No. 22 Squadron RNZAF

No. 22 Squadron
Corsair FG-1D (Goodyear built F4U-1D) in the Royal New Zealand Air Force markings
ActiveAugust 1942- September 1945
CountryNew Zealand New Zealand
Branch Royal New Zealand Air Force
TypeFighter bomber
Garrison/HQRNZAF Station Onerahi
Motto'Patuo Kia Mate'
EngagementsWorld War II

No. 22 Squadron RNZAF was a squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Formed in August 1942, during World War II, at RNZAF Station Onerahi equipped with the Hawker Hind, co-ordinating with New Zealand Army units providing training for air liaison officers. Reformed on 19 June 1944 at RNZAF Station Ardmore, equipped with Chance-Vought F4U-1 Corsair fighter bombers. The squadron served at airfields in Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Emirau before being disbanded in September 1945.[1]

Insignia and Motto

22 Squadron flew under the insignia of a Katipo Spider, which was placed on the engine cowlings of their Corsair's. Their motto - 'Patuo Kia Mate' means, 'Strike to Kill' and the squadron was known as the Katipo Squadron, or 'The Katipos', similar how to No.23 Squadron was known as 'The Ghosts'.

Commanding officers

Citations

  1. ↑ Ross 1993, p. 329.

References

  • Ross, John (1993) [1955]. Royal New Zealand Air Force. Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45. Nashville: Battery Press. ISBN 0898391873.