AIR FORCE CAMP AT BLENHEIM

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22551, 5 November 1938, Page 18

AIR FORCE CAMP AT BLENHEIM

+ — ~- ■ WELLINGTON SQUADRON'S PLANS TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR PERSONNEL (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, November 4. The Wellington (territorial) squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force will hold its first squadron camp this month, at Omaka aerodrome, Blenheim. Six Blackburn Baffin bombers will be flown across Cook Strait from Wellington and will participate in various exercises in the Marlborough] district between November 16 and November 25. The Wellington squadron was formed less than 12 month's ago, and its base is at Rongotai aerodrome, Wellington. Equipped with 12 Baffins, the squadron has the distinction of being the first territorial squadron to be formed in New Zealand and will be the first squadron in the Dominion to hold a territorial camp. Six aircraft will be used for the training of the squadron's 17 officers and 85 airmen. The camp is intended primarily for the technical training of airmen and officers, and in addition practice in bombing will be carried oi.t at a bomb range erected at Lake Grassmere. The commanding officer of the camp will be Squadron Leader E. A. Gibson, and the adjutant Flight Lieutenant J. R. S. Agar (Royal New Zealand Air Force). Wireless units attached to the squadron will receive special training in wireless telegraph duties. It is intended to erect a small transmitter and carry out practical tests with radio stations operated in different parts "f the Dominion for aviation rmrposes, the object being to bring the territorial personnel up to the same standard of efficiency as regular wireless telegraphy operators. A number of the Baffins are also equipped with wireless, and when in flight maintain communication with ground stations. _____^