The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) utilized Lockheed Hudsons as a cornerstone of their front-line strength in the Pacific, transitioning from initial coastal defense and reconnaissance to aggressive combat operations in the Solomon Islands.

Fleet Allocation and Early Deployment

New Zealand received a total of 94 Hudsons during the war, including Mark IIIs, IIIAs, Vs, and VIs. By the time Japan entered the war in December 1941, 36 of these aircraft were available, representing an important part of New Zealand’s first-line air strength.

• Initial Squadrons: Early operations were conducted by No. 1 Squadron (based at Whenuapai), No. 2 Squadron (based at Nelson), and No. 4 Squadron (based at Nandi, Fiji).
• Regional Defense: Hudsons established a defense line extending from Northern Australia through New Caledonia, the New Hebrides, the Fiji Islands, and up to the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal

The RNZAF Hudsons, particularly those of No. 3 Squadron, played a vital role during the Guadalcanal campaign starting in November 1942.

• Armed Reconnaissance: Operating under the control of the US Marine Corps, Hudsons performed long-range reconnaissance to the limits of their endurance, searching for Japanese troop and supply movements.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Crews conducted persistent anti-submarine patrols. On December 2, 1942, a Hudson from No. 3 Squadron sighted and attacked a surfaced Japanese submarine with depth charges.
• Pathfinder Missions: RNZAF Hudsons acted as pathfinders for American torpedo-bombers, dropping flares over enemy targets, such as the harbor at southern Bougainville, to guide night strikes.

Aerial Combat

Despite being a reconnaissance bomber, the Hudson was frequently forced into aerial combat with Japanese fighters.

• Encounters with Zeros: In July 1943, an RNZAF Hudson was attacked by eight Zero fighters off Vella Lavella; despite heavy damage and three wounded crew members, the pilot managed to ditch the aircraft, and the crew reached shore.
• Aerial Victories: In April 1943, Flying Officer M. W. McCormick of No. 3 Squadron claimed a victory over a Japanese float-plane while on patrol north of Choiseul.

Support and Transport Roles

As modern aircraft like the Lockheed Ventura began replacing Hudsons in combat roles in late 1943, the Hudson fleet was transitioned to essential support duties.

• Transport Squadrons: No. 40 and No. 41 Squadrons used Hudsons (alongside Lodestars and Dakotas) for regular personnel and equipment transport between New Zealand, Fiji, and Guadalcanal.
• Air-Sea Rescue: Hudsons were used for maritime search and rescue, including the first operational use of airborne lifeboats.
• Post-War Repatriation: Following the cessation of hostilities, transport Hudsons were used to repatriate Allied prisoners-of-war, with some being converted into air ambulances.