THRILLING AIR DRILL

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 7, 8 July 1935, Page 9

THRILLING AIR DRILL

KING'S CONGRATULATIONS

•EQUAL TO ANY TASK"

United I'rcss Association—liy Klectrlc U'ele.

'erupli—Copyright

LONDON, July 6.

Hundreds slept in motor-cars and breakfasted in the fields in.order to secure a good position for the lioyal Air Force review at Mildenhall Aero ■drome, which was lighted with floodlights throughout the night, throwing into relief the gleaming wings of 350 aeroplanes. There was an endless stream of traffic along the congested roads until they were cleared for Ilia Royal party, which the Prince of Wales joined at Newmarket, whither he flew in his own machine.

The Queen and the Duchess of York, as a graceful compliment, wore dresses of Air Force blue.

Crowds lining the country lanes cheered the King, wfro was wearing the blue service uniform of Air-Marshal.

The enthusiasm was tremendous on the arrival at the aerodrome of the Royal party, where the commander-in-chief handed the King the parade tally, showing 367 officers and 1751 other ranks lined up. His Majesty, after an inspection .of the parade, decorated two commanding officers. Loudspeakers called for three cheers for the King, and all ranks and the spectators enthusiastically responded. The King was in the highest spirits and continually joked with the officers. He was deeply moved -by the cheers. Their' Majesties lunched at Duxford Aerodrome before watching the fly past. ■ IN PERFECT FORMATION. Meanwhile Mildenhall reverberated with the roaring of engines as the aeroplanes took the air. After luncheon his Majesty inspected the new recruits. A minute later, with a low' roar, the first aeroplanes appeared in perfect formation-, followed by a seemingly endless procession extending below the horizon. The machines passed the Royal dais at a height of 800 feet. The varying speed of the aeroplanes and the bumpiness of the weather emphasised the perfection of the organisation. The last squadron of Gloucester Gauntlets thundered past at a height of 2000 feet, and afterwards detached themselves from the main body and gave a thrilling exhibition of. squadron drill, flying wing-tip to wing-tip ■with incredible accuracy. The entire seventeen squadrons concluded the display, changirfg formation and sweeping past the Hoyal dais, which their Majesties left amidst enthusiastic cheering and entered their cars for the return to London. The King, in a message to the Secretary of State for Air, Sir . Philip Cunliffe-Lister, expressing appreciation of the Air Force review,1 said: "I warmly congratulate all ranks on the magnificent display. I was greatly impressed by their smartness on the ground and efficiency in the air, leaving no doubt that they will be fully equal to any task they may be called on to fulfil." * ■