No.485 (NZ) Squadron was the first of six New Zealand manned squadrons formed for the defence of Great Britain during WW2. As a fighter unit, it participated in the first offensive missions over occupied Europe in 1941. It subsequently became part of the 2nd TAF and took part in the D-Day operations. The unit was in Germany at the end of the war. The history of the Squadron is narrated in 88 pages followed by full appendices comprising all the claims, losses (including accidental), awards, maps and the operational diary. In the third and last part, the pilots’ roster gives details of the almost 210 pilots, including three Americans, one Australian, eleven British, and two Canadians, who were either posted in to or were attached to No.485 Squadron. There are about 100 photos, some being published for the first time, as well as eight colour profiles. |