NZDF-Serials Grebe

Serial	c/n.	R.A.F.	Aircraft history
NZ501	n/a	J7381	Previously J7381, with 29 Squadron RAF. Purchased for the Government by Sir Henry Wigram in 1927 and made it's first test flight in New Zealand on 02 March 1928. Used initially by the NZPAF and later by the RNZAF. Coded "A-5". Took part in the first RNZAF Display at Rongotai on 04 June 1938. Withdrawn fron service and converted to instructional airframe at Hobsonville approximately November 1938. Became INST1 on introduction of INST numbering system in 1940. Transferred to Rongotai TTS and broken up and burnt during 1943-1944.
NZ502	n/a	J7394	Previously J7394, with RAF. Arrived at Wigram on 23 September 1928 and used initially by the NZPAF and later by the RNZAF. Code "A-6". Damaged in alanding accident at Blenheim on 15 November 1929. Trucked back to Wigram for repairs which were not completed until the middle of 1931. Took part in the first RNZAF Display at Rongotai on 04 June 1938. Withdrawn from service and converted to instructional airframe at Hobsonville approximately November 1938. Became INST3 with the introduction of the INST numbering system in 1940. Transferred to Rongotai where it was stripped of fabric and used for training in the component section. Remains finally broken up during 1943.
NZ503	n/a	J7400	Previously J7400, with RAF. This aircraft was a 2 seater. Arrived at Wigram on 23 September 1928 and used initially by the NZPAF and later by the RNZAF. Originally built as single seater with tapered ailerons. Rebuilt for NZPAF as two seater with parallel chord ailerons. Crashed into an orchard at Hornby, near Christchurch on 08 August 1932. The aircraft was flying at about 1000 feet when it suddenly dived into the ground. Squadron Leader J. Findlay and Aircraftman J. Simpson injured. The aircraft was written off with only the rear fuselage and instruments being salvaged.