Douglas Dauntless SDB Mk 3, 4, 5, NZ5001 to NZ 5068, 1943 to 1948

Douglas Dauntless Steep Dive Bomber

Design:
E D Heinman

Company:
Douglas

Wing Span:
41 ft 6 in 12.65 M

Wing Area:
325 sq ft

Length:
33 ft 0 in 10.06 M

Height:
12 ft 11 in 3.94 M

Ceiling:
24,300 ft 7,400 M

Speed at 13,800 ft
252 MPH 406 KPH

Range: with 1,000lb Bomb Load
1,115 Miles 1,794 Km

T/O Weight:
10,700 Lb 4,853 Kg

Crew:
1 Pilot
1 Rear Gunner

Role:
Steep Dive Bomber

Total Manufactured:
5,936 All Marks

First Flight:
23 Jul 1935

Armament:
2 x .5 in Machine guns fixed, synchronized in front fuselage
2 x .303 in Machine guns in dorsal turret

Up to
1,000 Lb [454 Kg] Bomb Internal
or
2 x 250 Lb [114.5 Kg] Depth Charge

Qty Served:
68

Years Served:
1943 to 1948

Tail Nos:
NZ 205 to NZ 222 [Renumbered in 1943]
NZ 5001 to NZ 5068

ENGINE

Type:

Wright Cyclone R1820 – 60

9 cylinder, air cooled, radial, supercharged

Bore:
6.125 in 156.6 mm

Stroke:
6.875 in 174.6 mm

Volume:
1823 cu In 29.88 L

Horse Power:
1,200 HP

Max RPM:
2,200 RPM

Fuel:
87 octane

Length:
47.76 in 1,23 mm

Diameter:
54.25 in 1.378 mm

Weight:
1,184 lb 537 kg

Power to Weight Ratio:
0.84 hp/lb 1.39 KW/Kg

Called ‘Slow But Deadly’ by the US aircrew,

Used at the Battle Of Midway to sink 4 Japanese Aircraft Carriers.

The prototype’s first flight was 23 July 1938 and its brief career was all but over
By 1943 when it’s successor the Helldiver began to join the fleet.

It was continued to be used by the US Marines, particularly during
The Philippines campaign of 1944-45.

NZ 205

Constructors No.: 1466
US Marine No.: Bu 06651
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5001

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 206

Constructors No.: 1467
US Marine No.: Bu 06652
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 26 Oct 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5002

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 207

Constructors No.: 983
US Marine No.: Bu 4672
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 21 Oct 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5003

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
No record of disposal

NZ 208

Constructors No.: 782
US Marine No.: Bu 4549
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5004

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Controls locked on a training flight from Ardmore 19 Jan 1944
Crashed and written off

NZ 209

Constructors No.: 835
US Marine No.: Bu 4585
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 26 Oct 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5005

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 210

Constructors No.: 1193
US Marine No.: Bu 03371
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 26 Oct 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5006

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 211

Constructors No.: 1041
US Marine No.: Bu 03219
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 26 Oct 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5007

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
A/C stalled during gunnery practice, dived into the
Ground near Waiuku and burst into flames 1145 on 13 Sep 1943
P/O William McJannet Sgt Douglas Cairns killed
A/C crashed before NZ 5007 was painted on it

NZ 212

Constructors No.: 986
US Marine No.: Bu 4675
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5008

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
May have never flown with RNZAF due to
Deteriorated condition when received
To Inst 91 at TTS Nelson early 1944
It would seem that the A/C never reached Nelson
Seems to have been stored at Hobsonville
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Aug 1948

NZ 213

Constructors No.: 963
US Marine No.: Bu 4652
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5009

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 214

Constructors No.: 1473
US Marine No.: Bu 06658
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5010

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 215

Constructors No.: 1024
US Marine No.: Bu 03202
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5011

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 516

Constructors No.: 955
US Marine No.: Bu 4645
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5012

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 217

Constructors No.: 776
Marine No.: Bu 4543
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14,
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5013

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 218

Constructors No.: 1186
US Marine No.: Bu 03364
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5014

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 219

Constructors No.: 1464
US Marine No.: Bu 06649
Mark: SBD -3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5015

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 220

Constructors No.: 1282
US Navy No.: Bu 06545
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5016

