SPITFIRE UNIT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 136, 5 March 1941, Page 10

SPITFIRE UNIT

New Zealand Fighter Squadron

FORMATION IN BRITAIN Men Trained Under Empire Scheme (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, March 4. The formation of the first Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron in Great Britain under the Empire air training scheme was announced by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, who said that the squadron, a fighter unit equipped with Spitfires, had been established last Saturday. “It will be remembered,” the Minister said, “that not long after war broke out Royal New Zealand Air Force units in the United Kingdom sent over to take delivery of Wellington bombers which were to be down out to the Dominion were constituted into a New Zealand bomber squadron. It is gratifying to know that the new fighter squadron will also retain its New Zealand identity. “This step marks a definite achievement for the Empire air training scheme. Men have been steadily going forward from training schools in New Zealand and they are now beginning to stream across the Atlantic from training schools in Canada. The effect is becoming apparent . in many ways. Every day the Empire becomes stronger in the air. It will not be long before squadron after squadron of new units established under the Empire air training scheme will be ranged alongside the already formidable strength of the Royal Air Force. “The New Zealand bomber squadron,” Mr. Jones added, “has created a magnificent record overseas. It has taken part in almost every major air activity and many of its men have been decorated for gallantry and devotion to duty. New Zealand will, I am sure, follow the activities of the first New Zealand fighter squadron with keen interest. I have the utmost confidence that the men from this Dominion will continue worthily to uphold the magnificent traditions of the Royal Air. Force."