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  PV-1 Ventura Serial Number NZ4521 Code ZX-G
RNZAF
1 OTU

Former Assignments
No. 2 Squadron
No. 1 Squadron

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RNZAF circa October 1943–March 1944

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RNZAF 1945

Aircraft History
Built by Lockheed as model 237-27-01 in Burbank. Constructors Number 237-5534. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PV-1 Ventura bureau number 34644. Disassembled and shipped to Oahu then across the Pacific to New Zealand as part of defense aid.

Wartime History
On August 10, 1943 assigned to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as PV-1 Ventura serial number NZ4521. That same day, reassembled by Unit 19 at Whenuapai Airfield. Assigned to No. 1 Squadron with code ZX-G. On October 17, 1943 flown to Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. While operating from Henderson Field, photographed with large 4521 (serial number without leading NZ) on the tail. During March 1944 transfered to No. 2 Squadron. Later in the month flown back to New Zealand.

Next, assigned to No. 1 Operational Training Unit (1 OTU). During early 1945, photographed in formation with Ventura NZ4534 and Ventura NZ4543 with a large 21 on on the upper tail (last two digits of the serial number). At the end of the Pacific War, stored at Hamilton Airfield (Rukuhia).

Postwar
On March 2, 1948 sold to J. Larsen as war surplus and later broken up for scrap metal.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - PV-1 Ventura 34644

"34644 (MSN 237-5534) to New Zealand Aug 10, 1943 as NZ4521. SOC Mar 1948"
ADF Serials - Ventura NZ4521

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Last Updated
June 29, 2024

 

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PV-1

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