WELLINGTON AIR SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 73, 20 December 1937, Page 10

WELLINGTON AIR SQUADRON

Unit’s First Parade

First of the Territorial squadrons to be formed under the new organisation of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Wellington Air Squadron held its first parade at Rongotai Aerodrome on Saturday afternoon. It was an excellent turn-out and created considerable interest among the crowd of spectators. The Air Force Band, under Flying Officer 11. Langtry, played an enjoyable programme of light music. With 17 officers and 80 other ranks, the squadron made a fine showing. It .assembled for parade at 1.45 p.m., and three-quarters of an hour of footdrill, a series of four lectures was given. 'The first dealt more with the technicalities of aviation, the second with meteorology, the third with different types of aircraft using the aerodrome, an'd the fourth with the importance of wireless communication. The squadron is under the command of Squadron Leader E. A. Gibson, who has Flight Lieutenant 11. B. Burrell and Flying Officer J. 11. Grace as adjutant and assistant-adjutant respectively. His flight commanders are Flight Lieutenant I. E. Rawnsley, instructor to the Wellington Aero Club, and Flight Lieutenant L. F. I’. Taylor; Flying Officers G. Carter, M. K. Archibald, S. Meacham; Pilot Officers R. Morphy, S. M. Watson, R. F. Smillie, .7. Hogan, R. Coker, H. C. Walker, E. Smart; and Warrant-Officer (firstclass) G. Trott.

A good deal of enthusiasm has been shown in the formation of the squadron, and its present strength is considered most encouraging. Enrolments are still being made and the indication is that when the unit goes into camp at Trentham on January 14 for a 10day period of training it should be easily the strongest squadron in New Zealand.