RNZAF 75th Anniversary

The RNZAF was formed from New Zealand components of the British Royal Air Force, becoming an independent force in 1923, initially as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force (a part of the Army). The NZPAF was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1934 and became an independent service on 1st April 1937.

As part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations (to be held at Ohakea & Wigram) there will be an art exhibition of paintings relating to the RNZAF. I have submitted two works, both of which will be for sale.

One is the Catalina GF-C and the other is a new work especially for the exhibition - the landing of the initial batch of 14 Skyhawks (consisting of 10 A-4K and 4 TA-4K aircraft) that were delivered to Auckland in 17th May 1970 (as deck cargo wrapped in protective plastic cocoons aboard the carrier USS Okinawa) and then towed by road to the RNZAF base at Whenuapai: