrew
    • Professional Photographers >
      • Centre of Aviation Photography
      • Peter Lewis
    • 41 Retro (Jaguar) >
      • Misc
      • 1976-1980
      • 1981-1985
      • 1986-1990
      • Gulf War
    • Outer Marker (Jaguar)
    • Plane Focus (Jaguar)
    • Videos
  • Forum
  • Info
    • Association Documentation
    • Seek and Support Fund
  • Hall of Heroes
    • World War 2
    • Post WW2
  • 41(R) TES
    • Online Resources
    • About
  • Contact