RNZAF - The First Decade 1937-1946

Kookaburra Technical Publications Pty Ltd., 1978. Dsutwrapper covered in coverseal. Some foxing to endpapers.

Illustrations are the dominant feature of this fine book covering arcraft of the RNZAF from its inception in as an independent force in 1936 until the immediate aftermath of WWII. In that time a great many different types of planes were to serve in the force, some from Britain, some of NZ licence production , most of the USA and a number of requisitioned machines. Charles Darby's main text is in the form of a short history of the RNZAF, with emphasis on its role in the Pacific War, notes on aircraft colour schemes and three appendices covering aircraft used by the force in that period, unit codes and abbreviations used. The majority of 250-plus illustrations are b/w phots of airctaft used from 1937 to 1946, beginning with the ungainly Vickers Vildebeest to the Gloster Meteor jet imported in 1946 and used to introduce this new era in fighters to NZ pilots. Also pictured are bombers, transports, trainers and flying boats, vintage biplanes, some from WWI, that served with the NZ Permanernt Air Force, the RNZAF's predecessor, the Supermarine Walrus' that joined the RNZAF and cruisers of the RNZ Navy. Highlight of the book is the 18 colour art aircraft paintings by Geoffrey Pentland, plus a number of colour photographs.