Hansford Ward Chambers was born in Opotiki on February 24, 1915. Before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in November 1940, he worked as a farmer. After achieving the rank of sergeant, he was among many who were sent to the British Isles.
In November 1941, he joined the 154th Squadron. From late February 1942, Chambers began combat sorties, flying a Spitfire IIA, marking the beginning of his distinguished career as a war aviator.
Early Victories and Exploits
On August 19, 1942, he achieved his first victory, which was also the squadron’s first, shooting down a Do 217 over Dieppe. In October of that year, the unit was transferred to Gibraltar, and the following month, pilots actively participated in the Allied landings in North Africa.
From November 12, 1942, their permanent base became Djidjelli airfield in Algeria. The next day, Chambers shot down a Ju 88, and three days later, another aircraft of the same type. On November 28, during a patrol, he spotted five Italian SM 79 bombers. Chambers attacked and shot down four, running out of ammunition for the fifth, an exploit for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
Mediterranean Campaigns
On April 3, 1943, Chambers damaged an FW 190. In June, he joined the 242nd Squadron, based in Malta, in preparation for the invasion of Sicily. On the first day of the Sicilian campaign, July 10, the New Zealander shot down a Macchi 200, adding another victory to his record.
A New Zealand Ace
He actively participated in the war on the Italian peninsula but did not achieve further victories. In total, Hansford Ward Chambers was credited with seven enemy aircraft shot down personally and one shared, solidifying his reputation as an ace. There is no information available about his post-war fate.