THE R.A.F.

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 77, 1 April 1943, Page 3

THE R.A.F.

25TH BIRTHDAY

The Royal Air Force is 25 years old today. Messages congratulating the service on this anniversary have been sent from all over the world, New Zealand's felicitations having been expressed by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and by the Chief of the Air Staff, R.N.Z.A.F. In his message conveying his sincere good wishes to all ranks, his Excellency said that from across the world he v/atched with profound admiration the deeds of the R.A.F., which each day added fresh pages to the annals of British valour. "More power to you all," his Excellency added. To this message Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, Chief of the Air Staff, R.A.F., has replied thanking his Excellency for his message of good will and encouragement. * The Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) sent a message on behalf of the Government and people extending warmest congratulations and paying tribute to the achievements of the R.A.F. "The accomplishments of the R.A.F. in the past three and a half years," stated Mr. Fraser, "provide an inspiring record of valour, initiative, and true British tenacity—a record in keeping with the most glorious traditions of British history." Replying to this, the Secretary of State for Air said the message would be warmly appreciated by the Royal Air Force, who would never forget the partplayed by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Goddard, Chief of the New Zealand Air Staff, sent his message on behalf of every man, woman, and air cadet of the R.N.Z.A.F. "Every one of us," he said, "is honoured to be associated with the traditions, the glory, the toil, and the sacrifices of the Royal Air Force, and to feel that its flying and fighting spirit animates the whole family of the British Commonwealth Air Forces." Sir Charles Portal has replied, stating that all ranks of the R.A.F. to whom the message would be communicated were equally proud of their association with the R.N.Z.A.F., and that on their behalf he reciprocated the warm greetings and good wishes expressed by Air Vice Marshal Goddard.