OPERATION OF A.R.P.

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 November 1939, Page 8

OPERATION OF A.R.P.

BRITISH METHODS EXPLAINED. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, November IS. In the course of the war so far not many people have either seen or heard a German aeroplane, and most of she people who have personal experience of enemy aircraft are members of the tighter command of the Royal Air Force which is responsible for defence against raids. This«defence organisation consists of a civilian observer corps, fighter stations of the R.A.F., searchlights and anti-aircraft batteries. Civilian observers and other agencies maintain a day and night watch in all weathers, while at the fighter stations aircraft with pilots seated in the cockpits, or waiting close by, are ready for instant take-off. Observers detect aircraft many miles away, which if unidentified, must be regarded as hostile and interception measures are taken. An appropriate squadron is warned and fighters detailed to investigate are off. Meantime, if the aircraft is identified as Nazi, the responsible commander must decide whether, the particular attack warrants the 'stoppage of work and taking of cover which follows an airraid warning, or whether the hostile planes are likely to penetrate the defences. If the former decision is reached. action warnings are ordered, but if the latter, a preliminary caution is sent to the local authorities responsible for the civilian defence services, so that if an action warning becomes necessary, it .can be put into operation without delay.