Stories

The third of the three New Zealand airmen to be awarded the VC in WWII, Lloyd Trigg flew with Coastal Command rather than Bomber Command. He holds a special place in history as the only serviceman to have been awarded the VC on the ‘recommendation’ of an enemy.

Nick Carter joined Jack Wright’s crew in 1942 flying Wellington’s with 75(NZ) Squadron from Feltwell. On their first op they were attacked by a German night fighter, with their bomber taking significant damage. Here is the tale of that raid in Carter’s own words.

Winter brought extra challenges for operations. Fog, such a danger for returning aircraft was more likely. Snow would need to be removed from runways and taxiways for the bombers to fly. And the cold brought added difficulty for the groundcrew working outdoors on the bombers.

All who flew were remarkable young men, volunteers tasked with challenging missions requiring enormous bravery. The record of their service is so important. Sally Crook shares the story not only of her grandfather Greg Whitwell, but of many of the brave men he served alongside on 487 (NZ) Squadron.

Simon Young was guest of honour at the unveiling of a French Resistance memorial in 2023. The memorial which recognises an SOE mission, Operation Trainer 149, flown by his grandfather, Pilot Officer Russ Young of 75 (NZ) Squadron.

The exploits of the 28th Māori Battalion (NZ Army) are legendary, but little has been written about those Māori who served in the Air Force. Chris Newey’s research on the airmen of 75 (NZ) Squadron has uncovered several Māori who flew in the squadron during WWII.