012503 - THE FIRST FLIGHT: The Origins of the New Zealand Bomber Squadron

By Chris Newey

In 1938, with war looming in Europe, the New Zealand government launched a bold plan to bolster the country's long-neglected air defences, based on the advice of a young RAF officer, Ralph Cochrane. Cochrane's new RNZAF would be built around two new long range reconnaissance and strike squadrons, and for this, 30 of Britain's most up-to-date bomber aircraft needed to be purchased and delivered from the other side of the world. Led by a legendary wing commander and some of New Zealand's most celebrated aviators, a team of pilots and technicians was assembled in England to fly them back, six at a time.

By late August 1939, war was imminent and the government offered to put the men and machines at the disposal of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was the first material contribution to Britain’s war effort by any Commonwealth country, made a week before war was declared. The first ferry flight had been due to leave only a month later.

But the generous gesture left New Zealand vulnerable to attack, without any modern front-line aircraft and without some of its most experienced pilots.  The country's ineffective defences against attack from the sea were quickly exposed.

After seven months of political debate and hard work the small unit was eventually built up to full operational status - No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron - the first Commonwealth squadron to be formed within the RAF. 'The New Zealand Bomber Squadron' became famous for its many accomplishments during the Second World War and a source of great national pride.

Until now, the story of how it came into being has never been properly told.