No. 31 Squadron RNZAF

No. 31 Squadron
Active1943–1944
CountryNew Zealand New Zealand
BranchRoyal New Zealand Air Force
TypeTorpedo bomber
Motto(s)Kia Mataara
EngagementsWorld War II

No. 31 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Formed in December 1943, it was equipped with Grumman TBF Avenger Torpedo bombers.

History

31 Squadron was stationed in New Zealand from December 1943 to May 1944. The squadron deployed to Piva Airfield on Bougainville from May to July 1944. The squadron was disbanded in August 1944.[1]

Insignia and motto

The badge of 31 Squadron included a carved Greenstone Taniwha above two crossed Mere. The squadron's motto (also included on the badge) was Kia Mataara, Te reo Maori for "Watch".[2]

Commanding officers

  • Squadron Leader M. Wilkes.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Ross, John (1993) [1955]. Royal New Zealand Air Force. Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45. Nashville: Battery Press. p. 331. ISBN 0898391873. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  2. ^ "Badges: 31 Squadron". Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Retrieved 21 October 2021.


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