Description
RNZAF Avengers, WW2 and post-war target tug, three options
NZ2522 TBF-1C, 30 Squadron “winged kiwi”
TBF-1C Avenger with “Donald Duck” nose art.
NZ2503, post war target tug
No.30 and 31 Squadron. No.30 Servicing Unit
On 26 January 1944, the first nine Avengers left for Espiritu Santo and arrived on the 27th. By the 30th all the Squadron’s aircraft had arrived and commenced operational training. No.30 Servicing Unit travelled by Hudson or ship and by 10 February all were on Espiritu Santo to service the Avengers. No.30 Squadron pilots completed their tour in May 1944 and were replaced by the pilots of No.31 Squadron who arrived in the Islands on 25 May 1944.