Vanguard Of Empire

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 7

Vanguard Of Empire

AIR SQUADRON

Australian Unit First To Arrive In England

COASTAL PATROLS (British Official Wireless.—Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, December 26. Men of the First Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force to arrive in England since the outbreak of the war were received rorn, a n C,V Tk m f e ,^ y *? M* 3 "" at their P Ort of this morning They are fully trained and represent all branches of the service, but before going on active service will undergo further training in tngland. Wing-Commander L. V. Lachal, who is in command of the squadron, was among those who met the men on arrival. «f »k Ai R C^ m ?? Or t,T- E - B - HoWe, welc °™ng tHem on behalf of the British Air Minister, said: "We have all been greatly impressed in this country with the ready response which Australia has made to the Empire air training scheme, and also the part she Count" 8 "" protruclion of aircraft independently of the Home U k l Air ( C ° mm .°. do « ! Howe also conveyed a cordial welcome on behalf of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Coastal tommand.

Au^Un^k 1 ? 8, " 1 " Lachal ad o the men a messa «e from the Australian High Commissioner, Mr. S. M. Bruce, in which he said: Your safe arrival has given great pleasure both in Britain and Srfidi" 1 ' , Z? 1 !Ti re ? r " entat » v « of an Air Force which has already established for itself an honourable position in which you w^k Ca »S R PO "l tO P% f ° rm, in Which y° u wiU be associated w.th the Royal A,r Force. You will, I know, maintain that

The message from the Australian Air Minister, Mr. J V hairbairn, read: A great responsibility rests upon you. You will be comrades in a great and just campaign with men of the Royal Air Force, and Australia is confident you will play yoU r part in whatever sphere you may be called upon to serve. The people of Australia will follow your activities with the keenest interest and w,ll look forward to your safe return when your task is done. May the best of good fortune attend you in this enterprise. ,.

Flying Boat Squadron, the Royal Air Force Coastal Command.

The meihbers of the contingent are all in fine fettle Thev are mostly fitter., rigger, and wireless operators. The squadron's officer, are already at their base. squaaron s •tatioHl" arriValS entrained imn »ediately to take up their war

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