NEW AIR LEADER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 245, 16 October 1944, Page 6

NEW AIR LEADER

ISLANDS COMMAND

SIR R. CLARK-HALL'S POST

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.') WELLINGTON, this day. The appointment of Air-Commo-dore Sir Robert Clark-Hall, K.8.E., C.M.G., D.5.0., as Air Officer Commanding No. 1 (Islands) Group, Royal New Zealand Air Force, was announced to-day by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones. He will replace .Air-Commodore M. W. Buckley, M.8.E., who is returning for duty in New Zealand.

Sir Robert Clark-Hall began his career in the Royal Navy, serving on the training ship Britannia. He was appointed a sub-lieutenant in 1902, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1903. His flying experience dates from the earliest days of development in the air.

On the outbreak of war in 1914. Sir Robert Clark-Hall was appointed squadron-commander, Royai x\avai Air Service. In February. 1915, he sailed for the Daixlanelles in command of H.M.S. Ark Royal, a 7450ton steamer converted for use as an aircraft carrier. In December, 1915, he was promoted to the rank of commander, R.N., and wing-commander, R.N.A.S. He returned from the Dar-

danelles in 1016, and next year was appointed to command the No. 1 Wing in France, being promoted wing-captain, R.N., in December, 1917.

On the formation of the Royal Air Force he was given the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Later in 1918 the Board of Admiralty, expressing appreciation of the valuable services given by Sir Robert Clark-Hall, stated: —"He has twice declined promotion to brigadier-general, R.A.F., because he considered that higher rank would impair his usefulness to the fleet. Throughout his time on the staff of the Admiral Commanding Aircraft, he has worked with absolute singleness of purpose for the advancement of naval flying." Permanent R.A.P. Commission After the war Sir Robert Claris Hall held a number of important posts. In November, 1925, he was appointed to command the Royal Air Force in the Mediterranean. In March, 1929, he was appointed Director of Equipment at the Air Ministry, and in July, 1931, promoted to Air Vice-Marshal. In October, 1931, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding Coastal Area and he was promoted to Air-Marshal in July, 1933. He was placed on the retired list at his own request on August 11, 1934, and left for New Zealand with his wife and family. In April, 1940, he agreed to assist the R.N.Z.A.F. and was appointed to the command of a South Island station, taking the rank of Wing-Commander, subsequently becoming Air Officer Commanding, Southern Group, of the R.N.Z.A.F., with the rank of AirCommodore. One son serving overseas in the R.N.Z.A.F. was recently killed on active service, and his other son ir. serving in the R.N.Z.N.V.R. in English waters. His daughter is a member of the W.A.A.F. in New Zealand.