| While some personnel remained posted on the unit until January, for all intents and purposes the unit closed down on 31st December 2001. The finale was as one would expect with the closing of such a prestigious unit � there were tears of sadness, and smiles of fond memories. The flying display was impressive yet understated, and the parade was a precise performance. All personnel of all units displayed the type of professionalism and pride that has been developed and instilled in the unit over the last 85 years, and past members of the unit were pleased with the �younger generation�s� performance on the day. This is the end of a justifiably proud Squadron. It has survived through two world wars, and came out with honours. But it could not survive what some would call the indecent actions of an indifferent government. Whatever the reasons, the decision was made, and the Squadron is disbanded. There will be a time of recriminations, but we must all look past those, and remember that this Squadron has a long history of heroic deeds and fighting spirit. Even in peace, it was renowned for its aggressive cheekiness, and Kiwi pilots and groundcrew were known to do almost impossible deeds with their aircraft. The Squadron has won many battle honours, and many personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on the unit. Whatever happens in the future we will remember the deeds of those that have served on 75 Squadron. I am proud to be the Commanding Officer of such a unit. I have had the pleasure of serving with some of the best aircrew and groundcrew that I could ever hope to work with. The strength of character in the last year, with so much happening around them, has been inspirational. And I hope that if some day the unit is reformed, those personnel serving on the Squadron look at the past deeds of the unit, and strive for the high standards that those before have set � and achieved. The curtain has fallen, and No 75 Squadron is no more. I beg those reading this last history to think fondly of the Squadron, and the personnel who made it what it is. Remember the happy times of triumph, and the dark days of dead comrades. Remember the fun and the fury, and the good and the bad. But most of all remember that 75 Squadron was unit of men and women whose names will forever be associated with the best of the best. Goodbye my friends � it has been a pleasure. Ake ake kia kaha. J.A (Nick) OSBORNE Wing Commander Commanding Officer |
| COMMANDING OFFICERS FINAL COMMENTS |
| These are the last words of No 75 Squadron RNZAF. The Squadron was born of the Royal Flying Corps in 1916, served as a British unit in World War II, and became a NEW ZEALAND unit in 1946. And now on the 31st December 2001, the Squadron Standard is laid to rest in the OHAKEA chapel, and the unit is disbanded. |
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