Remembering NZ's flying pioneers

AIR WAR: The Sopwith Camel was the most recognised Allied air craft of World War I. Rotorua will remember the city's airmen and women on Sunday. PHOTO/FILE A-240114GN07BOP

New Zealand did not have an air force during World War I, but a small group of pioneer airmen, including a former Rotorua man, took to the skies during the Great War.

Tomorrow those men and the men and women of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, plus a group of local cadets, will mark 100 years since World War I began at the annual Battle of Britain and Air Force Commemoration Day service at Ohinemutu.

Rotorua Air Force Association president Jim Comber said the Royal Flying Corp (RFC) was formed in May 1912.

"A former World War I pilot with strong connections to Rotorua was Les Brake, who arrived in Rotorua in 1922.

"Les was born at Taitapu, near Christchurch, in 1896. Determined to learn to fly and take part in the war against Germany he travelled to England in 1916.

"Les joined the Royal Naval Air Service and underwent further training at Cranwell and finally received his commission as Captain.

"In 1917 he served as a Flight Commander of No2 Wing, operating in the Eastern Mediterranean theatre flying the Sopwith Camel fighter aircraft."

New Zealanders who served overseas during World War I did so almost exclusively as members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

A smaller number of New Zealanders joined the British armed forces, including the RFC, the Royal Naval Air Service and Australian Flying Corp.

"New Zealanders accounted for themselves very well in air warfare with 14 being listed as flying aces.

"Some of New Zealand's first class aces continued to serve post-war whether in the Royal Air Force or the Royal New Zealand Air Force - some served in World War II with several earning high ranks.

"One such airman was Sir Keith Park, who rose to Air Chief Marshal and was a crucial commander in the Battle of Britain in World War II," Mr Comber said.

From New Zealand's relatively small pioneer group of airmen serving in World War I a total of 70 men died in the air services.

The annual Battle of Britain and Air Force Commemoration Day church service, wreath laying and colour hoisting which will take place at St Faith's Church in Ohinemutu tomorrow from 9am.