On one of the Pacific Islands
While on 17 Sqn RNZAF
Design:
Ivor Sikorsky and Rex Beisel
Company:
Chance Vought
Sikorsky Division of United Aircraft Corp
Brewster
Goodyear
Wing Span:
40 ft 11.3/4 in 12.49 M
Wing Area:
314 sq ft
Length:
33 ft 4.1/2 in 10.17 M
Height:
14 ft 9.1/4 in 4.50 M
Ceiling:
36,900 ft 11,242 M
Speed at 19,900 ft
417 MPH 671 KPH
Range:
1,015 Miles 1,633 Km
T/O Weight:
11,093 lbs 5,032 Kg
Empty Weight:
8,873 lbs 4,025 Kg
Crew:
1 Pilot
Role:
Fighter
Fighter / Bomber
Total Manufactured:
12,571 All Marks
First Flight:
29 May 1940
Entered Service:
July 1942
Armament:
6 x .5 in machine Guns in wings
Up To 2,000 Lbs Under Wings
8 HVA Rockets on wing racks
Qty Served:
424
Years Served:
1944 to 1949
Tail Nos:
F4U – 1A
NZ 5201 to NZ 5396
NZ 5461 to NZ 5463
NZ 5465
NZ 5487
NZ 5501 to NZ 5536
F4U – 1D
NZ 5397 to NZ 5460
NZ 5464
NZ 5466 to NZ 5486
NZ 5537 to NZ 5577
FG – 1D
NZ 5601 to NZ 5660
The distinctive shape of the 'Inverted Gull Wings' was required to enable as big as possible 3 bladed propellor to use the power of the engine, and keep the Undercarriage as short and strong as possible, required for carrier operations
ENGINE
Type:
Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp R 2800 - 8
18 cylinder, twin row, air cooled, radial, supercharged
Horse Power:
2,000 HP
Bore:
5.75 in 146.5 mm
Stroke:
6.0 in 152.4 mm
Volume:
2,804 Cu in 45.96 L
Max RPM:
2,800 HP
Fuel:
100/130 Octane
Length:
81.4 in 2.068 mm
Diameter:
52.8 in 1,342 mm
Weight:
2,360 lb
Power to Weight Ratio:
0.89 hp/lb 1.46 KW/Kg
Production Started:
1937
Production 1939 – 1960
125,334
NZ 52** to NZ54** Were Assembled at Espiritu Santo
NZ 55** Were Assembled in New Zealand
NZ 56** Were Assembled at Los Negros
FG-1A FG were Goodyear Type Corsairs
WARB = War Articles Restitution Board
LAC = Leading Aircraft Man
Sqn = Squadron
F O T U = Fighter Operational Training Unit
C F S = Central Flying School
HMS = Her Majesty’s Ship
B O C U = British Occupation Force Unit
ATC = Air Training Corp.
Inst = Non-Flying Instructional Airframe
CCU NZ = Corsair Conversion Unit in N Z
T/O = Take Off
U/C = Undercarriage [Wheels]
Hyd = Hydraulic
C F E = Central Fighters Establishment
The organization of the RNZAF in the Pacific war was,
The pilots and a small staff belonged to a Sqn. [Max strength of pilots was 27.]
The Sqn’s were assigned to Servicing Units which carried out
aircraft maintenance and operated from fixed locations.
In all, there were 10 front line Servicing Units, plus 3 based in NZ.
Because each Servicing Unit painted its aircraft with distinctive markings
and the aircraft themselves could be repainted several different colour schemes
the RNZAF Corsairs were far less uniform in appearance
compared with their American and Fleet Air Arm contemporaries.
By late 1944 the Corsair had equipped all 10 Pacific based fighter Sqns of the RNZAF.
When the Corsairs arrived there were virtually no Japanese aircraft left
in N Z’s allocated sectors of the South Pacific.
They were primarily used for close support of American, Australian, and NZ soldiers
fighting the Japanese.
At the end of 1945, all but No.14 Fighter Sqn were disbanded.
