| Serial |
A/C.Type |
c/n |
Aircraft history |
| NZ205 |
SBD-3 |
1466 |
Bu06651. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5001. |
| NZ206 |
SBD-3 |
1467 |
Bu06652. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5002. |
| NZ207 |
SBD-3 |
983 |
Bu4672. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5003. |
| NZ208 |
SBD-3 |
782 |
Bu4549. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5004. |
| NZ209 |
SBD-3 |
835 |
Bu4585. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5005. |
| NZ210 |
SBD-3 |
1193 |
Bu03371. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5006. |
| NZ211 |
SBD-3 |
1041 |
Bu03219. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and allocated NZ5007 in 1943 but never wore this serial number.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrove.
Crashed near Waiuku at 1145 hours on 13 September 1943.
The aircraft stalled during gunnery practice, dived into the ground and burst into flames.
Pilot Officer William McJannet and Sergeant Douglas Cairns killed. |
| NZ212 |
SBD-3 |
986 |
Bu4675. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5008. |
| NZ213 |
SBD-3 |
963 |
Bu4652. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5009. |
| NZ214 |
SBD-3 |
1473 |
Bu06658. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5010. |
| NZ215 |
SBD-3 |
1024 |
Bu03202. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5011. |
| NZ216 |
SBD-3 |
955 |
Bu4645. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5012. |
| NZ217 |
SBD-3 |
776 |
Bu4543. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5013. |
| NZ218 |
SBD-3 |
1186 |
Bu03364. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5014. |
| NZ219 |
SBD-3 |
1464 |
Bu06649. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5015. |
| NZ220 |
SBD-3 |
1282 |
Bu06545. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5016. |
| NZ221 |
SBD-3 |
1191 |
Bu03369. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5017. |
| NZ222 |
SBD-3 |
1434 |
Bu06619. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943 and renumbered NZ5018. |
| NZ5001 |
SBD-3 |
1466 |
Previously NZ205.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5002 |
SBD-3 |
1467 |
Previously NZ206.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 26 October 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5003 |
SBD-3 |
982 |
Previously NZ207.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 21 October 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
No record of disposal but possibly cannibalised for parts. |
| NZ5004 |
SBD-3 |
782 |
Previously NZ208.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Crashed and written off at Ardmore on training flight on 19 January 1944 when controls locked. |
| NZ5005 |
SBD-3 |
835 |
Previously NZ209.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 26 October 1943. To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5006 |
SBD-3 |
1193 |
Previously NZ210.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 26 October 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948.
|
| NZ5007 |
SBD-3 |
1041 |
Previously NZ211. Allocated this serial number but never wore it.
See NZ211 above. |
| NZ5008 |
SBD-3 |
986 |
Previously NZ212.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
May never have been flown by RNZAF due to deteriorated condition when received.
No record of disposal but possibly cannibalised for parts.
Converted to instructional airframe INST91 with the TTS at Nelson in early 1944.
It would appear that the aircraft never reached Nelson but was probably stored at Hobsonville before being sold for scrap on 01 August 1948 to J. Edwards. |
| NZ5009 |
SBD-3 |
963 |
Previously NZ213.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5010 |
SBD-3 |
1473 |
Previously NZ214.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5011 |
SBD-3 |
1024 |
Previously NZ215.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5012 |
SBD-3 |
955 |
Previously NZ216.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5013 |
SBD-3 |
776 |
Previously NZ217.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5014 |
SBD-3 |
1186 |
Previously NZ218.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5015 |
SBD-3 |
1464 |
Previously NZ219.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5016 |
SBD-3 |
1282 |
Previously NZ220.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 13 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
Converted to instructional airframe INST110 with the Instrument School at Hobsonville.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5017 |
SBD-3 |
1191 |
Previously NZ221.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 03 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5018 |
SBD-3 |
1434 |
Previously NZ222.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
May never have been flown by RNZAF due to deteriorated condition when received.
Cannilbalised for spares before being converted to instructional airframe INST 92 at Seagrove on 02 February 1944.
Later transferred to Woodbourne where it remained until about 1951.
Probably sold for scrap in the Nelson region at about that time. |
| NZ5019 |
SBD-4 |
2319 |
Bu10389. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5020 |
SBD-4 |
2622 |
Bu10632. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5021 |
SBD-4 |
2468 |
Bu10508. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948.
