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Grey River Argus, 1 February 1944, Page 2

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FOR N.Z. FIGHTER SQUADRON (Special to N.Z. Press Assn). LONDON, Jan. 29. So few German fighters have been seen over Northern France in recent weeks that the New Zealand Typhoon Squadron has temporarily given up the role as a fighter, and j become, almost, a whole-time fighterbomber squadron. It has attacked many military targets, sometimes operating twice daily when the weather is fine and has been, mentioned several "times in Air Ministry bulletins. “We saw one last month, ’ w.as the comment of one pilot, referring to German fighters. “It is not much fun flying around and doing nothing, so we slung on bombs for which there are plenty of targets. Our only opposition is flak, which varies. This lack of German fighters in Northern France is apparently p.ar v of the Luftwaffe’s policy of conserving fighter strength—which is known to be strong—for attack, in daylight on raids by Flying Fortresses. J. he New Zealanders are carrying out what is known as “sport-r.ange patfols” but other fighters, on longrange patrols penetrating deeper into enemy occupied territory, often encounter German fighteis. The New Zealand Typhoon Squadron has now begun what may be termed a new ohase of its career. Its new Commanding Officer, Squadron-Lead-er T H Iremonger is an Englishman who served five years in India. There are now only two “squadron originals” left. They are FlightLieutenant F. Murphy D.F.C, Wellington and Flying Officei K. Tay lor-Cannon, of Alexandra, both of whom are .approaching the end of their tour Flight Lieutenant A. H. Sm th of Auckland, has left the squadron on rest. But despite the I many changes, which can be unccttiinv the squadron maintains its efficiency and fine spirit, which has made it one of the outstanding New Zealand squadrons in Britain. The oersonnel now includes Flight LieuPenant M Lees, of Auckland, who is a doctor’ Flying Officers M. Mason, Wainavva- S. S. Williams, Hamilton; A T Ross. Cambridge. Millar, Invercargill: v - Cooke, Wanganui; E., Tanner Tauranga J. Cullen, Waihi; T Anpieton, Wellington; J. McCaw, Kurow Pilot Officer J. F. Wilson, Fairlie-’ Flight Sergeants J. Steedman Whangerei; W. Kalka, K. Mc-rnri-hv O. D. Eagleson. R. Danzey, q Short all of Auckland; J. R. Pouieii of’ Christchurch; B. Lawless, 7nw’er Hutt; J. Stafford, Rotorua; W Trott, Dunedin; R. D. Bremner, 'Toihnne- J‘. Sheddan, Waimate; B. MB 'Hall, Palmerston North; Wright. Matamata; O’Connor, Nelson- also W. Swinton (address unstated). The New Zealand ground staff attached io the squadron includes Sergeants J. L. Brash, Auckland’ J Robertson, Dunedin. Corporals D. Ramsay, Invercargill; N. a Parkes, Auckland; D. F. Pur ton, n’nnedin; E. R. Bartlett, Marton; E. j Burgess, Wellington; L. G. Merrin Christchurch Mr W. J- -J'ordan (New Zealand High Commissioner in Great Britain) and Group Captain A. J. Manson, spent an afternoon and evening with the sauadmn last week.