Why was No. 23 Squadron RNZAF called the "Ghost Squadron"?

Short answer

Because of its unofficial emblem: a figure resembling the Grim Reaper or a ghost, which earned it the nickname "Ghosts" or "Ghost Squadron". The design was painted on the engine cowling or on the side of the cockpit of its aircraft. Having formed late in the war, the unit never received an official badge or motto.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Why was No. 23 Squadron RNZAF called the "Ghost Squadron"?

F4U at 2023 Oshkosh

An unofficial emblem

The squadron used an unofficial emblem, a figure resembling the Grim Reaper or a ghost, which is why it became known as the "Ghosts" or "Ghost Squadron". These emblems were painted on the engine cowling or on the side of the cockpit of their aircraft. Since the unit was formed late in the war, it never received an official badge or motto.

Formation and equipment

The squadron was formed in August 1944 at RNZAF Station Ardmore, equipped with the F4U-1 Corsair fighter-bomber. In September it moved to Palikulo Bay airfield, in Espiritu Santo, to continue training.

From the South Pacific to Bougainville

In late October 1944 it moved to Kukum Field, on Guadalcanal, from where it flew ground-attack missions against Japanese positions on Bougainville until 14 November. In late November 1944 it settled at Momote Field, on Los Negros Island, where it flew combat air patrols in defence of the island. In February 1945 it moved to Guadalcanal, then to Emirau between March and May, and finally to Piva, on Bougainville, from June to October 1945.