ANTI-AIRCRAFT DEFENCES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23716, 14 August 1942, Page 6

ANTI-AIRCRAFT DEFENCES

DEMONSTRATION TO-DAY IN SQUARE MOCK BOMBING RAID THIS AFTERNOON The most spectacular display arranged in Christchurch by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the first opportunity for the public to see local ground defences in action will be given this afternoon following the big parade of Air Force personnel through the main streets of the city. The parade will move off from Victoria square at 2 p.m.. march down Colombo street, through the Square and down High street, turning into Lichfield street to return to Victoria square up Colombo street, As a force of aircraft approaches the Square at about 2.45 p.m., the ground defences will take up action stations and an element of an anti-aircraft battery with one of New Zealand’s latest guns will open fire with blank ammunition. Members of the recentlyformed Aerodrome Defence Units will be equipped with light automatics. Members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force will be seen working in conjunction with the ground defences. The aircraft will make three “bombing attacks” and realistic effects have been planned, provided the weather is good. As a spectacular finale an endeavour will be made to simulate an aircraft hit by anti-aircraft fire. Another feature of the display will be signalling between the ground defences and defending aircraft. It is expected that the aerial display will last for about 20 minutes.

The exhibition will be carried out entirely by Air Force personnel, in--eluding the ground defences. The parade will include airmen pilots, aircraftsmen, members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and Aerodrome Defence Units, and a lorry accompanying the parade will carry interesting Air Force exhibits. The effort is being made at the request of the National Patriotic Funds Board for patriotic purposes.