Richard Bolt (RNZAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Richard Bolt
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 16 July 1923 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Died | 27 July 2014 (aged 91) Lower Hutt, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Service/ |
Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1980 |
| Rank | Air Marshal |
| Commands held | Chief of the Defence Staff (1976–80) Chief of the Air Staff (1974–76) No. 24 Squadron (1955–57) No. 40 Squadron (1954–55) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Flying Cross Air Force Cross |
Sir Richard Bruce Bolt (born 16 July 1923, died 27 July 2014) was a brave pilot during the Second World War. He became a very important leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) after the war. He was the top leader of the RNZAF from 1974 to 1976. Then, he became the head of all New Zealand's armed forces from 1976 to 1980. He retired from the military in 1980.
Early Life and Air Force Career
Richard Bolt was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1923. He went to Nelson College for his schooling. His father, George Bolt, was also a famous New Zealand pilot. He was one of the first people to fly planes in New Zealand.
During the Second World War, Richard Bolt was a bomber pilot. He flew a large plane called an Avro Lancaster. He was part of a special group called the Pathfinder Force. Their job was to fly ahead and mark targets for other bombers.
In 1945, he flew a Lancaster during a mission called Operation Manna. This was a very important mission where pilots dropped food to people in the Netherlands. These people were starving because of the war. After the war, Bolt led two different air force groups. He was the Commanding Officer of No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron RAF.
Later Life and Achievements
Richard Bolt was known as the Father of the Air Force in New Zealand. This means he was seen as a very important person in shaping the RNZAF.
He also had a racehorse named Kotare Chief. This horse won a big race called the Auckland Cup in 1987. The Prime Minister at the time, David Lange, gave the cup to Bolt. Bolt joked, "Not bad for a geriatric," which meant "not bad for an old person."
Richard Bolt passed away in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, in 2014. He was 91 years old.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Richard Bolt received many important awards for his service:
- In 1945, he was given the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is for bravery while flying.
- In 1959, he received the Air Force Cross. This award is for great flying skill or courage not in battle.
- In 1973, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- In 1977, he became a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
- In 1979, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a very high honour, and it meant he could use "Sir" before his name.
- He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977.
