AIR DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 90, 12 October 1940, Page 12

AIR DEFENCE

NEW SQUADRON

RECONNAISSANCE FORCE

NELSON-BLENHEIM AREA

In pursuance of the Government's determination to improve the air defences of the Dominion, as aircraft become available, it has been decided to establish a general reconnaissance squadron in the Nelson-Marlborough district, using the aerodromes at Nelson and Blenheim already developed and in use for civil purposes. It is not intended, however, that the existing civil commercial air services should be in any way interfered with and these services will function as at present. A general reconnaissance squadron consists of a headquarters unit and three flights. The headquarters unit and two flights will be established at Nelson aerodrome and the third flight as a detached unit at Omaka aerodrome, Blenheim. Provision for the squadron will be made progressively, the- headquarters unit and first flight ] joining at Nelson in January, 1941. The use of Nelson and Blenheim aerodromes for Air Force purposes will be for the duration of the war only, and, for this reason, as many as possible of the existing buildings and facilities for civil aviation purposes will be utilised. At Nelson, it is expected that arrangements will be made to obtain the use of the civil administration building recently erected by the Nelson Harbour Board as controlling authority of the aerodrome and of the hangar belonging to Cook Strait Airways, while at Blenheim some of the facilities belonging to the Marlborough Aero Club may be utilised. Although definite arrangements have not been finalised, the Government is indebted to the officials of the Nelson Harbour Board, Cook Strait Airways, and the Marlborough Aero Club, who have. tentatively indicated their readiness to meet the Government, in this direction. BUILDING PROGRAMME. The establishment of a self-contained squadron organisation between the two aerodromes will necessitate a considerable building programme for technical services and service personnel. It is intended to initiate construction work immediately, and the Public Works Department is already engaged on preliminary work at Nelson. Buildings at both stations will be constructed in materials not of a permanent nature and generally in timber. At Nelson it will be necessary to provide for technical services two new hangars in timber, a store, garage buildings for motor transport, a small guard-house, and various small stores for explosives. An Air Force personnel of approximately 220 of all ranks v-'ll be stationed at Nelson, and in the first instance all will be accommodated in tents of the pattern used in public works camps with detached ablution and lavatory blocks. One mess building in timber with a central kitchen, but providing separate messing and retiring space in. three sections will be provided, as well as separate buildings for sick quartei's, recreation institute, canteens, and a ration store. A personnel strength of 90 will be stationed at Omaka. Here all ranks will be accommodated in the standard mobilisation type of wooden dormitory and cubicle blocks from the outset. A separate mess "building is to be erected, together with a small sick quarters and a building for recreational and canteen purposes. A new timber hangar to house aircraft and various other small buildings for technical purposes will also be necessary.