MOCK AIR RAIDS IN CITY

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23717, 15 August 1942, Page 4

MOCK AIR RAIDS IN CITY

DISPLAY BY AERODROME DEFENCE UNIT

Mock air raids and retaliation by ground defence units drew a big crowd in Cathedral square yesterday afternoon, when Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel took part in a parade and demonstration to raise funds for the National Patriotic Fund Board for patriotic purposes. Three formations of aircraft flew over the city at intervals, and in each case a flare was shot from a signal mortar when the approach of enemy aircraft was signalled to elements of an antiaircraft battery stationed in the Square. Machine-guns and anti-air-craft guns then opened fire with dummy ammunition. Some members of the Aerodrome Defence Unit carried arms of the tommy-gun type, and others were armed with rifles to defend the anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Members of the W.A.A.F. were present in charge of a wireless signalling station, photographic apparatus, and lamp signalling section. Spotters stationed on the roof of the United Service Hotel first signalled the approach of enemy aircraft to the central signalling stations. Two tractors for drawing the anti-air-craft guns attracted much attention. Members of the W.A.A.F. were present in the parade, and were accompanied by the W.A.A.F. band. The parade, which drew a big crowd of spectators all along the route, included airmen pilots, aircraftsmen, and members of the recently-formed Aerodrome Defence Unit.