R.A.F. CO-OPERATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 100, 30 April 1942, Page 5

R.A.F. CO-OPERATION

ARMY AND NAVY

(Rec. 12.45 p.m.) RUGBY, April 29.

The Air Minister, Sir Archibald Sinclair, replying to a question in the House of Commons on co-operation between the R.A.F. and the Army, said:

"R.A.F. squadrons co-operate with the Army in reconnaissance, spotting, close support, and such other tactics as may be agreed upon by the commanders in the field. For specialised duties Army co-operation squadrons are allotted to the Army .commands and attached to particular formations, with which they train and operate. These squadrons are assisted by light bomber squadrons and by fighter squadrons specially detailed for the purpose and trained in Army air support, with special emphasis on attack on battlefield targets. Strategic support- is afforded by other units of the R.A.F.

"When suitable opportunities occur, all the available resources of the R.A.F. are used for Army support. In order to facilitate the closest co-operation between the two Services, and to foster mutual understanding of their requirements, officers are interchanged between the Army and the R.A.F. formations, and pilots and other air crews have a short tour of duty with Army units before they complete their training.

Regarding the co-operation of the R.A.F. with the Navy, Sir Archibald Sinclair said: "It is already close and effective. It is our constant care to improve it. I need not stress again the efficiency of that co-operation at home. The activities of the Coastal Command are expanded consistently with the claims of overseas requirements, and play a growing part in the Battle of the Atlantic. The entire strength of the Bomber Command is available for co-operation with the Navy when suitable opportunities occur, and, in fact, for the twelve months ended last February about 50 per cent, of the targets engaged by the Bomber Command were naval or were attacked directly at the Admiralty's request. In theatres of war abroad, recent reports testify to the co-operation between the Navy and the R.A.F."—8.0.W.