N.Z. SQUADRON

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 118, 14 February 1944, Page 6

N.Z. SQUADRON

Mosquito Bombers’ Work (Special Correspondent.) (Received February 13, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 12. An important part is likely to be taken by Mosquito day bombers when invasion of the Continent begins. Among forces engaged will be the New Zealand Mosquito fighter-bomber squadron, which has bombed many targets in northern France, Holland, and Belgium in the last few months. This New Zealand squadron flies in a wing which includes an Australian squadron. It is wing commanded by Group Captain P. C. Pickard, D;S.O. and two bars, D.F.C.. who was pilot of “F for Freddy” in the well-known film target for Tonight.” The New Zealanders welcomed their new commanding officer last week, He is Wing Commander. I. S. Smith, D.F.C. and bar, of Auckland,'who fought in the Battle of Britain and' later became a night-fighter. He destroyed six and ,a half enemy planes , and is a fine leader.

Mosquito fighter-bomber crews are regarded as having one of- the most exciting jobs in the R.A.F. today. Many of their attacks are carried out at low level. They skim low in formation oyer the English countryside, just topping trees and houses. They often fly so low over the Channel that the airscrews leave a wake on the sea. They maintain low level over the enemy, occupied territory till reaching the target, when they climb before the release of bombs. They often "bounce" when the bombs explode. They are frequently subjected to intense antiaircraft fire. What they dislike almost as much as flak are birds. Sometimes they fly through flocks, and the birds, having no chance of escaping, out of the way of the fastest aircraft in the service, often cause much damage to the aircraft and sometimes to members of the crew —which comprise pilot and navigator. Unlike heavy bombers, Mosquitoes are not worried by enemy fighters. They rarely see Messerschmitts and Focke-Wulfs. Even when they do they hare eufficient speed to escape any unwelcome attentions. Though Mosquitoes are almost as manageable as a singleengine fighter, these low-level raids are hard, tiring work. Flying so low to the ground, there is always a vivid sense of speed and quick action and quick thinking are necessary. On. several occasions pilots have returned with one engine stopped by flak. . The Mosquitoes’ targets vary. They include power stations, enemy airfields, transport and anything useful “for shooting up,” for Mosquitoes are heavily armed with cannons and machine-guns. Their bomb load is 20001 b. - < This New Zealand squadron has now some 00 per cent, of New Zealand personnel, who have chosen as their crest p. design incorporating a tiki clasping n bomb and the motto “Ki te Mutunga," -meaning “Through everything to the end.”

Attached to the squadron as supernumerary for the time being is Squadron Leader J. F. Lucas, D.F.O. and bar, of Balclutha, who recently returned to England from New Zealand.’ He was warmly welcomed by Group Captain Pickard, whom he knew earlier in the war. Other New Zealand personnel includes: Flight Lieutenant J. C. Paterson, Papakura; Flying Officers J. D. McMillan, Auckland, S. Askew, Christchurch’, R. C. Beazer, Feilding, F. Scott, Inglewood, W. G. Judson, Matapu; Pilot Officers M. N. Sparks, F. S. Stevenson, L. L. Thompson, Auckland, M. L. Darrall, Morrinsville, M. E. F. Barriball. Waiuku, D. R. Fowler, Arrowtown; .Warrant Officers J. T. Ayton, Whangarei B. Ward, Napier; Flight Sergeants C. R. Pocock, K. D. Gilbertson, Wanganui, R. G. Payne, Canterbury, L. F. Robinson. Morrinsville, A. J. Redman, Taihape; A. R, Watkins, Christchurch. Another pilot who has been in the squadron a long time and for whom the Aew Zealanders have a high regard is an Irishman, Flight Lieutenant Hanafin who has two uncles living in Christchurch.