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
Converted to Inst 110 at Instrument School Hobsonville
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 221

Constructors No.: 1191
US Marine No.: Bu 03369
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5017

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 222

Constructors No.: 1434
US Marine No.: Bu 06619
Mark: SBD – 3
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
Renumbered

NZ 5018

To 25 Sqn Seagrove
May never have flown with RNZAF
Due to deteriorated condition when received
Converted to Inst 92 at Seagrove
To 4 TTS Woodbourne until 1951

NZ 5019

Constructors No.: 2319
US Marine No.: Bu 10389
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 14 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5020

Constructors No.: 2622
US Marine No.: Bu 10632
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5021

Constructors No.: 2468
US Marine No.: Bu 10508
Mark: SBD – 4
loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
to J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5022

Constructors No.: 2275
US Marine No.: Bu 10345
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5023

Constructors No.: 2572
US Marine No.: Bu 10582
Mark: SBD - 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14,
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 3 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5024

Constructors No.: 2499
US Marine No.: Bu 10539
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14,
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 14 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5025

Constructors No.: 2691
US Marine No.: Bu 10691
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14,
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 14 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
No record of disposal

NZ 5026

Constructors No.: 2589
US Marine NO.: Bu 10599
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14,
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 13 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5027

Constructors No.: 2573
US Marine No.: Bu 10583
Mark: SBD -4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14,
Operated in US markings with temporary RNZAF serial Nos
Transferred to NZ ownership late 1943
B O C Unit 35 Seagrove 14 Nov 1943
To 25 Sqn Seagrove
To 26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944
Into storage At Hobsonville Mar 1944
Sold from Hobsonville
To J Edwards 1 Mar 1948

NZ 5028

Constructors No.: 1857
US Marine No.: Bu 06952
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5029

Constructors No.: 2495
US Marine No.: Bu 10535
Mark: SBD - 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5030

Constructors No.: 1589
US Marine No.: Bu 06744
Mark: SBD -4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5031

Constructors No.: 2367
US Marine No.: Bu 10407
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5032

Constructors No.: 2364
US Marine No.: Bu 10404
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5033

Constructors No.: 1585
US Marine No.: Bu 06740
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5034

Constructors No.: 1611
US Marine No.: Bu 06766
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5035

Constructors No.: 1608
US Marine No.: Bu 06763
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5036

Constructors No.: 1690
US Marine No.: Bu 06815
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5037

Constructors No.: 1858
US Marine No.: Bu 06953
Mark: SBD -4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Dec 1943
Missing on a radio range familiarization Flight
From Espiritu Santo in the cloud covered hills 11 Feb 1944
No wreckage found until 1987
Now on display in a “ as found condition” in
RNZAF Museum Wigram
F/O Alexander Moore F/S John Munro killed

NZ 5038

Constructors No.: 2323
US Marine No.: Bu 10393
Mark: SBD -4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5039

Constructors No.: 1836
US Marine No.: Bu 06931
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5040

Constructors No.: 2597
US Marine No.: Bu 10607
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5041

Constructors No.: 1866
US Marine No.: Bu 06961
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5042

Constructors No.: 2314
US Marine No.: Bu 10384
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Dec 1943
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5043

Constructors No.: 2626
US Marine No.: Bu 10636
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 8 Jan 1944
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5044

Constructors No.: 1634
US Marine No.: Bu 06789
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Jan 1944
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5045

Constructors No.: 2460
US Marine No.: Bu 10500
Mark: SBD – 4
Loaned to NZ from US Marine Air Group 14
B O C 25 Sqn at Espiritu Santo 26 Jan 1944
Returned to US Marine Air Group 14 at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/Early Mar 1944

NZ 5046

Constructors No.: 5490
US Marine No.: Bu 36862
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named Ferdinand
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 23 Mar 1944
Took part in 25 Sqn first strike against Japanese
In the Suka Valley 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5047

Constructors No.: 5519
US Marine No.: Bu 36891
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named Carborundum Nil Barstardium, with a coat of arms
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

Crew F/O G C Howie [P] F/S G D Ashworth [Gunner]

NZ 5048

Constructors No.: 5523
US Marine No.: Bu 36895
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named Salome
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5049

