AIR FORCE SCHEME

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1937, Page 10

AIR FORCE SCHEME

"A PROPER FOOTING"

START IN WELLINGTON

THE FIRST SQUADRON

As part of its defence reorganisation scheme, the Government has decided to place the Territorial Air Force on a proper footing, according to an announcement made last night by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). A start will be made with the Wellington Squadron, and an order has been placed for twelve Baffin aircraft for reconnaissance and patrol work/in the Cook Strait area. Recruiting for the headquarters and two flights will be started on October 15. Mr. Jones said that the Territorial Air Force, which was formed in 1923 as a part-time volunteer organisation, comprised a headquarters and four squadrons allocated respectively to Auckland, Wellington, Ghristchurch, and Otago. At present these squadrons consisted of pilots only, who in the past had undergorre ten days' annual training at Wigram. Without either ground staff or aircraft, and with the limited annual training, much useful time would be required in an,'emergency before these squadrons scould take an effective part in local defence. "The Government," - added the Minister, "has therefore decided to place the Territorial Air Force on a proper footing, and a start will' be made this year -with the' Wellington squadron. An order has been placed for twelve Baffin aircraft for delivery during the next few months.- These aircraft, which were designed as torpedo-bombers for use in the fleet air arm, are^now being replaced by later types and thus become available for other uses. Their performance, although below that necessary- for modern European conditions, is adequate for the reconnaissance and patrol work in the Cook Strait area, which would be their task in New Zealand.. "It is proposed to start recruiting for the headquarters and two flights on October 15, but no applications should be made until a notice setting out the requirements appears in the Press. , "The squadron will be provided with a city headquarters, and premises in Sturdee Street have been rented for this purpose. Here evening: and weekend instruction in aero engines, rigging, wireless telegraphy, navigation, and photography, etc., will be given, while aircraft will be available at Rongotai to provide practical experi-ence-in maintenance and to afford opportunities for flying training. "Squadron Leader E. A. Gibson, aerodrome engineer of the Public Works Department, has been appointed to command the squadron, and will be assisted by Flight LieutenaqJ H, B. Burrell as adjutant, and by warrant and non-commissioned officers from the Regular Air Force, who will act as instructors."