R.A.F. OFFICERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 109, 4 November 1939, Page 15

R.A.F. OFFICERS

DUTY IN NEW ZEALAND

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND

{By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day,

Two officers from the Royal 'Air Force have arrived at Auckland from England. They are 3quadron-Leader B. S. Nicholl, a New Zealander, who has been transferred to the Dominion for training New Zealand airmen, and Flying-Officer C. A. Pope, seconded for two years' duty in New Zealand as an engineer. The latter goes to Blenheim. . -

Squadron-Leader Nicholls was born in Christchurch and was at one time a reported on the "New Zealand Times" staff, Wellington. He went to Eng? land ten years ago and joined the R.A.F. He has had wide experience as a pilot and instructor. Flying-Officer Pope lias been in the R.A.F. for 23 yegrs. He served in the last war and has a high regard for New Zealand trainees.

Squadron-Leader Nicholl said that a nurflber of New Zealanders had passed through his hands in Shropshire, where there was one of the largest English flying schools. "New Zealand boys have a reputation for -reliability and initiative," he said. "Every commanding officer thinks a lot of New Zealand material. A number of them have already been over Germany and haye acquitted themselves with great credit. Before I left a New Zealand lad asked me to tell his father that he had made good. lam glad to comply with this request."