NZ 5251
Constructors No.: 4863
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56440
Shipped on USS Table Rock to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 26 Mar 1944
To 15 Sqn Bougainville 20 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 31 Aug 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn Apr 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5252
Constructors No: 5003
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49756
Shipped on USS Table Rock to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 26 Mar 1944
Code letter M
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
Mid air with Corsair NZ 5267
crashed into sea near Kieta
Written off 16 Jun 1944
F/O M Scannell uninjured
NZ 5253
Constructors No.: 4984
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49737
Shipped on USS Table Rock to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 26 Mar 1944
Due to major engine problems
the A/C remained at Espiritu Santo
used as cockpit drill training aid until Sept 1944
To 22 Sqn Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5254
Constructors No.: 4874
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56451
Shipped on USS Table Rock to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 26 Mar 1944
Code letters/No. 54
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
To 17 Sqn Sep 1945
A/C failed to become airborne
before U/C retracted,
As a result the 500Lb bomb
beneath the A/C exploded 0925hrs 15 Sep 1944
Written off
Sgt Noel Harper killed
NZ 5255
Construction No.: 4861
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56438
Shipped on USS Table Rock to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 26 Mar 1944
Code letter C
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 26 May 1944
Code letter 55
To 21 Sqn 26 Jul 1944
Failed to recover after low level strafing run,
crashed into jungle
and burst into flames
after crashing near Kara 29 Aug 1944
Written off
F/S Ronald Bailey killed
NZ 5256
Constructors No.: 4886
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56463
Shipped on USS Table Rock to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 26 Mar 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
To 25 Sqn 13 Jun 1944
Eng failure, ditched into sea
near Cape Malkte 14 Jun 1944
Sgt W Thompson uninjured
NZ 5257
Constructors No.: 4880
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56463
Shipped on USS Pequot Hill to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 4 Apr 1944
Code letter N
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 21 Sqn Jul 1944
Heavy landing at Nissan Island
Written off 30 Jul 1944
P/O W Gain uninjured
NZ 5258
Constructors No.: 4997
Mark:: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49750
Shipped on USS Mission San Fernando to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 17 Apr 1944
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Jun 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 2 Sep 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 12 Jun 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5259
Constructors No.: 5124
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49877
Shipped on USS Klamath Falls to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 21 Apr 1944
Code letter P
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
As a result of battle damage
the A/C crashed on landing at Torokina
Written off 7 Jun 1944
NZ 5260
Constructors No.: 5008
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49761
Shipped on USS Mission San Miguel to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 27 Apr 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 12 Jun 1945
Last operation from Jacquinot Bay 14 Sep 1945
To 16 Sqn 3 Oct 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5261
Constructors No.: 5018
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49771
Shipped on USS Mission San Miguel to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 27 Apr 1944
Code letter/No. 61
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 15 Sqn 11 Jun 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 7 May 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5262
Constructors No.: 4977
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49714
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
Code letter/No. 62
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 20 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 12 Jun 1945
To 19 Sqn Jul 1945
Eng failure during take off,
crashed and burnt on runway
at Jacquinot Bay 23 Jul 1945
Written off
F/S D Howlett injured
NZ 5263
Constructors No.: 4969
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49722
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 21 Sqn 21 Jul 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 12 Jun 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5264
Constructors No.: 4975
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49728
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 20 May 1944
Engine Failure ditched into sea
near Bougainville 0730 hrs on 7 Jul 1944
F/S E Shorthouse uninjured
NZ 5365
Constructors No.: 4987
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49740
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 20 May 1944
Ran out of fuel on ferry flight
Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal
Ditched into sea 20 May 1944
Sgt T Simpson uninjured
NZ 6266
Construction No.: 4998
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49751
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 20 May 1944
Engine fire caused by Japanese flak,
ditched into sea 14 Jul 1944
Sgt L Cousins uninjured
NZ 6267
Constructors No.: 5000
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49843
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
Code letter Q
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 15 Sqn 28 Jun 1944
Damaged at Torokina 20 Aug 1944
Repaired and returned to service Feb 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 6268
