New Zealanders with the Royal Air Force (Vol. II)
No. 487 Squadron
No. 487 Squadron
Squadron Motto: Ki te Mutunga (Through to the end).
Date and Place of Formation: 15 August 1942 – Feltwell, Norfolk.
Commanding Officers:
Wg Cdr F. C. Seavill | August 1942 to December 1942 |
Wg Cdr G. J. Grindell | December 1942 to May 1943 |
Wg Cdr A. G. Wilson | May 1943 to January 1944 |
Wg Cdr I. S. Smith | February 1944 to August 1944 |
Wg Cdr R. C. Porteous | August 1944 to December 1944 |
Wg Cdr R. W. Baker | January 1945 to February 1945 |
Wg Cdr F. H. Denton | February 1945 to August 1945 |
Wg Cdr W. P. Kemp | August 1945 to September 1945 |
Bases:
Feltwell, Norfolk | August 1942 to April 1943 |
Methwold, Norfolk | April 1943 to July 1943 |
Sculthorpe, Norfolk | July 1943 to December 1943 |
Hunsdon, Hertfordshire | January 1944 to April 1944 |
Gravesend, Kent | April 1944 to June 1944 |
Thorney Island, Hants | June 1944 to February 1945 |
Rosieres en Santerre, France | February 1945 to April 1945 |
Brussels, Melsbroek | April 1945 to July 1945 |
Cambrai, Epinoy | July 1945 to September 1945 |
Role:
Formed as a light day-bomber squadron equipped with Ventura aircraft. Transferred from Bomber Command to 2nd TAF in June 1943; re-equipped with Mosquito bombers in August 1943. Role henceforth predominantly night bombing attacks, but also took part in several special daylight precision attacks.
First Operation:
6 December 1942 | 16 Venturas attacked Phillips radio works, Eindhoven, by day. |
Last Operation:
2–3 May 1945 | 13 Mosquitos bombed Itzeloe, Heide, and Elmshorn at night. |
Disbanded: 19 September 1945
Effort and Achievements:
No. 487 Squadron flew 3112 sorties totalling 7892 hours. As its aircraft operated mainly at night, no accurate record of achievements could be compiled, but No. 487's contribution to the campaign against enemy transport and supply was certainly substantial.
Decorations won by New Zealand members of the squadron were:
Victoria Cross | 1 | Distinguished Flying Cross | 7 |
Distinguished Service Order | 1 | Distinguished Flying Medal | 1 |
Bar to DFC | 1 |