North American Harvard NZ1052

From 1941 until 1977 when the RNZAF Harvard fleet was finally retired from service, a total of 77 examples of the Harvard had crashed and/or otherwise been removed from service, with a further 16 being reduced to spares. Of the remaining aircraft, one continues to be operated by the RNZAF as a historic aircraft, and over 100 more were sold to private owners. Many of these remain in museums as static displays, but a significant number are still airworthy and are regularly flown today.

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Harvard 52 was built at the North American Aviation Plant in California in 1943. The initial factory construction number was 88-13909, and it was then given its US serial number of 41-33768. The aircraft was allocated to the Royal Air Force and given the RAF number EX795, but before entering service with the RAF it was diverted to the RNZAF and given the serial NZ1052. The aircraft was shipped to New Zealand on the vessel 'BJ Wheeler' in July 1943 and assembled at Hobsonville (alongside other Harvards, including NZ1053).

NZ1052 is seen here in the livery of No.2 "Wellington" Squadron of the New Zealand Territorial Airforce during the 1950’s (wearing the provincial black and yellow colours as a checkboard pattern). Surplus to requirements in 1978, the aircraft were dismantled and stored at MoTAT, before being bought by P. Burns of Christchurch in 1982 and then by M. Nicholls of Blenheim in 1987. The aircraft was rebuilt by Aero Tech at Ardmore in 1990-1991, and she was then on sold to be operated by the Harvard 1052 Syndicate.

No. 2 Squadron of the New Zealand Territorial Air Force, an integral part of New Zealand's military aviation history, has a storied past marked by both distinguished service and evolving roles. Formed in the post-World War II era, the squadron was part of the Territorial Air Force (TAF), which served as the reserve component of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). No. 2 Squadron, like other units of the TAF, was primarily composed of part-time volunteers who trained alongside regular forces, playing a crucial role in maintaining the country's air defence readiness during peacetime and bolstering its military capabilities in times of crisis.

During its early years, No. 2 Squadron was equipped with a variety of aircraft types, reflecting the technological advancements and shifting needs of the period. These aircraft ranged from World War II-era fighters to more modern training and utility aircraft. The squadron's pilots, despite being part-time, were highly skilled and dedicated, receiving training that kept them at par with their full-time counterparts in the RNZAF. The squadron's mission encompassed a range of activities, including pilot training, aerial reconnaissance, and participation in joint exercises with other branches of the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as allied forces.

As the strategic landscape evolved, so did the role of No. 2 Squadron. The changing nature of warfare and advancements in aviation technology led to shifts in the squadron's composition and capabilities. Despite these changes, the squadron remained an essential part of New Zealand's defence strategy, embodying the commitment and skill of the Territorial Air Force. .

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