Constructors No.: 4850
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56427
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 18 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 15 Sqn 1 Jun 1944
To 19 Sqn Jul 1944
Engine failure caused by Japanese flak,
ditched near Tewai Point 1 Aug 1944
Written off
F/S P Jones rescued uninjured
NZ 5269
Constructors No.: 4854
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56431
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 5 Sep 1944
To 17 Sqn 25 Jan 1945
To 21 Sqn Apr 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5270
Construction No.: 4894
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56461
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
Missing without trace near Savo Island,
last seen climbing through15,000 ft
No trace found 11 Jun 1944
P/O William Smith missing presumed killed
NZ 5271
Constructors No.: 4903
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No,: Bu 56471
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
Code letter A
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn Nov 1944
To 25 Sqn Feb 1945
The A/C wing folded shortly after take off,
crashed into sea
East of Los Negros airfield 1510 on 24 Feb 1945
F/O Bernard Morgan killed
NZ 5272
Constructors No.: 4904
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56480
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
Code letter/No. 72
To 15 Sqn Espiritu Santo 18 May 1944
U/C Collapsed on landing
after a night flying exercise
On Henderson Field 1 Jun 1944
Written off
Sgt W Thomson uninjured
Rear fuselage used to re-build NZ 5307 in Mar 1945
NZ 5273
Constructors No.: 4985
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56481
Shipped on USS Rudyard Bay to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 1 May 1944
Code letter/No. 73
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 20 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 4 Sep 1944
To 26 Sqn May 1945
Last operational flight 1 Jun 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5274
Constructors No.: 5090
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49738
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter.No. 74
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
Hit by Japanese flak,
crashed into a plantation near Taili Bay
the A/C exploded on contact with the ground 1345 hrs on 20 Jun 1945
Sgt William Thomson killed
NZ 5275
Construction No.: 5103
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 49843
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter/No. 75
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 20 May1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
Badly damaged in taxi accident with
Corsair NZ 5277 at Kukum Field 17 Aug 1944
Repaired and returned to service
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 12 Jun 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5276
Constructors No.: 5113
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No: Bu 49856
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter N
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 13 Jun 1944
To 18 Sqn Jul 1944
Missing on dawn patrol, last seen climbing into cloud
After taking off from Green Island 0545 hrs on 11 Jul 1945
P/O Murray Nagel missing presumed killed
NZ 5277
Constructors No.: 5116
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 49866
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter/No. 77
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 18 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
Badly damaged in taxi accident with
Corsair NZ 5275 on Kukum Field 17 Aug 1944
Repaired and returned to service
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn Apr 1945
Damaged, repaired and returned to service
by September 24 Jul 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5278
Constructors No.: 5216
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 49969
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Espiritu Santo 18 May 1944
Ditched into sea on ferry flight
Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal 20 May 1944
Sgt W Thomson rescued uninjured
NZ 5279
Constructors No.: 5224
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 49977
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
Damaged, repaired and returned to service 3 Aug 1944
To 21 Sqn 27 Nov 1944
To 17 Sqn Dec 1944
Badly damaged, ran off runway on take off
Written off 5 Jan 1945
F/S K Dyer uninjured
NZ 5280
Constructors No.: 5227
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 49980
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter/No. 80
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
Eng failure, crashed into sea
near Duke of York Island 23 May 1944
F/S E Shorthouse rescued uninjured
NZ 5281
Constructors No.: 5246
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 49999
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
To 15 Sqn 26 Jun 1944
To 16 Sqn 16 Sep 1944
To 26 Sqn Mar 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5282
Constructors No.: 5270
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 50023
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
To 21 Sqn 22 Jan 1945
To 16 Sqn 15 Sept 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5283
Constructors No.: 5316
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 50069
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 10 Sep 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
The A/C, one of four,
entered a front off Green Island
It gradually lost height
until it crashed into the sea,
exploding on impact 1925 hrs on 15 Jan 1945
F/L Thomas Johnson killed
NZ 5284
Constructors No,: 5329
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 50073
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Remained at Espiritu Santo due to engine problems,
To 15 Sqn
Ferried to N Z
To 5 S U Ardmore 25 Jul 1944
To 17 Sqn Ardmore Dec 1944
To 14 Sqn Ardmore Feb 1945
To 26 Sqn Ardmore Mar 1945
