DEFENCE OF SYDNEY

Evening Star, Issue 19002, 25 July 1925, Page 22

DEFENCE OF SYDNEY

PROPOSED AIR BASE AT RICHMOND Detailed recommendations regarding Air Force (Station No. 2, which the Commonwealth Government proposes to establish at Richmond, New South Wales, were contained in a report from the Public Works Committee tabled m the House of Representatives recently (says the Sydney 1 Sun ’). The station, which is to cost £177 400. excluding cost of site, is one of a series provided for in the scheme of aerial defence prepared by the Air Board. Richmond has been chosen as the most suitable locality for such a station, which in time of war would be a base for the operations of the air units defending the important commercial and strategic centres of Sydney and Newcastle. It is claimed in the report that the advantage of this particular site, apart from its accessibility and suitability for flying purposes, is that while it is no very great distance from Sydney and within striking distance of Newcastle, it is immune from a naval bombardment. It is also within easy distance of Sydney for the raising and training of the personnel in peace time. The proposal submitted provides for the establishment over a period of five years of a nucleus of units comprising squadrons for fighting, single Beaters for light bombing and for co-operation with military forces, together with a flight for ‘training purposes. The buildings proposed include hangars, wing headquarters, and mess accommodation. The committee recommends that the pyrotechnic and bomb stores should be adequately protected; that the twostory barracKs should be of brick; and that funds should be provided to enable the station to be completed in three years from the date of approval.