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Following my research into RNZAF Station Seagrove and its usage by the US Marine Corps squadron MAG-14 (which flew Douglas Dauntless's during their time there) I found in Harry Bioletti's book 'The Yanks Are Coming' that several other US squadrons were based for a time in New Zealand.
First starting with MAG-14, Keith and Nona Morris's book 'Franklin Remembers' records that unit being based at Seagrove from May - July 1943. However Harry Bioletti stated the squadron arrived in NZ on the 16th of April and left on the 25th of August 1943. So does anyone know where else the unit was based during that time before and after Seagrove?
And where did the following squadrons get based during their time in NZ? Plus, what did they fly? And other details?
- MAG-12 (in NZ 10th Sept - 2nd Nov 1943)
- Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (based in Auckland 21 May - 17 Sep 43)
- Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 141 (Auckland, 20 may - 17 Sep 43)
- Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 234 (Auckland, 29 Aug - 2 Nov 1943)
Were any other US squadrons based here? I'm almost certain there was a USAAF P-39 squadron in NZ for a time. they served in Fiji then converted to P-38's at guadalcanal. A book was written about their experiences and included their time in NZ, but I don't recall which squadron it was. The book had sketches by an artist and included the Civic theatre, Queen St, Auckland.
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