AVM Sir Keith Park
The Battle of Britain (July–October 1940) was one of the defining moments of World War II. It was a desperate aerial battle between the fighter pilots of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the much larger German Luftwaffe Air Force. Despite experiencing heavy losses, the RAF prevailed and saved Great Britain from the threat of invasion by Germany.
New Zealand’s Contribution
The RAF recognises around 130 Fighter Command aircrew from New Zealand who served in the Battle of Britain. Notable flying aces included pilots Colin Gray, Alan Deere and Brian Carbury. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) was established in 1937 and under the Empire Air Training Scheme (BCATP) contributed over 2500 fully trained pilots to serve with the RAF in Europe and the Middle East.
Air Vice-Marshal Sir Keith Park
The most prominent New Zealander in the Battle of Britain for the RAF was Air Vice-Marshal Sir Keith Park. As Air Officer Commanding 11 Group he was tasked with the defence of London and south-east England and played an integral role in the RAF’s success.
The ‘Forgotten’ War
Korean War veterans gathered at the National War Memorial in Wellington on 25 June 2010 to remember those New Zealand military personnel who lost their lives during the Korean War.
Firing Gun
The ceremony, held on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, was conducted by the Defence Force’s Principal Defence Chaplain Don Parker. Commodore Bruce Pepperell, representing the Chief of Defence Force, laid a wreath on behalf of the men and women of the Defence Force.
Korean Veterans Association National Secretary, Doug Callander, and North Island Vice President, Des Vinten laid a wreath on behalf of the Korean Veterans Association. Mr Vinten said, “The Korean War has often been referred to as 'the forgotten war' but for those who served there it is far from forgotten.”
When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, New Zealand was one of the first of 16 nations to respond to the United Nations Security Council’s call for combat assistance.
In all, about 4,700 men served as part of Kayforce, offering artillery, transport and support elements under United Nations command. A further 1,300 Royal New Zealand Navy personnel took part in tours of duty during the Korean War. A total of 33 New Zealanders died on active service; 79 were wounded, and one was taken prisoner before the armistice came into effect. In addition another 12 New Zealand personnel lost their lives before the withdrawal of our forces.