FLOWN TO HOMES

Evening Star, Issue 25620, 22 October 1945, Page 7

FLOWN TO HOMES

SOUTHERN DRAFT ON WAHINE

SIXTEEN AIRCRAFT USED (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Oct. 20. History was made by the R.N.Z.A.F. yesterday,, when, for the first time, aircraft were used to transport to southern stations men who had landed in Auckland early in the morning from the steamer Wahine after service in the Pacific. As a result of these arrangements a large majority of the 300 men living in the south reached their homes during the dav. Less than two hours after the ship had berthed the first Dakota left Whenuapai for Paraparaumu, and the second truck carrying men from the city was at that stage unloading its complement for the second plane. Other aircraft were despatched as the trucks arrived at Whenuapai. In all, 16 aircraft were used, and they were sent to Ohaken, Paraparaumu, Woodbourne, Nelson, and Harewood. The last plane left early in the afternoon. From the stations mentioned the men were taken to their homes by trains, road services, and private, Army, and Air Force cars. Each aircraft carried between 27 and 30 men.

Leaving Auckland a fortnight ago to collect the second draft of airmen from the Pacific, the Wahine .sailed from Torokina, Bougainville, last ' Sunday with 550 officers and men, all of whom were members of the ground staff. The voyage to New Zealand was with-, out incident. The ship arrived during the night, and early yesterday morning was boarded by Air Force, health, and Customs officers.