15 Squadron RNZAF formed 1 June 1942 at Whenuapai, Auckland under Squadron Leader A. Crighton. It served in Tonga, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Espiritu Santo, Bougainville and Green Island. The squadron was equipped with Kittyhawk and, later, F4U Corsair fighters. Re-equipment with the P-51 Mustang was abandoned at the cessation of hostilities. The Squadron was disbanded in November 1945.
No. 15 Squadron flew more sorties than any other New Zealand Fighter Squadron in the Pacific theatre of World War II. The Commonwealth's leading ace in the Pacific, Geoff Fisken, scored approximately half his victories with the squadron, mostly flying P40 "Wairarapa Wildcat".
History[]
15 Squadron was deployed to Kukum Field on Guadalcanal in April 1943.[1] The Squadron was deployed to Green Island from February–April 1945.[2]
References[]
- ↑ Ross, John (1955). Royal New Zealand Air Force. Historical Publications Branch. p. 168. ISBN 0898391873.
- ↑ Ross, 1955, p. 326
The original article can be found at No. 15 Squadron RNZAF and the edit history here.