INSPIRATION TO R.A.F.

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 143, 13 December 1940, Page 8

INSPIRATION TO R.A.F.

SIR CYRIL NEWALL TRIBUTE BY MR. JORDAN (Received December 13, 9 a.m.) LONDON, December 12. In a speech at a New Zealand Club] luncheon in honour of Marshal of the Air Force Sir Cyril Newall, GovernorGeneral designate of New Zealand, the High Commissioner, Mr. Jordan, said that the Royal Air Force had a long and historic tradition, but was estab lishing fame for its gallantry and service which would figure in song and story throughout the ages. "You, Sir Cyril, were its leader and its head," Mr. Jordan said. "You have moulded its policy and been its inspiration. You told the club in July, 1939, that the Royal Air Force was ready and would give a good accoount of itself when it was wanted. All the world knows that it has given a good account of itself."

Sir Cyril Newall, in replying, announced amidst cheers that Mr. Jordan's son had just become a pilot officer in the Royal Air Force. He paid a tribute to the New Zealand forces in England, who, he said, were in very fine fettle, and humorously referred to a New Zealand anti-aircraft gunner who said he had "been shooting all night at damn-all and hitting it every time."

Sir Cyril said he hoped to spend five years in New Zealand and to make his home and bring up his family there. "While I am there," he said, "I am sure we shall see Britain march to victory, right overcoming might and Christianity overcoming paganism."