|
|
|
|
     |
 |
|
|
Lockheed Mk III Hudson NZ2031
Before the New Zealanders arrived at Guadalcanal, the Americans had been using light bombers for sea reconnaissance work, with long-distance patrols carried out by heavy bombers. The Hudsons replaced the bombers in this role, leaving them to do their job. In doing so the Hudsons were gratefully welcomed by the American aircrews. They were gradually replaced with Venturas from July 1943, although Hudsons remained in use in Fiji until the end of 1944.
New Zealand General Reconnaissance Squadron and a Hudson at Whenuapai in September 1941. Leo White Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.
MOTAT’s Hudson was based initially in New Zealand and later operated out of Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) with No. 3 Squadron. It is believed to have been used as the personal aircraft of the Air Officer Commanding No.1 (Islands) Group. It would have carried high ranking officers around RNZAF island bases until the end of the war. After the War it was purchased by a private buyer who stored it on his farm outside of Dunedin. The farmer donated it to MOTAT and it was transported to Auckland by Hercules aircraft.
Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Burbank, California Type: Twin engined reconnaissance aircraft/light bomber Wing span: 19.95 m Length: 13.4 m Engine: Two 1200 HP Wright Cyclone GR-1820-G205A engines Armament: Up to seven .303 inch machine guns or 1600 lbs of bombs Accommodation: Five
Hudsons at Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) in July 1943. Leo White Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.
Back to Aviation Collection Main Page
|
|
For
more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT
Info line 0800 MOTAT NZ (0800 668286)! |
|
The
first Hudsons arrived in 1941, having been ordered by the RNZAF at the
beginning of the War. The Hudsons were an important new addition to the
aircraft of the RNZAF. They operated in the Pacific and were used for
search and anti-submarine duties, first based in New Caledonia and later
in Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The first RNZAF aircraft to
engage the Japanese was a Hudson in November 1942.
Date: