BAFFIN PLANES ALOFT

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 143, 14 March 1938, Page 5

BAFFIN PLANES ALOFT

Wellington Territorial Air Squadron REFRESHER COURSE HELD For the lirst time in the history of Rongotai aerodrome, Wellington, the flag of the Royal New Zealand AuForce was hoisted there on Saturday when the Wellington Territorial Squadron of the Air Force began its two-day practical refresher course which finished yesterday. The course, so far as putting past experience and theory into practice was concerned,, was considered to have been eminently successful. The squadron paraded on Saturday morning and was inspected by the officer commanding, Squadron Leader A. E. Gibson, after which ’lectures on bombing, machine-gunning, wireless communication and rigging were given. In the afternoon the squadron’s three Blackburn Baffin planes were flown, mostly in formation. Proof of the interest Of the public, both in the squadron’s activities and in the Air Force machines, was demonstrated by the fact that a large crowd watched proceedings all the afternoon until the “Retreat.” Yesterday’s activities began at 9.30 a.m. with the usual parade, after which a church parade was held, the squadron’s padre, Rev. E. McLevie, Roseneath, conducting the service. Various drills and lectures were proceeded with for the remainder of the day. The three Blackburn Bafflns and the Hawker Tomtit machines will remain with the squadron and will take part in the squadron’s display which it is hoped to hold at Rongotai on May 28. Seven other Bafflns will also participate in the various exercises, which will include squadon and high altitude bombing from 14,000fc. and dive bombing. Formation flights, too, will be undertaken.