RNZAF Bristol Freighters in Vietnam

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TheGreenGoblin
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RNZAF Bristol Freighters in Vietnam

#1 Post by TheGreenGoblin » Fri May 29, 2020 5:27 pm

I had been aware that New Zealand had been involved in supporting her allies, the USA and Australia, in supplying logistical, medical and sundry other humanitarian support roles during the Vietnam War but I didn't realise that New Zealanders had acted as combatants (albeit on a small scale) and the extensive use by the RNZAF of the Bristol Freighter to haul men and equipment around the war zone.

New Zealand service personnel and civilian volunteers were in the jungles, skies, hospital wards, training camps, villages, and offices of South Vietnam from 1963 to 1975. Joining the US-led campaign to curb the spread of communism in South East Asia, New Zealand’s military force in the Vietnam War peaked at 548 in 1968. Over seven years, more than 3000 served from Army, Navy, and Air Force. Thirty-seven were killed and 187 wounded. Around 200 non-combatant aid workers and medics complemented the khaki contingent, with a civilian surgical team first to arrive in 1963 – and last out of South Vietnam in 1975. Two civilians died. Although New Zealand troop deployments and losses were small in comparison to other wars, the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War was notable for the strength of opposition it drew, and for its ongoing effects within families and communities four decades after it ended.


New Zealand's Road to Vietnam
40,000 vibrations clutch the cool air
this thin and bulbous target breathes the fear
flying clear of humidity and the oppressed state
for only the crew will share its fate

My face pressed against the glass
yet observing the surreal with each pass
as the reluctant surfer weaves a path
to descend into the dragons hearth

Embraced in more than mist and tears
and landscape bludgeoned by the years
of village life flattened above the ground
what purpose is this freight inbound

Long shadows chase the downhill run
alone and serene we are someones son
each urgent task seeking a safe retreat
a half way house refreshed and then repeat

Chris Brownie, 41 Squadron, 1971-73
Bristol Freigher.JPG
Bristol Freigher.JPG (62.97 KiB) Viewed 6261 times

https://vietnamwar.govt.nz/memory/memor ... 1-squadron
Though you remain
Convinced
"To be alive
You must have somewhere
To go
Your destination remains
Elusive."

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Re: RNZAF Bristol Freighters in Vietnam

#2 Post by fareastdriver » Sat May 22, 2021 1:14 pm

41 Sqn occupied the western side of Changi separated from 103 and 110 Sqn Whirlwind Squadrons. There was a preponderance of Shackleton and Hercules aircrew in Temple Hill Officers' Mess so at dining in nights and suchlike we would all gang up for security.

When 110 Sqn. disbanded in February 1971 by some miracle most of out ground equipment and tools levitated over to 41 Sqn. by some miracle.

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Re: RNZAF Bristol Freighters in Vietnam

#3 Post by ian16th » Sat May 22, 2021 1:25 pm

The RAF had a lone Bristol Freighter.

Boscome Down took one to evaluate. They apparently decided the RAF didn't need it.

It was used to ferry engines doing hot weather trials somewhere. It used to stage through Istres.
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Re: RNZAF Bristol Freighters in Vietnam

#4 Post by tango15 » Sat May 22, 2021 2:15 pm

A mate of mine used to fly Bristol Frighteners for BKS. He ended up losing a couple of teeth, which he swore were loosened by the constant vibrations. He also suffered from tinnitus. Full mark to the guys who flew them from NZ though. I mean they're low and slow and the Viet Cong were pretty handy with the odd missile.

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