No 485 NZ Squadron RAF

No 485 NZ Squadron RAF A Tribute page to No. 485 (NZ) Squadron RAF which was the NZ Spitfire squadron in Europe. Motto: Ka whawhai tonu (We will fight on)

No. 485 (NZ) Squadron RAF was a Spitfire squadron in the European Theater of operations during the Second World War. It was the first RNZAF squadron formed under Article XV of the Empire Air Training Scheme and served in Europe under the operational command of the Royal Air Force. Formed as the first New Zealand fighter squadron in the UK on 1 March 1941 at Driffield. It was equipped with Spitfire

Is and remained in No 12 Group in Yorkshire until July when it moved south to Redhill, where it began to take part in offensive sweeps and Circus operations. In October 1941 it moved to Kenley and operated from there and later Kingscliffe until October 1942, when it was sent to Northern Ireland for a rest, returning to Kingscliffe, still equipped with Mk V Spitfires the following month. From July 1943, equipped with Spitfire IXs, it operated as part of the Biggin Hill Wing and from October as part of the Hornchurch Wing but this was short-lived as the following month it was sent to Drem in Scotland, where it remained (using Spitfire Vs) until Mar 1944. Its return south coincided with the build up for Overlord and equipped with Spitfire IXs again, it joined No 135 Airfield on 28 March 1944. Initially based at Hornchurch, No 135 Airfield, later renamed No 135 Wing, carried out dive bombing and tactical reconnaissance sorties prior to during and following the D-Day landings. In August 1944 No 485 moved over to the continent and followed 21st Army Group through Belgium and Holland until February 1945. It was then brought back to the UK to re-equip with Tempests, although these were replaced in March by Typhoons and then in April Spitfire IXs returned and the squadron returned to the continent, where it remained until disbanding at Drope on 26 August 1945.

Letters from France : Thierry Augas shared his 75 Sqn RAF shield he has in his possession. The Shield was allegedly give...
08/05/2026

Letters from France : Thierry Augas shared his 75 Sqn RAF shield he has in his possession. The Shield was allegedly given by the family of F/Sgt Maurice Drummond Air Gunner to local residents who assisted him after his Avro-Lancaster (AA-H “Howzat”) was shot down and crash landed in France in 1944. Thierry has researched and has provided the information of the story. Thanks for sharing Thierry ! (Translated from French to English)

05/05/2026
05/05/2026
Despatches from a Belgium: Frank Raeman an amateur historian on the Airfield at Maldegem since 1979. Frank recently came...
14/04/2026

Despatches from a Belgium: Frank Raeman an amateur historian on the Airfield at Maldegem since 1979. Frank recently came to possess original camera negatives of the airfield after Operation Bodenplatte.

One New Years Day the Germany’s luftwaffe carried out a surprise attack against the Allies airfields on the Western front as a desperate attempt to disable the airfields. Airfeild at Maldegem was where the 485 NZ RAF was stationed at the time and attacked by the Luftwaffe. A large number of Spitfires of The 485 NZ RAF were destroyed in the attack. In the end it was a strategic blunder by the Luftwaffe, as they lost more aircraft and most importantly pilots in the operation. That the Luftwaffe couldn’t muster any considerable air combat for the rest of the war.

17/03/2026
Dispatches from Belgium: 🕊️ It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our long-time member Geert ...
05/03/2026

Dispatches from Belgium: 🕊️ It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our long-time member Geert Beelaert.

485 NZ RAF Fan, Geert Beelaert passed away on 3 March 2026 at the age of 65.

Geert had done a great deal of research on the crash of F/O Baker and F/O Thomson in Eernegem. Every year on All Saints’ Day he placed chrysanthemums on their graves — a quiet, faithful act of remembrance that showed the true depth of his respect for the squadron’s fallen pilots.

For many years Geert was one of the most active and respected voices on our page. Living near the old B-65 Maldegem airfield — the very ground from which 485 Squadron operated — he brought the Belgian side of our squadron’s story to life in a way no one else could. He generously shared rare local photographs, detailed research, corrections, and personal insights that connected the New Zealand and RAF history with the people and places that still remember our pilots on the ground in Belgium. Whether it was adding context to a wartime photo or simply posting with the warm note “Geert Beelaert from Belgium,” his contributions were always thoughtful and full of passion for the local WW2 history.

Geert wasn’t just a contributor — he was a true genuine guardian of 485 Squadron’s legacy in Belgium. His knowledge, kindness, and enthusiasm enriched every discussion and helped keep the memory of our pilots alive for a new generation. We will miss his regular presence and his wonderful posts more than words can say.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Sabine, his children and grandchildren, and all his family and friends in Belgium.

Geert, thank you for everything you gave to the 485 family. You are now flying with the greatest of them.

Rest in peace, Blue Sky’s Geert.
Per ardua ad astra

Letters from Wings Over NZ - Mark Hillier is a recreational pilot, aviation historian, and author who serves as the Head...
29/01/2026

Letters from Wings Over NZ - Mark Hillier is a recreational pilot, aviation historian, and author who serves as the Head of Operations at Spitfires.com, a premier flight experience provider located at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex.
In addition to managing a fleet that features three dual-control Spitfires and the world-renowned "Silver Spitfire," Hillier is a prolific writer with over 14 published books focused on historical aviation and aircrew equipment.
Key highlights of his work and research include:
Veteran Connections: A significant portion of his research stems from personal interviews with veterans, most notably the late RAF groundcrewman Joe Roddis, who served with No. 485 (NZ) Squadron throughout its existence.
Local History: He explores the wartime legacy of RAF Westhampnett (now Goodwood) and its role as a satellite to RAF Tangmere, documenting the various squadrons stationed there during the Second World War.
Historical Literature: His bibliography includes titles such as The RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot's Kitbag and Spitfire Groundcrew Under Fire, the latter detailing Roddis's experiences.

https://cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2026/01/wonz-342-mark-hillier/

In this Wings Over New Zealand Show episode Dave Homewood speaks Mark Hillier, who is a recreational pilot, a historian, an author and he is Head of Operations at Spitfires.com, the adventure rides company based at Goodwood Aerodrome, Westhampnett, in West Sussex, UK.

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