AIR RECONNAISSANCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 303, 23 December 1941, Page 3

AIR RECONNAISSANCE

AUSTRALIA'S COASTLINE -% — In view of the Pacific situation Australia is able to take some comfort from her screen of advanced reconnaissance bases, where patrols have been operating for some time in conjunction with Lockheed Hudson Bomber reconnaissance and Catalina flying boats from the United States of America. The Catalinas were chosen primarily for their tremendous range. Australia is a country of "vast spaces, and is surrounded by vast expanses of ocean. The Catalina can do all that is required for ocean patrol when journeys of 2000 miles or more must be regarded as routine. Well armed for defence, provided with all comforts for the crew, the Catalinas can remain in the air for 30 hours. They can reach Australia's remotest bases and return without refuelling. The taking into service of these Catalinas has enabled Australia to establish a screen of reconnaissance bases as a buffer against invasion. The new stations include both land and seaplane bases, but the Catalinas are the longest-ranged aircraft used. They have made possible the maintenance of intense and comprehensive reconnaissance of waters in which Australia has a vital interest. Their establishment is an important precautionary measure against possible unheralded entry of enemy forces into Australian waters.