AIR COASTAL COMMAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 47, 5 December 1939, Page 5

AIR COASTAL COMMAND

STRENUOUSNESS OF THE DUTY. THE AUSTRAL!AN SQUADRON. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, December 4. The formation of an Australian air squadron for active service with the Coastal Command of the Royal Air Force early in the New Year will mean that Australia will be the first Dominion to have a complete unit of its own Air Force in service in the European theatre of war. Members of the squadron who are already in this country are receiving intensive training in air reconnaissance and the application to Avar purposes of the armament of the big Short Sunderland fly-ing-boats with which their unit has been equipped by the Commonwealth Government.

Aircraft of the Coastal Command have flown approximately 2,500,000 miles on reconnaissance since the outbreak of war. Patrolling must be carried out in all'weathers and the creivs are often obliged to remain aloft a Avhole day. Always vigilant, they search the sea for U-boats and enemy warships and the air for hostile aircraft. They keep a ivatchful eye on British and neutral shipping and accompany British convoys for hundreds of miles on the way along the trade routes of the Avorld.

’ The Royal Australian Air Force is Avell acquainted Avith the problems of overseas navigation and reconnaissance, though the Australians noiv here Avill be flying in conditions new to them. The Sunderland flying-boats with which they will be equipped are formidable aircraft, specially suited for longrange reconnaissance work oyer the sea. The standard armament of. the Sunderland is powei’ful and comprehensive for both defence and attack. This high-wing monoplane Aveighs over 20 tons, yet with a Aving area of more than 1500 square feet the aircraft has an. exceptional lift and can take off in 33 seconds. Four Bristol Pegasus XX radial engines develop 3360 horsepower. There is a of six, but the aircraft can carry more than 20 people in addition.—-British Official Wireless.