Trophy - "4 TTS ERS"

Winged beer keg-shaped trophy, mounted on a wooden base with a bottle opener. Attached plaque reads, "4TTS ERS" (4 Technical Training School, Engine Reconditioning Squadron).
Accession no. 2012/154.85.

Victoria Cross awarded to Squadron Leader Leonard Henry Trent (obverse)

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest British Commonwealth military decoration for valour “in the face of the enemy”.  Since it was first established by Queen Victoria after the Crimean War in 1856, it has been awarded to 1,354 individuals, including 25 New Zealanders.  Among these Kiwi heroes are three RNZAF airmen - James ("Jimmy") Ward, Lloyd Trigg and Leonard Trent.

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is privileged to hold in its collection the Victoria Cross awarded to Squadron Leader Leonard Henry Trent for his role in leading the disastrous "Amsterdam Raid" by 487 (NZ) Squadron RAF on 3 May 1943.  Trent, who had already earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his actions during the Battle of France in 1940, spent the rest of the War as a PoW and did not learn that he had earned the VC until March 1946, as it had taken this long for the details to be pieced together.  The award was officially gazetted on 1 March 1946, and was presented to Trent at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 12 April 1946.  The only RNZAF VC winner to survive the War, Leonard Trent died in 1986, having served in the post-War RAF and rising to the rank of Group Captain.

The VC consists of a crimson ribbon and bronze cross.  The obverse (front) features a lion standing on the British royal crown, with the words, "FOR VALOUR" on a semi-circular scroll beneath.  The reverse has a circular panel which generally contained the date of the action for which the award was made, but in Trent's case, this bears the date that his award was formally approved.  The reverse of the bronze suspension bar is engraved with Trent's name, rank and unit.

Accession no. 1987/144a.

Victoria Cross awarded to Squadron Leader Leonard Henry Trent (reverse)

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest British Commonwealth military decoration for valour “in the face of the enemy”.  Since it was first established by Queen Victoria after the Crimean War in 1856, it has been awarded to 1,354 individuals, including 25 New Zealanders.  Among these Kiwi heroes are three RNZAF airmen - James ("Jimmy") Ward, Lloyd Trigg and Leonard Trent.

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is privileged to hold in its collection the Victoria Cross awarded to Squadron Leader Leonard Henry Trent for his role in leading the disastrous "Amsterdam Raid" by 487 (NZ) Squadron RAF on 3 May 1943.  Trent, who had already earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his actions during the Battle of France in 1940, spent the rest of the War as a PoW and did not learn that he had earned the VC until March 1946, as it had taken this long for the details to be pieced together.  The award was officially gazetted on 1 March 1946, and was presented to Trent at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 12 April 1946.  The only RNZAF VC winner to survive the War, Leonard Trent died in 1986, having served in the post-War RAF and rising to the rank of Group Captain.

The VC consists of a crimson ribbon and bronze cross.  The obverse (front) features a lion standing on the British royal crown, with the words, "FOR VALOUR" on a semi-circular scroll beneath.  The reverse has a circular panel which generally contained the date of the action for which the award was made, but in Trent's case, this bears the date that his award was formally approved.  The reverse of the bronze suspension bar is engraved with Trent's name, rank and unit.

Accession no. 1987/144a

Gallipoli medallion awarded to Air Commodore T. W. White

Gallipoli medallion in presentation case, awarded to Air Commodore Trevor Watts “Tiny” White (NZ1079 & 73664) in 1967. Medallion has Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier and "1915" in the centre of the obverse (front) with "ANZAC" in a scroll below. The reverse has a map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross. "T W WHITE" has been engraved in the scroll below.

The ANZAC medallion was instituted in 1967 for award to Australian and New Zealand personnel who participated in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915. Trevor "Tiny" White served as a Sapper with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps and going on to have a long and distinguished career as both a military and civil pilot.

Accession no. 1988/1082.7

Commemorative scroll for Flying Officer Lindsay Hutton, NZ41173

Large colour printed commemorative scroll presented to the relatives of Flying Officer Lindsay David Hutton by the residents of the Hawarden-Waikari District of North Canterbury as a token of sympathy from the community.  Includes a photograph of Hutton at the bottom, with the signatures of members of the District Committee on either side.  Accession no. 2012/114.2.

