NATIONAL COMMEMORATION TO MARK THE 75 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II

Transcription

1 NATIONAL COMMEMORATION TO MARK THE 75 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 HALL OF MEMORIES, PUKEAHU NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL PARK, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

2 Photos are from the collection of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand

3 AN OVERVIEW ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II On 1 April 1937 the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) became an independent service within the New Zealand defence forces. Hundreds of New Zealanders had flown in Allied air forces during the First World War, and a small New Zealand Permanent Air Force had been established (under army control) in But despite expansion in the late 1930s, when war broke out in September 1939 the RNZAF had just 756 full-time personnel and only a handful of modern aircraft. NEW ZEALANDERS IN THE RAF At the same time about 420 New Zealanders were serving with the Royal Air Force (RAF) the most from any of the Dominions. A further 7000 Kiwi airmen would join RAF squadrons through the Empire Air Training Scheme. They would serve with distinction in all theatres of the war, from the skies over northern Europe to the deserts of North Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to the jungles of Burma. New Zealanders played a key role in the Battle of Britain in At least 130 Kiwi pilots took part and made up the third largest national contingent in RAF Fighter Command after Britons and Poles. Some like Al Deere and Colin Gray achieved fame as fighter aces, while Sir Keith Park led Fighter Command s crucial 11 Group, which covered London and southeast England. Twenty New Zealanders serving in Fighter Command were killed during the battle. Those serving in RAF Bomber Command faced even greater dangers. Of the approximately 6000 New Zealanders who flew in offensive operations over Germany and occupied Europe, more than 1850 lost their lives. They served in many squadrons, but New Zealand s effort is especially associated with 75 (NZ) Squadron, which was almost entirely Kiwi, and 487 (NZ) Squadron. 1

4 Hundreds more flew with RAF Coastal Command and the Royal Navy s Fleet Air Arm, helping the Allies achieve victory in the Battle of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean theatre. Three New Zealanders won the Victoria Cross while flying with the RAF: James Ward (75 Squadron), Leonard Trent (487 Squadron) and Lloyd Trigg (Coastal Command). In total, over 12,000 New Zealanders served in RAF squadrons; 3285 (27 per cent) lost their lives and more than 500 became prisoners of war. THE RNZAF IN THE PACIFIC WAR Closer to home, the RNZAF expanded rapidly to undertake operations in South-east Asia and the Pacific following the outbreak of war with Japan in December About 400 RNZAF personnel took part in the disastrous attempt to defend Malaya and Singapore. Then in November 1942, airmen from 3 Squadron arrived at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal to serve alongside US forces; more New Zealand squadrons arrived over the next months. Equipped with modern American-made aircraft, the RNZAF conducted anti-submarine patrols, reconnaissance, bombing, rescue, and fighter escort missions around the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago. RNZAF pilots were credited with destroying 103 Japanese aircraft over the Solomons. With 11 victories, Geoffrey Fisken became the leading British Commonwealth ace of the Pacific War. The number of RNZAF personnel peaked at around 42,000 in The end of the war brought major change as hundreds of aircraft were scrapped and tens of thousands of personnel demobilised. The post-war years would see the RNZAF take on new roles and commitments, notably in Southeast Asia, while maintaining the proud tradition of service, resourcefulness and professionalism established during the Second World War. 2

5 MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL Nga mihi mahana ki a koutou Warm greetings to you all. Just two and a half years after the Royal New Zealand Air Force became an independent Service, it was called upon to play a major role in the Second World War. Over the six years of the war, the RNZAF would transform from a small force to one of over forty thousand personnel, serving at home and abroad. In the Far East, the RNZAF was briefly caught up in the fall of Singapore and Malaya, and RNZAF Squadrons made a significant contribution to the ultimate victory in the Pacific. Thousands of young New Zealanders also served with other allied air forces further afield, and on the other side of the world; most notably in the Royal Air Force, Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Australian Air Force. New Zealanders could be found, serving alongside their allies, in almost every area of conflict. They played a major role in the Battle of Britain in 1940, and many served, at great cost, with RAF Bomber Command. At sea, they patrolled the sea-lanes with RAF Coastal Command and flew in support of the allied naval forces around the globe. These New Zealanders helped preserved the freedoms that we enjoy today. They paid a high price, with 4256 losing their lives. In the years since, personnel of the Royal New Zealand Air Force have maintained proud traditions of service and sacrifice, and continue the work to maintain peace and security in conflict zones across the world. Ka maumahara tonu ou kia ratou We will remember them. The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, GNZM, QSO Governor-General of New Zealand Government House New Zealand 3

6 ORDER OF SERVICE THE ARRIVAL Official guests are welcomed by Rear Admiral David Ledson ONZM (Rtd), Chair, National War Memorial Advisory Council and Brodie Stubbs, Manager Heritage Projects, Ministry for Culture and Heritage RESPECTS PAID AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR Whakamaharatanga, the Remembrance Bell, tolls as the Official Party pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Unknown Warrior KARANGA June Jackson MNZM, supported by Peter Jackson, Taranaki Whānui Please stand PROCESSIONAL Rangimarie, the Peace Bell, tolls six times as the Official Party processes into the Hall of Memories QUEEN S COLOURS March in of the Queen s Colour and Squadron Standards of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Queen s Colour of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Standard of No 5 Squadron Standard of No 40 Squadron Standard of No 3 Squadron Standard of no 42 Squadron 4 British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Commemorative Pennant

7 NATIONAL ANTHEM Leading Aircraftsperson Barbara Graham leads guests in singing the National Anthem of New Zealand, accompanied by the Royal New Zealand Air Force band God Defend New Zealand E Ihowā Atua, O ngā iwi mātou rā Āta whakarangona; Me aroha noa Kia hua ko te pai; Kia tau tō atawhai; Manaakitia mai Aotearoa God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Pacific s triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Zealand. Please be seated 5

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9 WELCOME Wing Commander Cam Brownlee Master of Ceremonies PROLOGUE Rear Admiral David Ledson ONZM (Rtd) ADDRESS The Honourable Mark Mitchell Minister of Defence CHORAL ITEM Leading Aircraftsperson Barbara Graham sings Pokarekare Ana ORAL HISTORY READING The Honourable Clayton Cosgrove MP Opposition representative A POEM Cadet Warrant Officer Ryan Dawson Think of them. You did not die as these Caged in an aircraft that did not return. Whenever hearts have song and minds have peace Or in your eyes the prides of banner burn, Think of those who dreamed and loved as you And gave their laughter, gave their sun and snow, Their grave blessed by their native dew 7

10 That you would live. To them this debt you owe. Their glory shines about the sky forever, Though in these things they left to you, the ghost Should haunt your field of ease and resting river. Their lives are ended, but dreams are not yet lost If you remember in your laugh and song These boys who do not sing and laughed not long. Words: Herbert Corby RAF (b. 1911) PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE Chaplain Class 2 Diana Woods offers a prayer and then leads guests in reciting the Lord s Prayer Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. Please stand 8

11 BATTLE OF BRITAIN HYMN Led by Leading Aircraftsperson Barbara Graham and accompanied by the RNZAF Band, guests sing the Battle of Britain Hymn O Thou that hearest prayer, Our brothers shield and guide, Who through the spacious air On high adventure ride, To watch or fight, Near and afar, On wings of war, For truth and right Give skill of hand and eye, And quick discerning mind, Through lonely wastes of sky Unchartered ways to find, Nor faint nor fail Nor evil fear, But know Thee near, Whate er assail And as that hero band, The young, the few, the brave, To shield our menaced land Their eager manhood fade, Nor turned aside From danger s call, But for us all They dared and died 9

12 So unto us today, Thy strength and aid impart, Our country s call to obey With brave unfaltering heart, Till sufferings cease, And victors come Rejoicing home, On wings of peace Please be seated 10

13 LAYING OF WREATHS Wreaths are laid by the following: The Honourable Mark Mitchell Minister of Defence on behalf of the Government and People of New Zealand His Excellency Tommy Leasi Papali i High Commissioner and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps The Honourable Clayton Cosgrove MP on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM Chief of Air Force and Mrs Jean Beaumont on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force and their families Councillor Malcolm Sparrow on behalf of the City of Wellington Wing Commander THJ (Terry) Knight (Rtd) on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Association David Moloney on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Lieutenant Colonel Grant Morris and Cadet Warrant Officer Ryan Dawson representing the youth of New Zealand 11

14 PRAYER IN COMMEMORATION Chaplain Class 2 Diana Woods offers a prayer in commemoration of Royal New Zealand Air Force service during World War II 12

15 THE COMMEMORATION PLEASE STAND THE LAST POST Uniformed personnel salute The New Zealand flag is lowered to half-mast on the Forecourt THE ODE Warrant Office PJ Smith MNZM E kore rātou e kaumātuatia Pēnei i a tātou kua mahue nei E kore hoki rātou e ngoikore Ahakoa pēhea i ngā āhuatanga o te wā I te hekenga atu o te rā Tae noa ki te aranga mai i te ata Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou Response: Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou David Moloney RNZRSA They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them Response: We will remember them 13

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17 ONE MINUTE S SILENCE THE ROUSE The New Zealand flag is raised to full mast head BENEDICTION AND DISMISSAL Chaplain Class 2 Diana Woods QUEEN S COLOURS March out of the Queen s Colour and Squadron Standards of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Queen s Colour of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Standard of No 5 Squadron Standard of No 40 Squadron Standard of No 3 Squadron Standard of no 42 Squadron British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Commemorative Pennant RECESSIONAL The Official Party processes to the foyer In the foyer the Honourable Mark Mitchell, Air Vice-Marshall Tony Davies and Wing Commander THJ (Terry) Knight are invited to sign the Visitors Book Taranaki Whānui and the Youth representatives are introduced to the Official Party 15

18 TRIBUTES The Honourable Mark Mitchell, Air Vice-Marshall Tony Davies and Wing Commander THJ (Terry) Knight place tributes on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Veterans and guests may place poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior AIRCRAFT FLYOVER Spitfire and two Texan T6 THE DEPARTURE Members of the Official Party and guests are invited to proceed to their vehicles and travel to Parliament for the Reception 16

19 This National Commemorative Service was arranged by the Visits and Ceremonial Office, Department of Internal Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Protocol Division), and the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association

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