Constructors No.: 5525
US Marine No.: Bu 36897
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named Winni - Pu - 111
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5050

Constructors No.: 5526
US Marine No.: Bu 36898
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named Prunes Progress
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Shot down by flak on a raid on Lakunai 17 Apr 1944
Part of a flight of 11 A/C, failed to return
P/O Geoffrey Cray W/O Frank Bell killed

NZ 5051

Constructors No.: 5536
US Marine No.: Bu 36908
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Hit by flak during a bombing raid
Crashed into Greet Harbour 1100 on 10 May 1944
F/L Jack Edwards W/O Louis Hoppe killed

NZ 5052

Constructors No.: 5538
US Marine No.: Bu 36910
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 20 Feb 1944
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5053

Constructors No.: 5539
US Marine No.: Bu 36911
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 22 Feb 1944
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5054

Constructors No.: 5542
US Marine No.: Bu 36914
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 20 Feb 1944
Named Home’s The Caper
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Destroyed when clusters of “hung up” bombs
Exploded when landing at Piva 2 Apr 1944
F/S Jolly Uninjured F/S Price injured

NZ 5055

Constructors No.: 5551
US Marine No.: Bu 36923
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named He’ll Be Back Again
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 23 Mar 1944
Hit oil drum at Henderson Field after a ferry flight 22 Mar 1944
Written off 29 Mar 1944

Crew F/S C N O’Neill [P] F/S D W Gray [Gunner]

NZ 5056

Constructors No.: 5552
US Marine No.: Bu 36924
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 20 Feb 1944
Named Paddy’s Mistake
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5057

Constructors No.: 5553
US Marine No.: Bu 36925
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Named Howa – Baht – That – Hic Thing
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5058

Constructors No.: 5556
US Marine No.: Bu 36928
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 24 Feb 1944
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar1944
Took part in 25 Sqn first raid against Suka Valley 24 Mar 1944
Damaged beyond economic repair during a
Raid on Lakunai 17 Apr 1944
Part of a flight of 11 A/C who were met by fierce flak
Written off

NZ5059

Constructors No.: 5544
US Marine No.: Bu 36916
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 20 Feb 944
Named The Joker
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Destroyed when clusters of “hung up” bombs
Exploded when landing at Piva 2 Apr 1944
Sgt Symonds injured F/S Boden injured

Crew F/O L A Mc Lellan – Symonds [P] F/S R F Bailey [Gunner]

NZ 5060

Constructors No3863
US Marine No.: Bu 28516
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 1 Apr 1944
Named Mad Mac front cockpit
Named Syncopation rear cockpit
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Took part in 25 Sqn first strike against Suka Valley 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5061

Constructors No.: 3873
US Marine No.: Bu 28526
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 1 Apr 1944
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 23 Mar 1944
Took part in 25 Sqn first strike against Suka Valley 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5062

Constructors No.: 3883
US Marine No.: Bu 28536
Mark: SBD – 5
Built at Douglas El Segundo Plant and handed over to US Navy Jun 1943
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 1 Apr 1944
Named Francois
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944
The Fuselage of the A/C was acquired by
Planes Of Fame Museum 1959
After laying in a field at San Fernando since the war
Stored at Claremont, California until Dec 1965
Before restoration was commenced it went on
Display at the Museum without wings
In 1976 the A/C was used in filming of the movie
“ Midway” with Charlton Heston being filmed
Sitting in the cockpit of the then wingless bomber
Restoration to Airworthy condition was commenced in 1982
Test flight 2 Jul 1987
Registered N 670 AM 2 Jul 1987
Used in the movies again for the Mini-Series
“War and Remembrance” 8 Sep 1987
During the filming the Museum’s own John Maloney
With Bob Aumack“Blue Angels Team Leader”
In the gunner's position had the distinction of flying
The A/C off the Aircraft Carrier AVT 16
USS Lexington, this was the first launch from an
Aircraft carrier in 42 years
Currently at Chino Air Museum, California

NZ 5063

Constructors No.: 2794
US Marine No.: Bu 0849
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new
B O C 25 Servicing Unit 17 Apr 1944
Ferried to Bougainville
To 25 Sqn at Piva 24 Mar 1944
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

Crew F/O B N Graham [P] F/S O E Watson [Gunner]

