BRITAIN’S AIR STRENGTH

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22801, 29 August 1939, Page 15

BRITAIN’S AIR STRENGTH

QUICKER EXPANSION INDICATED COMPARISON WITH GERMANY LONDON, June 21. An increase in the latest Royal Air Force expansion programme is likely to be necessitated by the Goverrfment’s decision to create a field force of 19 divisions available for service overseas if required, states the “Daily Telegraph.” The programme announced in May, 1938, aims at providing 2370 first-line machines at home by March, 1940. It has been officially announced on several occasions that this programme is to be accelerated and expanded, though to what extent has not been precisely indicated.

There are now seven regular, .and two auxiliary, army co-opefation squadrons in this country. These were sufficient for the peace-time training of: the Army and for a small expenditionary force of, perhaps, two divisions on the outbreak of war and two "others some months later. They are totally inadequate for a field force of the size now envisaged which, when fully deployed, would require about 25 atmy co-operation squadrons. ■ A considerable number of fighters would also be needed to protect the army co-operation machines and the base at which 'the field force disembarked. A number of medium range bomber squadrons would undoubtedly be needed to attack troop concentrations and bridge-heads behind tbe enemy’s lines. Co-operation With France

It would probably be impracticable to count on the French being able to supply such machines and, if special provision for them was not made, they would have to be obtained by withdrawing squadrons from the fighter and air striking forces now intended for the defence of this country. Major-General A. C. Temperley pointed out recently that some four months must elapse before the territorial divisions of the field force would be ready to take the field. It is possible that a major operation, such as the dispatch of a large expeditionary force to France could not, in any- event, be undertaken in face of air opposition until the first phases of air warfare had passed and some degree of air superiority had been obtained. :The 13 territorial divisions might, therefore, be able to rely on cadre Auxiliary Air Force army co-opera-tion squadrons, which would be fully manned and trained by the time the divisions were able to leave.

Apart from the Air Force problems arising from the creation of this large field force, it has -been, apparent for some time that the 1938 programme Of 2370 machines at-home .will mot suffice to fulfil Earl Baldwin’s pledge that “in air strength and in air power, this country shall no longer be in a position inferior to any country within striking distance of our shores.” ' .

Comparative Strengths Major-General Sir Frederick Sykes, a' former Chief of the Air Staff, -suggested last April that Germany; had between 2500. and 3000 first-line aircraft. It would be most unwise to assume that Germany will have fewer than 4000, excluding ship-bome machines, by the end of this month, when, according to official statements, the British 1936 programme of 1750 aircraft at home will-be achieved. This figure excludes the Fleet; Air Arm, but includes 20 Auxiliary Air Force squadrons >- which, efficient as they are, should not . really be counted as the equivalent of full-time regular units. Forces Compared

A reasonable estimate, based on the Air Force list and • such "IMofmafidh about the German AirJEorce as is .obtainable, planes in British and?Geiman operational units at the " eind‘ ‘ of-- March would be: ' : ‘ Germany. Britain. . Bombers .. 1500 750 Fighters .. .. 1200 600 - Army > co-operation - 800 175General - reconnaissance 500 . 225 ,■ ■ = *SoOO 1750 There is, therefore, every reason to suppose that' the- Government' has in mmd very much. larger! additions to tile 1938 programme than any-yet indicated in official announcements, and that this should shortly he . possible owing to the steadily output of aircraft’ which is, how being achieved. • ...-.v,. y■