THE NEXT WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 October 1931, Page 10

THE NEXT WAR

FRENCH CIVILIANS REHEARSE

PARIS, August 31. A significant innovation will mark the important Army manoeuvres that are to take place in the Aisne Department early in September. For the first time civilian touring machines, piloted by their owners, are to be used as part of the forces engaged in an imaginary battle. • Already this year great efforts have been made in France to prepare civilian populations for possible, future attacks from the air. Lyons, Toulon. Dunkirk, and last week, Nancy, have in turn been the scenes of elaborate exorcises. The people living in these cities have been drilled in the art of taking cover and extinguishing all lights on hearing the warning signals of an approaching raid. Now, however, private ’planes are actually to be brought into play. In this may be seen a fresh step towards the creation of “an air-conscious tion.”On this occasion only pilots who have a military pilot’s license will be allowed to participate. They are invited to apply at once to the Ministry of Air, where arrangements are being made for the formation of four sections of light civilian ’planes to be used for liasion purposes. The machines, it is announced, must be two-seaters. Each ’plane must bo equipped with 'a fire extinguisher and a parachute. Ihe minimum engine power allowed is 80 h.p„ and the maximum 140 h.p. Each pilot will receive 10s a day during the manoeuvres, which are to last for about 10 days, and 50s for every hour of. flying. The total number of flying hours for each pilot is not to exceed 20. Army mechanics will carry out minor repairs, any serious damage to a machine remaining the responsibility of its owner. The rules in operation concerning AnForce fliers will apply to the pilots in case of accidents. The general meeting place will be Rheims.