NZ 5064

Constructors No.: 5715
US Marine No.: Bu 54201
Mark: SBD -5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing Unit at Piva 17 Apr 1944
To 25 Sqn at Piva
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5065

Constructors No.: 5726
US Marine No.: Bu 54212
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing unit at Piva 17 Apr 1944
To Replace NZ 5053
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5066

Constructors No.: 3782
US Marine No.: Bu 28435
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing unit at Piva 16 Apr 1944
To Replace NZ 5054
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5067

Constructors No.: 2888
US Marine No.: Bu 10895
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing unit at Piva 27 Apr 1944
To replace NZ 5050
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

NZ 5068

Constructors No.: 4562
US Marine No.: Bu 35923
Mark: SBD – 5
Taken over as new A/C
B O C 25 Servicing unit at Piva 27 Apr 1944
To replace NZ 5058
Returned to US Marines at Russell 20 May 1944

176

Constructors No.: 3799
US Marine No.: Bu 28452
Mark: SBD – 5
Ditched on ferry flight from Guadalcanal to Piva 4 Apr 1944
A flight of 3 A/C experienced radio difficulties
During flight the other 2 managed to land safely
A/C No 176 Missing,
F/O Leslie Mc Lellan – Symonds missing presumed killed

SDB 3 NZ 205 to NZ 222 Renumbered NZ 5001 to NZ 5018
SDB 4 NZ 5019 to NZ 5045
SDB 5 NZ 5046 to NZ 5068 and Bu 28452

NZ 5001 to NZ 5027 Training in NZ ex USMC aircraft
NZ 5028 to NZ 5045 Forward area training loaned from USMC 14 Group
NZ 5046 to NZ 5068 Operational aircraft
NZ 5064 to NZ 5068 To replace aircraft lost on operations
New aircraft returned to USMC May 1944

BU 28452 Lost on delivery flight
NZ 5008 Inst 91
NZ 5016 Inst 110
NZ 5018 Inst 92
NZ 5056 Returned to US Marine Corp at Renarde Field 20 May 1944

NZ 5062 Bu 28536 Restored “Planes of Fame” Museum California

Flown By:

25 Sqn Seagrove Jul 1943 Jan 1944
26 Sqn Seagrove Jan 1944 Feb1944
25 Sqn Seagrove Feb 1944 Mar 1944
26 Sqn Seagrove Mar 1944 May 1944
25 Sqn Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943 23 Mar 1944
26 Sqn Espiritu Santo 17 Dec 1943 23 Mar 1944
25 Support Unit Piva 23 Mar 1944 20 May 1944

Returned to US Marine Corp at Renarde Field Russell Island 20 May 1944
NZ 5046 NZ 5047 NZ 5048 NZ 5049 NZ 5052
NZ 5053 NZ 5056 NZ 5057 NZ 5060 NZ 5061
NZ 5062 NZ 5063 NZ 5064 NZ 5065 NZ 5066
NZ 5067 NZ 5068

Returned to US Marines at Espiritu Santo Late Feb/early Mar 1944
NZ 5028 NZ 5029 NZ 5030 NZ 5031 NZ 5032
NZ 5033 NZ 5034 NZ 5035 NZ5036 NZ 5038
NZ 5039 NZ 5040 NZ 5041 NZ 5042 NZ 5043
NZ 5044 NZ 5045

Accident/Shot down in South Pacific/Ferry
NZ 5037 NZ 5050 NZ 5051 NZ 5054 NZ 5055
NZ 5058 NZ 5059 176

A/C Scrapped 1948
NZ 210/5006 NZ 212/5008 NZ 213/5009 NZ 214/5010 NZ 215/5011
NZ 216/5012 NZ 217/5013 NZ 218/5014 NZ 219/5015 NZ 220/5016
NZ 221/5017 NZ 222/5018 NZ 5019 NZ 5020 NZ 5021
NZ 5022 NZ 5023 NZ 5024 NZ 5026 NZ 5027

Instructional non-flying airframe
NZ 212/5008 NZ 221/5018

A/C Accident in NZ
NZ 211/5007

Restored to flying condition
NZ 5062

Unrecorded disposal
NZ 5025

Unsourced photos through the Ohakea Museum

with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner