AIR RECONNAISSANCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20649, 27 December 1941, Page 2

AIR RECONNAISSANCE

PROTECTING AUSTRALIA Considering the Pacific situation. Australia is able to take some comfort from her screen of advanced reconnaissance bases, where patrols have been operating for some time in conjunction with Lockheed Hudson reconnaissance planes and Catalina living-boa’s from the United States of America. The Catalinas were chosen primarily for their tremendous range, says a statement supplied by the acting Australian Trade Commissioner, Mr. J. L. Merizies. Australia is a country of vast spaces, and is surrounded by vast expanses of ocean. Th“e Catalina can do all that is v&mired for ocean patrol when i ourrievs ik 2000/ mj-ffes oy more must be regarded nSfaisUtine., Well armed far defence, provided with, all comforts for the crew, the Catalinas can remain in the air for 30 hours. They can reach Australia’s .remotest, bases and return without refuelling. . The taking into service of these Catalinas has enabled Australia to establish a screen of reconnaissance bases as a buffer ' against invasioii. The new stations include both lane and seaplane bases, but the 'Catalinas are the longest-ranged aircraft used They have made possible S| the maintenance of intense and comprehensive reconnaissance of waters in which Australia has a vital interest. Their establishment is an important precautionary measure against possible unheralded entry- of enemy forces into Australian waters.