Parts of this aircraft were stored in New Zealand for some years but are now believed to have been exported. |
| NZ5022 |
SBD-4 |
2275 |
Bu10345. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5023 |
SBD-4 |
2572 |
Bu10582. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5024 |
SBD-4 |
2499 |
Bu10539. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5025 |
SBD-4 |
2691 |
Bu10691. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943. To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944.
To storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
No records of disposal. |
| NZ5026 |
SBD-4 |
2589 |
Bu10599. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 13 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5027 |
SBD-4 |
2573 |
Bu10583. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14 and initially operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial.
Transferred to New Zealand ownership in late 1943.
BOC with Unit 35, Seagrove on 14 November 1943.
To No.25 Squadron, Seagrave.
To No.26 Squadron, Seagrove in January 1944 and to storage at Hobsonville by March 1944.
Sold to J. Edwards from Hobsonville on 01 March 1948. |
| NZ5028 |
SBD-4 |
1857 |
Bu06952. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5029 |
SBD-4 |
2495 |
Bu10535. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5030 |
SBD-4 |
1589 |
Bu06744. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5031 |
SBD-4 |
2367 |
Bu10407. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5032 |
SBD-4 |
2364 |
Bu10404. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5033 |
SBD-4 |
1585 |
Bu06740. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5034 |
SBD-4 |
1611 |
Bu06766. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5035 |
SBD-4 |
1608 |
Bu06763. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5036 |
SBD-4 |
1690 |
Bu06815. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 17 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5037 |
SBD-4 |
1858 |
Bu06953. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 26 December 1943.
To No.25 Squadron.
Disappeared near Santo on a radio range familiarisation flight on 11 February 1944.
The aircraft went missing in the cloud covered hills around the area and despite extensive searches the wreckage was not found.
Flying Officer Alexander Moore and Flight Sergeant John Munro missing presumed killed.
The wreckage was discovered in 1987 and is now on display at the RNZAF Museum, Wigram, in as found condition. |
| NZ5038 |
SBD-4 |
2323 |
Bu10393. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 26 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5039 |
SBD-4 |
1836 |
Bu06931. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 26 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5040 |
SBD-4 |
2597 |
Bu10607. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 26 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5041 |
SBD-4 |
1866 |
Bu06961. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 30 December 1943.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5042 |
SBD-4 |
2314 |
Bu10384. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 08 January 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5043 |
SBD-4 |
2626 |
Bu10636. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 08 January 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5044 |
SBD-4 |
1634 |
Bu06789. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 26 January 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5045 |
SBD-4 |
2460 |
Bu10500. Loaned to New Zealand from Marine Air Group 14.
BOC with No.25 Squadron, Espiritu Santo on 26 January 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Espiritu Santo in late February/early March 1944. |
| NZ5046 |
SBD-5 |
5490 |
Bu36862. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "FERDINAND".
Took part in No.25 Squadron's first strike against Japanese positions in the Suka Valley on 24 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5047 |
SBD-5 |
5519 |
Bu36891. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Named "CARBORUNDUM NIL BARSTARDIUM" with coat of arms.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5048 |
SBD-5 |
5523 |
Bu36895. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "Salome".
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5049 |
SBD-5 |
5525 |
Bu36897. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Named "WINNI-PU-III".
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944.
|
| NZ5050 |
SBD-5 |
5526 |
Bu36898. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Named "PRUNE"S PROGRESS".
No.25 Squadron.
Presumed to have been shot down during a raid on Lakunai on 17 April 1944.
The aircraft was part of a flight of 11 which were met by heavy flak in the target area.
Pilot Officer Geoffrey Cray and Warrant Officer Frank Bell missing presumed killed. |
| NZ5051 |
SBD-5 |
5536 |
Bu36908. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
To No.25 Squadron.
Crashed in Greet Harbour after being hit by flak during a bombing run at 1100 hours on 10 May 1944.
Flight Lieutenant Jack Edwards and Warrant Officer Louis Hoppe killed. |
| NZ5052 |
SBD-5 |
5538 |
Bu36910. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 20 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5053 |
SBD-5 |
5539 |
Bu36911. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 22 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5054 |
SBD-5 |
5542 |
Bu36914. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "HOME'S THE CAPER".
Destroyed when hung up clusters of bombs exploded on landing at Piva on 02 April 1944.
