Stories

Three New Zealand airmen were awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) in WWII, the highest and most prestigious award for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces. James (Jimmy) Ward was the first so decorated.

Success in the air war was built on the bravery of aircrews and rapid technological advancement. It also required constant improvement in operations. While the bomber groups, squadrons and crews shared a common enemy their performance was constantly evaluated, from the accuracy of bombing to the availability of aircraft for sorties to further pressure the enemy.

Māori participation in WWII is perhaps most readily identified with the 28th Battalion, one of the most celebrated and decorated units in the New Zealand forces. Less well known are those who flew in the RNZAF or RAF. Porokoru (John) Pohe was the first Māori Pilot to serve in the Royal Air Force.

What were you capable of as a nineteen-year-old? On the night of 26 April 1943, a young Whanganui pilot Peter Buck of 75 (NZ) Sq. was fighting to bring his stricken Short Stirling back from Duisburg, Germany on three engines and lacking rudder control.

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest Commonwealth military decoration awarded for ‘valour in the face of the enemy.’ Three VCs were awarded to New Zealand airmen, including Leonard Trent of 487 (NZ) Sq. who was shot down over Amsterdam on Ramrod 16, in May 1943. This is his story.

Some 10,000 airmen survived parachuting from their stricken aircraft, or even a crash only to become prisoners of war (POWs). While many tried to escape, just 33 were able to escape and avoid recapture. Sergeant-Pilot Woodroofe was the only New Zealand airman to successfully make a ‘home run’.