Flying Officer Hutton was a 23-year old pilot with No. 18 (Fighter) Squadron RNZAF based at Ondonga in the Solomon Islands, who died on active operations on 16 November 1943.  His P-40N Kittyhawk had been damaged by flak while strafing enemy anti-aircraft positions on South Bougainville and he was forced to abandon it during the return to base.  By the time he managed to get clear of the cockpit, however, he was below 500 feet, and his parachute opened just before he hit the water.  Witnesses reported seeing him struggling in the water, but he quickly sank below the surface and was lost without trace.  He is commemorated on the Bourail Memorial in New Caledonia.

Photograph of the Central Band of the RNZAF on the Steps of Parliament, c. 1974

Formal group portrait of the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force with instruments, standing on the steps of Parliament House, Wellington.  Squadron Leader Roger Cattermole is at extreme right, front row.  Image ref. 2009/068.49.  ©Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

Cap - Multi-National Force & Observers (MFO), 1982

Orange peaked cap worn by New Zealand personnel who were part of the Multi-National Force & Observers (MFO) peacekeeping operation in Sinai in 1982.  Round embroidered MFO badge on front of cap has a white dove and olive branch on an orange background with a white border.  Accession no. 1983/102.3.

Data Plate from Chance Vought F4U-1 Corsair NZ5535

This data plate shows that this aircraft was a model F4U-1 Corsair built by the American aircraft manufacturer Chance Vought and was number 5321 off the production line.  It was fitted with the Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8 engine.

NZ5535 was assembled at Hobsonville on 28 June 1944 and assigned to the Corsair Conversion and Testing Flight at Ardmore.  It was written off in operational training on 27 October 1944 after it overturned on landing when the pilot braked too heavily.  NZ5535 was converted to an instructional airframe with the Technical Training Squadron at Woodbourne in November 1944 and was sold for scrap in 1948.  Accession no. 1996/184.1

Prisoner of War (POW) record card, Flying Officer Nisbet James Scott DFC, NZ415425

"Kriegsgefangenenkartei", German Prisoner of War record card for Typhoon pilot Flying Officer Nisbet James Scott of Central Otago, compiled at the Luftwaffe interrogation centre (Dulag Luft), near Frankfurt on 3 October 1944.  Contains personal details including physical appearance, name, date of birth, service number, rank, civilian occupation, next of kin, date of capture, etc.  Also includes two black and white identity photographs and a thumb print.  Scott had been captured after baling out of his flak-damaged Typhoon over Germany on 27 September 1944.  After his interrogation at Dulag Luft, he was imprisoned at Stalag Luft I at Barth in Northern Germany for the remainder of the War.

Accession no. 1988/333.20.

Sign - RNZAF Police Wigram

Wooden sign.  Metal RNZAF Police crest at centre (Queen's crown), with "RNZAF POLICE WIGRAM" in reflective material attached.  Red and black diagonal stripes in background and black border.  Two metal brackets with plastic fittings on reverse.  Accession no. 2011/529.9.

Taxidermied Kea

Taxidermied Kea used as a mascot by 14 Squadron RNZAF at Ohakea. 
Mounted on a branch with outstretched wings.  Accession no. 2002/322.38.

Colour Slide - Servicing the Beaver

35mm colour slide showing airmen servicing De Havilland Canada Beaver NZ6001 in Antarctica.  Film taken by Alun Breese while serving with the RNZAF Antarctic Flight as part of the Commonwealth Trans Antarctic Expedition, Oct 1957 - Feb 1958.  This Beaver was written off after an accident in white-out conditions on the Beardmore Glacier in January 1960.  Image ref. 2009/500.43.  ©Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

"Trench Art" Cheese Knife Set

Set of cheese-type knives fashioned from .303 inch calibre cartridges and sheet brass. Made by C.R. Plummer during World War Two. Four knives; one with wavy blade and small RNZAF King's crown and eagle button on end, one with forked tip and two with rounded tips. Accession no. 1986/524.1.

Contact Magazine

Front cover of “Contact” (official magazine of the RNZAF, 1941-1955), November 1942 edition.  Features a "pin-up" style illustration of a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force by RNZAF official artist R. Maurice Conly.  Accession no. 1986/257.2.

No. 75 Squadron RNZAF T-shirt

Red t-shirt printed in black with "75 SQUADRON RNZAF" and outline of a Skyhawk with kiwi behind.  Accession no. 2011/526.2.

