- Yes
- No - I would not like to see this decal in game.
Description:
In the 1950’s the the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) was still using RAF roundels and schemes, and so in 1956, they would create a new roundel as to differentiate itself from other commonwealth air forces which also used RAF roundels.
The RNZAF silver fern roundel comprises of a standard RAF Blue-White-Red roundel with a silver fern placed in the center angled at 45 degrees facing forward.
Vampire NZ5751 being lifted for maintenance at RNZAF station Ohakea. (1959)
History:
With the idea to create a unique roundel for RNZAF use in early 1956, The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall W.H.Merton ordered that, “a drawing be prepared showing a fern leaf placed in the red centre portion of the roundel.” This was quickly done, and drawings were provided to the RNZAF. As this news had been published to the public, several alternatives were proposed by other RNZAF officers, these included the original proposal, the silver fern leaf on a red circle, a red fern leaf, a red kiwi and just a silver fern. The original proposal would win out however.
Initial trails took place in June 1957, with the silver fern being simply stenciled onto existing airframe roundels. During this time the silver fern was actually painted white, but by December 1957 this was corrected, as it was thought that the white silver fern could be confused for a white feather, a sign of cowardice.
in early 1958 further trails were started, as the original stenciling was not as durable as desired. Two types were proposed, one type was a silver and black fern leaf decal being placed on the existing red centres, and the other comprised the complete red disc with the silver and black emblem already printed thereon. The plain version was found to be more durable, and the aircraft were repainted again.
This would be standard within the RNZAF until late 1969, when the CO of 41 Squadron, who where flying Bristol Freighters out of Singapore, voiced strong objection to the silver fern and suggested that a black kiwi would be more appropriate and easily recognisable amoung the RAF and RAAF aircraft also based at Singapore. The AOC Operations Group sought opinions from others under his command, who agreed on the Kiwi.
In October 1970, all aircraft would be repainted with the new Kiwi roundel, replacing all of the silver ferns the first roundel of the RNZAF, and was painted on their aircraft for 13 years.
Havard NZ1046 in a hangar at RNZAF Station Wigram, (~1960)
Wreck of the Canberra NZ6101 at RNZAF station Wigram, (1960)
Extra Photos:
Sources:
New Zealand Air Force Flags
https://airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/50-years-of-flying-kiwis/
https://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/20980/fearnleaf-roundel-origins-history?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic
RNZAF Fern Leaf Roundel
File:Roundel of New Zealand (1958–1970).svg - Wikimedia Commons
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