22 March 2012

Air Force Red Checkers to Fly Over Rotorua

The Air Force Red Checkers team will perform an aerobatic display over Rotorua on Monday 26 March as part of its national tour to celebrate 75 years the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Rotorua was an important training ground RNZAF during WWII. As part of its early wartime expansion the RNZAF took over hotels in the town of Rotorua on 21 February 1942, and two days later the Initial Training Wing (ITW) arrived from Levin.

The ITW provided training on the ground for aircrew, and from 1942 until early in February 1944, thousands of aircrew received disciplinary training at Rotorua.

When the ITW moved to Delta (near Blenheim) in early February 1944, No.1 Convalescent Depot was formed at Rotorua to provide convalescent treatment for RNZAF personnel who returned from overseas needing care. No. 1 Convalescent Depot disbanded on 30 September 1945. During its operation a total of 1235 cases were admitted of which up to 75 percent were returned fit for duty.

In the immediate post-war years the RNZAF’s Forest Patrol Flight using Harvards, and then Austers, operated from Rotorua (using the old airfield in Fenton St).

This display over Rotorua by the Red Checkers continues the team’s tour to celebrate the Air Force’s 75th Anniversary.

What: Red Checkers aerobatic display (weather permitting)
Where: Rotorua
When: Monday 26 March at approximately 6.00pm

Visit www.airforce.mil.nz and click on ‘What’s On’ for the Red Checkers flying schedule in 2012.

ENDS