N.Z. AIRMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 31, 5 August 1943, Page 3

N.Z. AIRMEN

WORK IN THE LEVANT

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO, July 31

There are not many R.A.F. stations in the Middle East without at least a few New Zealand pilots. Those, in Palestine and Syria are engaged in fighter defence work, which they find somewhat dull after the experiences most of them have had either in England or in the desert. But it is very necessary, and entails the interception of enemy reconnaissance planes and the protection of convoys. Most of their flying is over the sea, and when not flying they must be ready for immediate action when enemy planes are reported. In charge of these operations is Group Captain E. W. Whitley, an old boy of King's College, Auckland, who gained the D.F.C. at Dunkirk, and the D.S.O. for outstanding work in the desert campaign, and has ten "certainties" to his credit. He has had a long experience with the R.A.F., having left New Zealand in 1930. Wing Commander D. Kain, of Winchester, South Canterbury, was posted to the same area in the Middle East early this year, after experience with the R.A.F. dating back to 1935. For five years he was one of the famous squadron of which "Cobber" Kain, who was no relation, was a member. As a squadron leader he went to Malta, where he was stationed for several months when the enemy blitz was at its height. He is being transferred, but has not yet learned to what part of the world. Two pilots who were together at Wellington College are in the same squadron. They are Flying Officers J. E. Jenkins and L. G. Mason, both of Wellington. They left New Zealand together early in 1941 and trained in Canada and England. They were engaged in aircraft delivery during the desert campaign. Other New Zealanders in the squadron are Flying Officer J. S. Hepburn, of Mount Somers, Ashburton, and Sergeant Pilot G. T. Gollins, of Hawera, who are stationed in Cyprus^