Fg. Off. J. A. Knowles replaced Fl. Lt. D. M. Furness as C.O. in October 1955. He also had served in the RNZAF as a Kittyhawk Fighter Pilot during World War II.
During the mid-’fifties the Squadron paraded for a short period in a building at Omaka Aerodrome which was part of the former RNZAF Station and is now part of the the Omaka Marae Complex. Fg. Off. Knowles handed over command of the unit in June 1959 to Fl. Lt. B. J. Scott.
In New Zealand about this time a group of former aircrew, known as the Ait League of New Zealand, with help from members of the Brevet Club, R.S.A.’s and the Air Firce Association, became active in fostering and developing the A.T.C. movement throughout New Zealand with particular emphasis place on air experience for the cadets. To this end they were instrumental in providing a number of gliders for the cadets’ use. These gliders started service in the units in the 1960s. Several years later they were sold because of the lack of skill in maitaining them at the Squadron or Air Cadet League branch level. Instead the proceeds from the sale were invested, the income being used to finance the three Area gliding Camps help each year.
On 15th December 1959 the Squadron’s end of year parade was held in the Army Drill Hall. It was attended by the Mayor, Mr. E. P. Meachen. The Inspecting Officer was Base Woodbourne C.O., Gp. Capt. A. P. Gainsford, who was attended by Sqn. Ldr. R. L. Brewer.
