N.Z. AIR FORCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1944, Page 8

N.Z. AIR FORCE

OPERATIONS IN PACIFIC WELLINGTON, October 25. The new plans for the employment of the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the Pacific are developing satisfactorily, and operational units are already on the move to new areas. This was announced to-day by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air ViceMarshal L. M. Isitt, C.8.E., who has recently returned from a tour of R.N.Z.A.F. Pacific bases. Air ViceMarshal Isitt also revealed that the operations of the New Zealand squadron now covered two main fields of activities —direct attacks against Japanese buses and troops, and protective patrols, similar to coastal command operations, Lor the defence of shipping and Allied bases. “Squadrons of the R.N.Z.A.F. Task Force are now moving forward,’’ said Air Vice-Marshal Isitt. “This will mean an extension of the operations we are now carrying out against the Japanese, and will widen l.lie scope of our activities. For security reasons 1 cannot at the present lime give the exact locations to which these squadrons are going, but f can say I hat these bases arc important steppingstones to the spearhead of General MacArthur’s attacks. Wo have an important role to fulfil in reducing the strong Japanese forces, and in supporting operations in New Guinea and to the north and west of that area."

Air Vice-Marshal Isitt revealed that the attack operations of the R.N.Z.A.F. were being carried out by Corsair fighter-bombers and Ventura reconnaissance bombers, which had taken formidable toll of the enemy. In other areas New Zealand squadrons were undertaking operations similar to those of the R.A.F. Coastal Command, sweeping sea-lanes, protecting shipping, guarding the approaches to important Allied bases, and air/sea rescue activities. In addition, transport squadrons were occupied in conveying equipment, personnel, and supplies lo and from the forward areas. KEEN FIGHTING SPIRIT “During my recent visit to the New Zealand bases,” he continued “I was impressed by the keen fighting spirit of our men. They have been greatly heartened by the new moves, and are impatient to get even further ahead. However, we must consolidate as we go, and it is part of our reponsibility to undertake these duties. High American officers expressed to me their appreciation of the work of our men, and they were particularly impressed by _ the fact that although some activities are not spectacular, the New Zealanders were right on the job all lhe time.” i

He pointed out that the security of bases and shipping lanes was essential to the success of actual combat operations. No Allied commander could feel easy unless he was satisfied that this essential part of the whole attack was in safe hands. “I was left in no doubt regarding the opinion of our Allies,” continued Air Vice-Mar-shal Isitt, “and I believe we have every right to be proud of the work of our men under difficult, trying, and often monotonous conditions.” Referring to the operations of the Task Force Squadrons, the Chief of the Air Staff said that it wa.s likely that they would continue for the present at least as an extension of the work of the Bougainville-based squadrons. “We have pounded Rabaul and the bases around Rabaul until life for the Japanese there must be uncomfortable in the extreme,” he added. “We are hunting the enemy from every base, and lie is reducedvery largely to a junnle existence. Nevertheless, he has still Invite forces in the area, and we cannot ajTord to relax our vigilance."

Air Vice-Marshal isitt paid a tribute to the work' of the ground staff in the Pacific, “it is difficult for people in New Zealand to realise what conditions on these islands are like,” he said. “The climate is more than unpleasant in most places, with high ■' temperatures and high humidity.

Heavy rainfall turns the ground into clinging mud, through .which men must plod, hot, sticky, and often enervated. It takes strong determination to keep going under these conditions, and it is difficult in the extreme to maintain the highest standard of efficiency. When it is not wet and muddy, there is usually glaring sunshine and dust from the coral strips and roads. Our men are doing a magnificent job under these circumstances. Everything possible is being done to alleviate conditions of service, and to keep the men healthy in body and m mind in their present locations. “1 cannot forecast further moves, for obvious reasons,” he added. “Security is one reason, but the over-rid-ing factors are the intentions of the enemy and the progress of the war in the South-west Pacific and. Far East. There is little doubt, however, that our moves further forward will mean more rugged conditions and greater demands on the stamina and efforts of our personnel.”