AIR FORCE LEAVE

Grey River Argus, 22 December 1943, Page 6

AIR FORCE LEAVE

MINISTER’S EXPLANATION. P.A. WELLINGTON, Dec. 20. Replying to questions which have been raised concerning Christmas leave for members of the Air Force, the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) to-day discussed the relationship between New Zealand’s air training plan and the maintenance of operational squadrons .of the R.N.Z.A.F. in the Pacific. Mr. Jones said he realised that there was disappointment that Christmas special leave could not be longer. but the whole matter had been most carefully considered. 'Phis was due primarily to the fact that important operations were taking place in the Pacific, and R.N.Z.A.F. squadrons had been allocated essential duties in the prosecution of these campaigns. New Zealand’s operational plan in the Pacific as far as the Air Force was concerned was based on a rotation scheme, whereby air crew and ground personnel passe i through various stages of training then wept forward to replace personnel who had completed their tour of duty in the islands. Operational squadrons could be maintained at the peak of efficiency for definite periods .only. If these periods were unduly exceeded the risk to personnel rose sharply under the stress of fatigue, and the success of air operations might be seriously prejudiced. In view of the R.N.Z. A.F.’s important part in the Allied plan in the South and South-west Pacific we could not afford to jeopardise our units by permitting any breakdown in the rotation scheme. All R.N.Z.A.F. personnel at home as well as overseas are considered to be virtually! on active service, even if not in an actual combat area, hence tho difficulties in granting extended Christmas leave. Mr. Jones stressed, however, that the three davs’ privilege leave which had been granted did not affect an airman’s entitlement to annual leave, nor his ultimate embarkation leave.