TERRITORIAL AIR SQUADRONS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22375, 12 April 1938, Page 6

TERRITORIAL AIR SQUADRONS

AUXILIARIES TO MAIN FORCE HEADQUARTERS TO BE IN CHRISTCHURCH The defences of New Zealand are to be improved by the formation of territorial squadrons at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The squadrons in war time will support the regular Air Force in the location and destruction of hostile forces approaching the Dominion, and the Dunedin squadron will be trained in cooperation with land forces. For flying duties in each squadron, 16 territorial officers will be commissioned. They must pass full medical tests, be between the ages of 18 and 37. be British subjects, and have learned to fly. There will also be vacancies for six officers who will be concerned with organisation, engineering, equipment, meteorology, education, and health. One hundred airmen will be required for enlistment, as follows: — 59 fitters and fitters* mates, 11 for wireless duties, 12 air gunners, nine armourers, three photographers, three metal workers, two clerks, and one fabric worker. . Each squadron will have the assistance of a permanent staff of regular personnel, consisting of an adjutant, a flying instructor, and an establishment of airmen provisionally fixed at nine. Baffin aeroplanes, a very strongly built and reliable type capable of carrying a considerable bomb load and easy to fly, will be used. Although the Baffin is not as fast as more modern aircraft it is considered to have ample speed for the role it may be called upon to play. Flying From Wigram

Flying will be done from Wigram aerodrome, and a headquarters building will be provided in Christchurch. The Air Department hopes to obtain suitable accommodation near Cathedral square. This will include office accommodation, instructional and social facilities.

The policy followed in selecting candidates will be to choose those whose everyday work or whose special qualifications and hobbies fit them for the various categories of employment which a squadron offers. For instance, it takes several years' hard work to make an efficient aero engine mechanic. It is clear that territorial training cannot hope to turn raw material into skilled mechanics. But a skilled man can receive the extra training which will enable him to reach the high standard of specialised knowledge which is necessary. The Territorial Air Force is considered to offer a good opening for wireless enthusiasts wanting practical experience. Training is given in working from aircraft to aircraft and from aircraft to ground, as well as in the ordinary work of ground stations. Air operators need a high degree of skill, and it is hoped to enlist those who are already partially trained. High Standards

The standards aimed at are those of the Royal Air Force, and tests for promotion will be the same as those for regularly employed airmen. Members of the Territorial Air Force are liable to be called out to serve within New Zealand against actual or apprehended attack, but not outside New Zealand except voluntarily. They may be called on. to take flights in which they pass over water beyond the territorial limits of the country.

Pay will be admissable for training periods. The minimum training to be done is eight days' continuously, with 36 instructional periods of one and a half hours each. Free issues of uniform are made.

Conditions in Canterbury are considered by the authorities to be very suitable for flying. Wigram aerodrome is excellent for training, and a good bombing and air-gunnery range is in existence at Lake The Christchurch squadron will train from the same aerodrome as the regular personnel of the Flying Training School of the Royal Air Force.

Applications from those wanting to enlist will be received at Wigram aerodrome up to April 30. A board of officers will interview candidates in Christchurch on the evening of Friday, May g, and on Saturday, May 7.