ROYAL AIR FORCE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22594, 27 December 1938, Page 4

ROYAL AIR FORCE

IMMENSE NEW PROGRAMME

MORE MACHINES AND MEN

Ceuoh otra ovna coHasspofruxirr.) LONDON, December 14. An immense new programme for the Royal Air Force was announced by Sir Kingsley Wood, Air Minister, last week. He outlined a plan to provide Britain with between 5000 and 6000 fighting aircraft. He also referred to the training of recruits from the Dominions, including New Zealand. Sir Kingsley reported to the House of Commons the recent expansion in the recruiting for the Royal Air Force, and he estimated that by next June there would be 100,000 men and officers ready and available. The aircraft industry was working at capacity, and wherever possible large-scale planning and standardisation had been adopted. There was now an increasing flow of production coming from the shadow factories, and at no distant date these factories would be justifying themselves as far as production was concerned. Negotiations between the Canadian representatives in Britain were still proceeding and had not yet been concluded. He was hopeful that they would soon be concluded. Canadian production would undoubtedly increase British potential strength. ’

First American Deliveries Orders had been placed with America for 400 training and reconnaissance machines selected as suitable for Britain’s requirements. The first deliveries of these aircraft would be made in the course of next month and the whole order would be completed within the next 12 months. The extended programme of 1750 first-line aircraft announced earlier in the year would, he believed, be achieved next March. “We are now concentrating on expediting the completion of the programme announced in May,” Sir Kingsley said, “which comprised a metropolitan first aif-line strength of 2370 aircraft, an overseas strength of 300, and continued expansion of the Fleet air-arm in accordance with the requirements of the Admiralty shipbuilding programme. “So far as this latest programme is concerned, provided the necessary labour is obtained—and I think it can be—in my judgment and in the judgment of my advisers we shall achieve the programme in the time mentioned.”

Production was very much advanced compared with a few months ago. The output was considerable in May, but since that date a progressive increase had been achieved month by month, with the result that the output last month was 50 per cent, greater than in May.

“Output next May should show an increase of 150 per cent., with further increases still in prospect,” added Sir Kingsley. With the additional productive capacity he had indicated it was now possible still further to strengthen and develop air defence.

Estimates, £200,000,000 Next Year The further financial provisions which would be necessary would give an indication of what was being undertaken. The air estimates for the current year stood at about £120,000,000, and those for next year would bo in the region of £200,000,000. Preliminary expansion such as the equipment of factories would have substantially ceased, but expenditure on actual production of aircraft would continue and a heavy expenditure must be anticipated in the following year. Britain’s rearmament was essentially defensive, and the highest priority would be given to strengthening the fighter force, which was designed to meet the invading bomber in the air. There would be a substantial and progressive increase in first-line strength, amounting to about 30 per cent, over the programme now authorised. Fighter aircraft now on order or to be ordered under the new proposals would amount to between 5000 and 6000 aircraft. It was also proposed to increase the reserves of the counteroffensive force, which was an essential component in any system of defence, and to make provision particularly for a large number of additional aircraft indispensable for training. Requirements for defence of overseas territories and trade were now under review, and the overseas strength would be increased if necessary in the light of that review.

Government’s Policy

“The policy of the Government aims at producing a sound and balanced force on a high standard of preparedness for war, adequate for our strategic necessities, and with a depth behind it to enable it to sustain the effort should we be attacked,” said Sir Kingsley. “The effect of the action now being taken is, first, to fill the gaps in our defences and accelerate the growth of our strength, particularly that of the productive capacity of our aircraft industry; second, to increase the strength of our fighter defences to a standard considered necessary for coast defence; third, to build up behind our operational squadrons, including the counter-offensive forces, increased reserves both of aircraft and crews, backed in their turn by a large potential growth for the production both of aircraft and trained personnel in war; and finally, to retain our hold on the high standard of equipment and technical excellence.”

Empire Recruits

Sir Kingsley Wood also said that since the expansion started many hundreds of young men had come from various parts of the Empire to train as pilots in the Royal Air Force. There had been discussions with the Canadian Government, and the recent visit of an English officer was valuable in illustrating the training facilities available in Canada and the question of her capacity to assist. Britain was now working out a scheme which it was hoped would be considered acceptable to the Canadian Government in this important connexion. Australia had also helped. It was a significant fact that in August No. 21 City of Melbourne Squadron of the Citizens’ Air Force was allied, with the approval of his Majesty, to a City of London Fighter Squadron Auxiliary Air Force. This was the first occasion on which a unit of a Dominion Air Force became allied to a unit of the Royal Air Force. Australia was sending an increasing number of locally-selected candidates for short service tpmmissions.

“We have been in discussion with New Zealand,” continued Sir Kingsley Wood, “in relation to certain proposals from their Government for further developing training facilities for air pilots.. We gladly accept their offer to provide a number of trained pilots by April, with further increases in the following and subsequent years. “Finally, I would say in this connexion that far larger projects in connexion with a wartime programme are now being examined by the New Zealand Air Board and the Air Ministry with the approval of the respective Governments."