Flight Sergeant Jolly unhurt and Flight Sergeant Price injured. |
| NZ5055 |
SBD-5 |
5551 |
Bu36923. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing unit in February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "HE'LL BE BACK AGAIN".
Crashed at Henderson Field after a ferry flight on 22 March 1944 and was written off after colliding with an oil drum. |
| NZ5056 |
SBD-5 |
5552 |
Bu36924. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 20 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "PADDY"S MISTAKE".
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5057 |
SBD-5 |
5553 |
Bu36925. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "HOWA-BAHT-THAT-HIC thing!"
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5058 |
SBD-5 |
5556 |
Bu36928. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 24 February 1944.
To No.25 Squadron.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Took part in No.25 Squadron's first strike against Japanese positions in the Suka Valley on 24 March 1944.
Written off after being damaged beyond economic repair during a raid on Lakunai on 17 April 1944. The aircraft was part of a flight of 11 which were met by heavy flak in the target area. |
| NZ5059 |
SBD-5 |
5544 |
Bu36916. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 20 February 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Named "THE JOKER".
Destroyed when hung up clusters of bombs exploded on landing at Piva on 02 April 1944.
Sergeant Symonds and Flight Sergeant Boden injured. |
| NZ5060 |
SBD-5 |
3863 |
Bu28516. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 01 April 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Named "MAD MAC" on front cockpit and "SYNCOPATION" on rear.
Took part in No.25 Squadron's first strike against Japanese positions in the Suka Valley on 24 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5061 |
SBD-5 |
3873 |
Bu28526. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 01 April 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 23 March 1944.
Took part in No.25 Squadron's first strike against Japanese positions in the Suka Valley on 24 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5062 |
SBD-5 |
3883 |
Bu28536. Built at the Douglas El Segundo plant and handed over to the US Navy in June 1943.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 01 April 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Named "FRANCOIS".
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944.
The fuselage of the aircraft was acquired by Planes of Fame Museum in 1959 after laying derelict in a San Fernando field since the war.
Stored at Claremont, California until December 1965 before restoration began and it went on display at the Museum without wings.
In 1976 the SBD was used in the filming of the movie "Midway" with Charlton Heston being filmed sitting in the cockpit of the then wingless bomber.
In 1982, restoration to airworthy condition of this aircraft began and on July 2, 1987, it was flown with the registration N670AM.
It was used in the movies again in 1987 for the mini-series "War and Remembrance".
On September 8, 1987, during the filming of "War and Remembrance", The Air Museum's own John Maloney had the distinction of flying the SBD off the aircraft carrier AVT16 USS Lexington with Blue Angels team leader (1964-1966), Bob Aumack in the gunners position.
This was the first SBD launch from an aircraft carrier in 42 years.
Currently registered to the Chino Air Museum, California as N670AM. |
| NZ5063 |
SBD-5 |
2794 |
Bu10849. Taken over as new aircraft February-March 1944.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 17 April 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 24 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5064 |
SBD-5 |
5715 |
Bu54201. Taken over as new aircraft at Piva in March 1944 to replace NZ5055.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 17 April 1944.
Ferried to Bougainville for use with No.25 Squadron, arriving at Piva on 30 March 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5065 |
SBD-5 |
5726 |
Bu54212. Taken over as new aircraft at Piva in March 1944 to replace NZ5063.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 17 April 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5066 |
SBD-5 |
3782 |
Bu28435. Taken over as new aircraft at Piva in April 1944 to replace NZ5054.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 16 April 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5067 |
SBD-5 |
2888 |
Bu10895. Taken over as new aircraft at Piva in April 1944 to replace NZ5050.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 27 April 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| NZ5068 |
SBD-5 |
4562 |
Bu35923. Taken over as new aircraft at Piva in April 1944 to replace NZ5058.
BOC with No.25 Servicing Unit on 27 April 1944.
Returned to US Marine Corps at Russell on 20 May 1944. |
| Bu28452 |
SBD-5 |
3799 |
Coded "176". Taken over as new aircraft at Piva in April 1944 to replace NZ5059.
Ditched on ferry flight from Guadalcanal to Piva on 04 April 1944.
A flight of 3 aircraft experienced radio difficulties during the flight and became lost in deteriorating weather.
The other 2 aircraft managed to land safely but "176" was presumed to have ditched.
Flying Officer Leslie McLellan-Symonds missing presumed killed. |
