Battle of Britain Album #31: Royal New Zealand Air Force in Britain

A further contingent of airmen of the RNZAF has arrived in Britain to serve with the RAF. The men are armorers, and wireless operators for ground duties. This image was taken when the airmen were welcomed on their arrival by the High Commissioner for New Zealand. Members of the Naval Volunteer Reserve also arrived on the same ship. This image shows the cheering New Zealander airmen. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1224.

 

The reluctant celebrity: New Zealand fighter ace Alan Deere is greeted enthusiastically by female workers at the HMV Gramophone Factory in London. HMV produced radar and communications equipment during the Second World War. Alan Christopher Deere is possibly New Zealand’s most famous Second World War fighter pilot. He was also one of the luckiest, surviving several near-death experiences to become one of the outstanding pilots of the Battle of Britain.