A.T.C. CADETS TO VISIT BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27098, 22 July 1953, Page 4

A.T.C. CADETS TO VISIT BRITAIN

DEPARTURE BY AIR , TODAY RETURN IN SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER (From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 21. Two Christchurch boys are among six cadets of the New Zealand Air Training Corps who will leave Whenuapai tomorrow in the Royal New Zealand Air Force Hastings transport aircraft for a visit to Britain. They are Flight Sergeant P. F. Tempero, aged 17, of No. 31 A.T.C. Unit, Christchurch Boys’ High School, and Sergeant D. G. Stephens, aged 16, of No. 17 A.T.C. Town Squadron, Riccarton. The trip will be made at the invitation of tne Royal Air Force. It will be the first time that New Zealand cadets have taken advantage of the Royal Air Force’s annual offer, although other Commonwealth and allied countries have for some years been sending cadets. The party will return in September or possibly early October. In England the cadets will visit Royal Air Force and civil air stations, including the famous Farnborough establishment, where many of Britain’s jet aircraft have been displayed for the first time, and also the research station. A short trip to the Continent may be made. Air Headquarters at Wellington said today that the Royal Air Force had offered to give each cadet a course in gliding, and the parents of the New Zealand youths had all agreed to their sons taking part. It was not yet known whether the trip could be made an annual event for New Zealand cadets, but it was being considered. The trip is possible because the Hastings will be on one of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s normal monthly courier flights to England, and the cost of transporting the cadets and the officer in charge of them will be slight. Any expenses will be borne by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s central fund. Flight Lieutenant A. F. Lissette, officer commanding No. 7 A.T.C. Town Squadron, Hamilton, has been appointed to take charge of the group. The other cadets are Warrant Officer D. A. Harding, aged 18, of Auckland; Flight Sergeant M. M. Hodge, aged 17, of Rotorua; Warrant Officer C. J. Mackey, aged- 16. of Hawera; and Flight Sergeant T. W. Evans, aged 17, of Ashburton.