To 22 Sqn Ardmore Apr 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5285
Constructors No.: 5323
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 50076
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal Jun 1944
To 22 Sqn 8 Sep 1944
To 17 Sqn 25 Jan 1945
To 21 Sqn 10 May 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5286
Constructors No.: 5325
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 50078
Shipped on USS Breton to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter/No. 286
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 13 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn Feb 1945
To 26 Sqn Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5287
Constructors No.: 4919
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49672
From U S Marine Aircraft Pool
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter R
To 15 Sqn Guadalcanal 25 May 1944
To 18 Sqn 5 Jun 1944
Code letter/No. 87
To 22 Sqn 3 Oct 1944
To 16 Sqn Jan 1945
The A/C, one of four, entered a front
and gradually lost height
until it crashed into the sea,
exploding on impact 1925 hrs on 15 Jan 1945
F/S Ronald Albrecht killed
NZ 5288
Constructors No.: 4991
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49744
From U S Marine Aircraft Pool
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 14 Sqn 9 Jun 1944
To 22 Sqn 30 Aug 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
To 21 Sqn 1 Jun 1945
To 16 Sqn 26 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5289
Constructors No.: 4992
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49745
From U S Marine Aircraft Pool
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal
To 16 Sqn Aug 1944
Engine failure during a night flight,
Crashed into the sea off Kukum 3 Aug 1944
P/O G Newfield rescued uninjured
NZ 5290
Constructors No.: 5015
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49768
From U S Marines Aircraft Pool
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
Code letter/No. 90
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
Swung off runway landing at Kukum,
crashed 13 Jun 1944
Written off
Sgt G Southwell Injured
NZ 5291
Constructors No.: 5035
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49788
From U S Marines Aircraft Pool
B O C Unit 60 5 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
Engine failure during training flight,
ditched into sea 10 Jun 1944
Sgt A Ewart uninjured
NZ 5292
Constructors No.: 4873
Mark: F4U-1
U S Navy No.: Bu 56450
Shipped on USS Ochoco to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 19 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
To 19 Sqn Aug 1944
Engine failure during strafing run, crashed into harbour
Near mouth of Sumei river 1030 hrs on 28 Aug 1944
F/S Jack Knight killed
NZ 5293
Constructors No.: 4879
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56456
Shipped on USS Ochoco to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 19 May 1944
Code letter H
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 9 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn 16 Nov 1944
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5294
Constructors No.: 5006
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49759
Shipped on USS Ochoco to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 19 May 1944
To 21 Sqn Bougainville Jun 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 9 Sep 1944
To 16 Sqn 21 Dec 1944
Crashed into jungle and burst into flames,
near Green Island 1925 hrs on 15 Jan 1945
F/O Grenville Randell killed
NZ 5295
Constructors No.: 4887
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56464
Shipped on USS Ochoco to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 19 May 1944
Code letter G
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 13 Jun 1944
To 15 Sqn 20 Jun 1944
Code letter/No. 95
To 18 Sqn 21 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn 16 Nov 1944
To 24 Sqn 27 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5296
Constructors No.: 4862
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No: Bu 56439
Shipped on USS Ochoco to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 19 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal
To 19 Sqn 28 Jun 1944
To 21 Sqn 12 Jun 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5297
Constructors No.: 4877
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 56454
Shipped on USS Ochoco to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 19 May 1944
To 21 Sqn Espiritu Santo 26 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn Feb 1945
To 26 Sqn 10 Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ 5298
Constructors No.: 5215
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49968
Shipped on USS Fort Henry to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 22 May 1944
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 13 Jun 1944
To 15 Sqn 2 Jul 1944
To 16 Sqn Sep 1944
Mid air with Corsair NZ 5306,
returning from a bombing sweep
They encountered bad weather near Torokina.
Both A/C exploded on impact
and fell into the sea 1440 hrs on 18 Sep 1944
P/O Christopher Mac Lean killed
NZ 5299
Constructors No.: 5209
Mark: F4U-1
US No.: Bu 49962
Shipped on USS Fort Henry to Espiritu SAnto
B O C Unit 60 22 May 1944
Code letter T
To 21 Sqn Guadalcanal 28 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn 21 Nov 1944
Last operational flight from Los Negros 26 Jul 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
NZ5300
Constructors No.: 5108
Mark: F4U-1
US Navy No.: Bu 49861
Shipped on USS Fort Henry to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 22 May 1944
Code letter Q
To 14 Sqn Guadalcanal 13 Jun 1944
To 23 Sqn 16 Nov 1944
Code letter/No. 300
To 25 Sqn Jan 1945
To 19 Sqn Mar 1945
To 17 Sqn May 1945
Last used on operations from Los Negros 4 Aug 1944
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948
Unsourced Photos through the Ohakea Museum
with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner