WOMEN WITH R.A.F.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 58, 9 March 1944, Page 5

WOMEN WITH R.A.F.

LONG FLIGHTS MADE

Scientific Work And Research

Operational Groups

N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 11 a.m. LONDON, Mar. 8. Women scientists now fly on operations With the R.A.F. as part of their duties, and others are at a staff R.A.F. station in the forward area on the invasion front. Those who fly belong to operational research groups, attached to R.A.F. commands.

Their flights have been mostly in flying boats and bombers adapted for long distance reconnaissance work. These aircraft are equipped with radio apparatus for the detection of U-boats. Women scientists and physicists have done much research connected with them and also gone out on ballistic tests. They are not allowed to go on bombing operations, nor are they likely to do so.

It is estimated that women workers make up one-sixth of the scientists recruited for the R.A.F. research groups and also the Admiralty and War Office. They have been employed on problems connected with tanks, guns, explosives, radio and radio location, and have also helped with anti-aircraft improvements.

At an R.A.F. station staffed by women they maintain the - equipment, including all kinds of spares for damaged aircraft. Stores of all kinds are available for particular types of aircraft flying over their territory.

There are some men on the camp, but chiefly for guard duty and assisting with 'heavy work. The station was recently stocked up for the second front.