North American Harvard NZ1053

As with its RNZAF sibling ('52) Harvard 53 was built at the North American Aviation Plant in California in 1943. Its factory construction number of 88-13910 was replaced by USAAF serial number 41-33769, and then when the aircraft was allocated to the Royal Air Force it was given the RAF number EX796. It's unknown how many servicemen trained on Harvards during their 35 years of service, but statistics suggest many Kiwis living today would have had a relative that was associated with the type at one time or another.

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This aircraft was 'brought on charge' by the RNZAF on 19 July 1943, and then on 28 Sept 1943 test pilot Flight Lieutenant J.R. Butcher flew it for the first time, ensuring full airworthiness. Immediqately prior to this flight, Flt Lt Butcher had also test flown NZ1052, an aircraft that had been built alongside NZ1053 and which had also arrived in NZ on the ship BJ Wheeler.

NZ1053 (and 52) were used for training until 1954 when they were converted to Mk.2 status and reintroduced into training. In July 1962 they placed in storage at Wigram and then moved to storage at Woodbourne in Sept 1972. Surplus to requirements in 1978, both aircraft were sold for $100 each and were dismantled and stored at MoTAT. NZ1053 was later transferred to the Taranaki Aviation and Transport Museum for a period before the aircraft was purchased by Don Subritsky who restored her to airworthiness in 1997.

During World War II, RNZAF Base Woodbourne, located near Blenheim in the South Island of New Zealand, played a significant role in the country's military efforts. Initially established in the 1930s as a civil airport, the onset of the war saw its transformation into a vital military airfield. It became one of the primary bases for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, serving both as a training facility and an operational base. Throughout the war, Base Woodbourne was a hub of activity, where numerous pilots and aircrew were trained, not only for New Zealand's defence but also to support Allied operations overseas.

One of the key roles of RNZAF Base Woodbourne during the war was to serve as a training center under the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). This Commonwealth initiative aimed to train aircrew from across the British Empire for service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and other Allied air forces. Woodbourne, with its favorable flying conditions and strategic location, was an ideal site for this purpose. It hosted several training units, including Elementary Flying Training Schools and Service Flying Training Schools. These schools provided rigorous training in various aspects of military aviation, turning recruits into skilled pilots, navigators, and air gunners, who would go on to serve in various theaters of the war.

Apart from training, Base Woodbourne also undertook operational duties. It was home to several operational squadrons at different times during the war, equipped with aircraft such as the Lockheed Hudsons and Venturas. These squadrons carried out a range of missions, including maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare, to safeguard New Zealand’s coastline and shipping routes. The base also provided maintenance and repair services, ensuring aircraft readiness for both training and operational needs. The end of World War II did not diminish the importance of RNZAF Base Woodbourne; it has continued to be an essential part of New Zealand's air defence infrastructure, evolving to meet post-war challenges and remaining active in the RNZAF's structure.

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