Ashburton Squadron Wins A.T.C. Efficiency Trophy

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28702, 27 September 1958, Page 11

Ashburton Squadron Wins A.T.C. Efficiency Trophy

has the most efficient Air Training Corps squadron in New Zealand.

This honour was bestowed on the squadron yesterday morning when the director of training for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (Group Captain A. A. N. Breckon) announced the result of the A.T.C. Efficiency Trophy.

Ashburton was one of three finalists for the trophy and faced stiff competition from the other two squadrons—at Auckland and Gisborne. However, the local unit won easily, 16 points ahead of Gisborne and with a notable score of 627 points out of a possible 665. In announcing the result, Group Captain Breckon, who judged the competition, said the bearing and steadiness displayed by No. 24 (Ashburton) squadron during his inspection parade was up to the high standard expected by boy entrants and airmen of the regular force.

“Their effort was particularly praiseworthy because of the bad weather which prevailed during the parade,” Group Captain Breckon said.

The trophy was created five years ago by the Air Department and consists of a large silver propeller, mounted on a polished wooden base.

Ashburton’s victory* means that the trophy will remain in the South Island for another year as the Christchurch and Nelson squadrons have each won it twice. This year, there were 33 contestants, with ten in the South Island. Squadron Officers

Formed in 1942, the Ashburton squadron was commanded by Flight-Lieutenant R. McGregor, who is at present officer commanding the A.T.C. unit at the Ashburton High School. FlightLieutenant N. H. Scott, M.8.E., has been the commanding officer of the squadron since 1948. In recognition of his work with the unit, he was awarded the M.B.E. in 1956.

During the war, Flight-Lieuten-ant Scott was a pilot with the R.N.ZiA.F. In 1946, he took an active interest in the Ashburton Aero Club and has been a flying; instructor for the last five years. Other officers of the squadron are Flying Officer D. G. L. Hughes who was a radar mechanic during

the war and Pilot Officer H. Johnston. Pilot Officer A. Thomas —because of business pressure—is now on the inactive list of the squadron, but was the No. 2 flight commander at the parade.

The officers have been working three nights a week since early this year in preparing for the competition, and the cadets have put in many extra hours of drill practice. The administration section of the squadron has been brought up to a standard equal to that of any Air Force station, but on a reduced scale. Points were awarded for drill, appearance, attendance, administrative abilities, adaptability of premises and the number of cadets who join the regular air force. Presentation of Trophy

Group Captain Breckon inspected the squadron last Tuesday. It is expected that a senior officer from Air Department will present the trophy early in December, possibly December 6. On the last four occasions, the Chief of Air Staff has made the presentation to the winning squadron.

“This is an important occasion for the squadron, and for the town,” said Flight-Lieutenant Scott. “It is very nice to win, as-the boys have trained hard.” There will be a full ceremonial parade review of the squadron when the trophy is presented, and the drum and bugle band of the No. 17 (Christchurch) Squadron of the Air Training Corps will be in attendance. All officers commanding A.T.C. units throughout the country will be given the opportunity to attend. The Mayor of Ashburton (Mr A. A. McDonald) also received a telegram from Group Captain Breckon advising him of the success of the squadron. When asked to comment, Mr McDonald praised the boys for their victory and congratulated the officers for their untiring effort. This was the Ashburton squadron’s first attempt to win the trophy. The strength of the unit is well above the New Zealand average. The Air Force aims at interesting five per cent, of youth in the A.T.C. but the Ashburton average is more than 11 per cent. This is considered by authorities to be. remarkable e 01 *" sidering there is no Air force unit based near the town.