BOMBER MISSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 September 1946, Page 4

BOMBER MISSION

DISCUSSIONS IN NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT FROM BRITAIN [N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.] (Rec. 9.50 a.ffi.) LONDON, Sept. 6. A Lincoln' bomber of the R.A.b. central bombei - establishment 'vill leave the Blackbush aerodrome, Surrey, at daybreak on September 9 on a mission to New Zealand, Australia and the Far East, via Lydda, Mauripur, Changi and Darwin. The bomber will be under the command of Gloup Captain S. C. Elworthy, C.8.E., D. 5.0., D.F.C., A.F.C., of Timaru. It is expected to arrive at Ohakea on September 23 and Whenuapai on September 27. The purpose of the mission is to discuss with the R.N.Z.A.'F. and R.A.A.F. bomber tactics and investigate their individual bomber problems. It is possible that • lectures may be given and conferences held to discuss present bombing policy and possible future developments. During the flight to the Dominions and back the crew will make a practical examination of problems connected with long-range reinforcement flights-by standard bombers. . Group Captain Elworthy is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished airmen. Educated at Marlborough and Trinity College, Cambridge, he was commissioned in the Reserve of Air Force Officers, was granted a permanent commission in 1936 and began the war as a flight lieutenant. Three of his decorations were awarded in the first foui’ months of 1941. At that time he commanded one of the extremely gallant Blenheim squadrons engaged in daylight bombing in both Europe and the Mediterranean.

Later he joined Bomber Command, where he held key positions, and was senior air staff officer to No. 5 Group in 1944. Now attached to the central bomber establishment, he is in charge of the tactics wing, which is one of the most important posts in Bomber Command.