#5 in their Allied Wings series is the full story of the SBD Dauntless in RNZAF service. Once New Zealand entered the Pacific War in December of 1941, it was obvious that it would need modern aircraft in order to get into the fight. Though a bit slow to build up, RNZAF units were fully engaged by 1943 and building in strength.

Interestingly, the majority of aircraft used by New Zealand came from US Navy stocks. One of these was the Dauntless. By the time the war weary SBD-3/4 versions were received for conversion training in mid-1943, they were near obsolescence. However, they were still a potent force and 25 squadron was formed to operate the type. It required 60 hours of experience in the aircraft to become qualified so the process took a bit of time. By March of 1944, the older Dauntlesses were traded in on SBD-5s and the squadron went to war.

During their weeks of operational service, they first went to Guadalcanal for work-ups and then to Piva on Bouganville where they performed strikes locally and at various Japanese bases up to Rabaul. In May of 1944 their tour ended, the unit disbanded and the aircraft returned to the US Marines. Crews were then dispersed to various units, most of the pilots then going to Corsair squadrons.

This book tells the full story of 25 squadron, including their daily combat sorties. The book is chock full of period photographs, statistics, maps and a large selection of color profiles. This latter feature includes detailing the various artwork that was applied to the aircraft.

Overall a book that is superb and one that any enthusiast or modeler who has an interest in the type must have on their shelves. I know you will be as pleased as I with this edition.

October 2008

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles

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