NZPAF recruits with fire engine

Group of fourteen NZPAF airmen recruits posed with a fire engine during their initial military training at Trentham Camp, 27 August 1934. James Cyril Lloyd is seated in the driver's seat of the fire engine.  Image ref. 2009/551.13 (J.C. Lloyd collection). ©Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

VIP Andover Guest Book (Cover)

Blue hard-covered visitors’ book from VIP Andover NZ7622 of No. 42 Squadron RNZAF. Includes autographs of VIPs who travelled on this aircraft between 1978 and 1990, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Prince Phillip, HRH Princess Margaret, HRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana, HRH Prince Edward, US President George Bush (Snr) and First Lady Barbara Bush, New Zealand Prime Ministers Hon. Keith Holyoake and Robert Muldoon. Accession no. 1998/215.8a.

VIP Andover Guest Book (Inside)

Blue hard-covered visitors’ book from VIP Andover NZ7622 of No. 42 Squadron RNZAF.  Includes autographs of VIPs who travelled on this aircraft between 1978 and 1990, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Prince Phillip, HRH Princess Margaret, HRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana, HRH Prince Edward, US President George Bush (Snr) and First Lady Barbara Bush, New Zealand Prime Ministers Hon. Keith Holyoake and Robert Muldoon.  Accession no. 1998/215.8a.

Conch Shell Horn

Large brown and white conch shell, which (according to donor) was given to RNZAF ground crew by a Solomon Islands Chief during World War Two. The horn was used to call the men to the cook house for meals. A hole has been drilled into the shell to make it into a horn. Accession no. 2009/027.

Framed ink drawing on canvas. Depicts two hands (crosshatched), one wearing a digital watch that is ablaze, positioned amongst clouds. Text "FIGHTER PILOT / SPOKEN HERE" in the bottom right corner. Handwritten on reverse of frame: "TO WING COMMANDER / JIM BARCLAY / CO 75 SQN / MERRY XMAS FROM 40 SQN!! / WG CDR TREV BUTLER / CO 40 SQN / XMAS 1984". Black wooden frame with white inner. Previously hung in 75 Squadron RNZAF crew room at Ohakea. Accession no. 2009/479.

Members of the Ohakea Airmen's Club entertain children from the Gonville Sanitorium, Whanganui, at RNZAF Station Ohakea, 4 December 1963. Image ref. OhG5079~63. ©RNZAF Official.

Typescript menu stapled inside a folded card cover. Front features a hand-painted illustration of Santa Claus flying in a monoplane giving the "Victory" hand signal, with "Xmas Menu 1942" beneath. Menu bears the No. 2 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron RNZAF badge in the top left corner. Belonged to Ronald Hersey McMeekan.  Accession no. 2012/167.

Typescript menu stapled inside a folded card cover.  Front features a hand-painted illustration of Santa Claus flying in a monoplane giving the "Victory" hand signal, with "Xmas Menu 1942" beneath.  Menu bears the No. 2 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron RNZAF badge in the top left corner.  Belonged to Ronald Hersey McMeekan.  Accession no. 2012/167.

Escort for His Royal Highness Prince Charles during an official visit to RNZAF Base Wigram, 28 April 1983. L-R: Chief of the Air Staff Air Vice Marshal D. M. Crooks, HRH Prince Charles, Flight Lieutenant (Later Air Vice Marshal and Chief of the Air Force) G. Lintott, Flight Lieutenant (Later Air Vice Marshal and Chief of the Air Force) P. J. Stockwell, Guard Commander.  Image ref. WgG590-47~83. ©RNZAF Official.

1962 International Fire/Crash Tender.  Registration EV4397. Painted red with "16" stencilled in white on cab doors. "ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE" stencilled on sides and reverse in white. Twelve of these four wheel drive vehicles were built for the RNZAF by the motor-body manufacturer Hale and were stationed at various bases around NZ; this one at Woodbourne. Engine: International 160 hp petrol. Pump: Coventry Climax UFP Mk6. Pump capacity: 38 litres/second.Tank capacity: 3750 litres. Accession no. 1990/075.1.

Khaki Green Royal Flying Corps (RFC) “Maternity” type field service jacket, worn by Second Lieutenant Ivan Louis Kight. RFC brevet on left breast. Embroidered Second Lieutenant rank attached to shoulder straps.  Name tag attached to inside collar marked with "I L Kight". Belonged to Second Lieutenant Ivan Louis Kight.  Born Wellington 16 Dec 1895. Served in the Royal Tank Corps then commissioned in Royal Flying Corps 23 Feb 1916; served with No. 60 Squadron RFC. Resigned commission 2 Dec 1916. Commissioned into New Zealand Air Force (precursor to the RNZAF) as Lieutenant 14 June 1923, promoted to Captain 11 May 1926. Killed in civil flying accident 8 Feb 1931. Accession no. 1988/017.1.

