With 14 Fighter Squadron, RNZAF, in Japan

46992 Alf Drew

At the end of WW2, New Zealand troops, with those of other nations, were sent to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. The RNZAF flew coastal patrols as part of their duties with the Occupation Forces. This is Alf Drew's account of his time with 14 Fighter Squadron, RNZAF.

I joined the RNZAF in March 1946 (going into recruit training at Wigram) intending to make my career in the air force. After a nine month training course I was sent to Japan as part of the post-war occupation.

Although there were several air bases in Japan, I was stationed at Iwikuni, about 16 km from Hiroshima. We were there as a show of strength, to fly coastal patrols, and to support the ground forces. We were worried about the intentions of China, so these were serious patrols monitoring international activity.

My duties included instrument repair. Eddie Taylor and I replaced two others who had returned to New Zealand. We serviced the instruments in the Corsair aircraft each day, and also had ground duties such as guard duty.

After a while we were transferred to Bofu and at the end of a 12 month tour of duty I returned home to NZ and a career in the RNZAF. Shortly thereafter I took a position with National Airways.

Alf Drew, 2002