BOMBER ARRIVES

TOURING LANCASTER

RECEPTION AT AUCKLAND * P.A AUCKLAND, November 1. The second Lancaster to be seen in New Zealand arrived at Whetfuapai in the course of a 26,000-mile trip today. The aircraft, which has already covered over 12,000 mil-s since it left the United Kingdom on October 21, carries a crew of specialists in navigation, commanded by Wing Commander D. C. McKinley, D.F.C., R.C.A.F. They will demonstrate some of the latest navigational aids and methods to New Zealand and Australian Air Force units and <:arry out other investigations en route. The complement includes Mr. H. C. Pritchard, on special duty from the Ministry of Aircraft Production. The completion of the Lancaster's flight towards Christmas will mark the first round-the-world flight by the longest route by the Royal Air Force. It arrived today from Samoa, after having crossed the Atlantic from east to west, and included visits to Montreal, Washington, San Francisco, Honolulu, and other Pacific airfields. Before leaving New Zealand it will tour both the North and South Islands, probably landing at Ohakea, New Plymouth, Woodburn, and Wigram. On the way it will fly over as many towns as possible to enable residents to see Britain's famous heavy bomber.

Wing Commander McKinley's crew comprises Squadron Leader J. F. Davis, D.F.C., navigator; Flight Lieutenant N. B. Blakey, D.F.C., navigator; Flight Lieutenant R. L. Butt, radar; Flying Officer A. C. Shipway, D.F.C., second pilot; Flying Officer H. Stringer, wireless operator; Leading Aircraftmen E. Wiggins, engineer; E. Pashley, rigger; H. B. Dean, electrician. Wing Commander McKinley was welcomed on arrival by Wing Commander G. H, Pirie, R.A.F., Director of Operations, R.N.Z.A.F., and the station commanding officer, Wing Commander G. H. Fisher. His parents and friends greeted Flight Lieutenant Blakey, who is the only New Zealander in the crew. Flight Lieutenant Blakey left New Zealand in March, 1942, for Canada, and afterwards won the D.F.C. while on operations from England. He is the son of Mr. B. C. Blakey, Qnehunga. Wing Commander McKinley has seen service both in England and the Middle East m flying-boats, and all the other members of the crew save one have been on operations. The aircraft is named after the constellation Aries. Its New Zealand itinerary has not vet been settled.