Hessian paratroop decoy or “Gingerbread Man”, complete with parachute.  Dropped from Allied aircraft during World War Two to attract enemy attention away from descending paratroopers.  Dimensions: 800 x 445 x 140mm.  Accession no. 1985/067.

Black and white print.  Surplus wartime RNZAF Kittyhawk and Corsair aircraft awaiting their fates in the "graveyard" at Rukuhia aerodrome near Hamilton, circa 1948.  Almost all these aircraft were sold for scrap. Image ref. DWCorsair1.

Personal file compiled by personnel of No. 141 Flight, a detachment from 41 Squadron based at Tengah, Singapore, for their mascot – a dog named “Muldoon”.  Muldoon was adopted as a pup in 1976 by the single servicemen at Tengah, and soon became the unofficial mascot, after “worming his way” into the affections of everyone on the squadron.  Muldoon lived at Tengah with 141 Flight before being transferred with the unit to Sembawang in 1981.  He eventually reached the honorary rank of Warrant Officer, before sadly passing away as a result of an inoperable cancerous tumour in 1988.  This file contains a record of his life with the RNZAF in Singapore, including many official forms and correspondence such as medical fitness checks, personal reports, extensions of service, permissions to travel on domestic transport, “Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Dog)” citation and even a sympathy card received upon his death.  All forms have been filled out as they would for a human serviceman, in “tongue-in-cheek” style, with his paw print provided as signature.  Accession no. 1989/469.29.

Two officers from No. 141 Flight RNZAF with the unit mascot, “Muldoon Dog”, at Singapore.  Image ref. MUS090177.

'Warrant Officer' D.O.G. Muldoon, the No. 141 Flight, then Support Unit Singapore mascot, sitting in the cockpit of an Iroquois helicopter wearing pilot’s headphones.  Image ref.  MUS0800534.

Wooden sign from No. 3 Squadron RNZAF Suai Camp, East Timor, circa 2000.  Based on the logo from the "Jurassic Park" films, with yellow dinosaur skeleton in profile against a red background and the words "CREWIES - CORNER III SQN". Small white UN Iroquois helicopter depicted at base of sign.  Accession no. 2003/043.21.

 Black and white print.  The Queen's Colour Guard marching past Christ Church Cathedral during a parade in celebration of the RNZAF's 21st Anniversary, April 1958.  Caption written on reverse reads, ""Trooping the Colour" thru Chch...  I led the parade of 600 plus troops.  It was the first time the "colour" had been paraded "off" station."  From the Wing Commander Jack Hardy OBE collection.  Image ref. 2010/075.37.

©Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

Rolls Royce Nene engine fuel pump, sectioned for use as a training aid. Mounted on wooden base and labelled with "ROLLS-ROYCE / TYPICAL FUEL PUMP / (NENE)". Accession no. 1988/1007.82.

Soft-covered guide book produced by the National Patriotic Fund Board for those on the Home Front in New Zealand during World War Two.  Includes knitting patterns, recipes, and guidelines for sending parcels, as well as information on the Services, how to contact personnel overseas, rates of pay for Service personnel, etc.  Front cover features a soldier standing at attention with his rifle, back cover features a sailor and airman standing at attention.  Belonged to Lady Manning (ex-Mayoress of Christchurch).  Accession no. 2009/491.

Two air traffic controllers at work in the RNZAF Base Wigram control tower, 1980s.  Image ref. 2008/447.3.

©Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

1960s lightweight earthenware coffee cup and saucer, made by Crown Lynn Potteries of New Zealand for the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Decorated with gold rim and gold Queen's Crown and eagle, for use by VIPs.  Accession no.1992/334.94.

Early 1950s recruiting poster for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, printed by R. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.  Features a colour image of a Bristol Freighter transport aircraft undergoing maintenance.  Accession no. 1982/350.

Parker pen complete with cap and original presentation case.  Used by Chief of Air Staff Air Vice-Marshal Sir Leonard Isitt to sign the Japanese surrender documents on behalf of the New Zealand Government onboard USS MISSOURI in Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945.  Engraved “L. M. ISITT / U.S.S. “MISSOURI” / TOKIO [sic] / 2.9.45”.  Accession no. 1986/245.1