R.A.F. UNREST

Grey River Argus, 1 February 1946, Page 5

R.A.F. UNREST

Develops in England (Rec. 9.30) ' LONDON, Jan. 31 The existence of a self-styled “underground movement” at a R.A.F. recruit training centre at Rattlesden, in Suffolk, has ben reported by the commanding officer. He is waiting for instructions from the Air Ministry before investigating the circulation of a typewritten news sheet, which was headed: “Resistance: Voice of Rattlesden Underground Movement.” Members of the permanent staff appeared to be airing certain grievances in this news sheet. Among them were alleged unnecessary disciplinary measures, and other restrictions, petty regulations, “and a host of pardes which are making life intolerable.” LONDON, January 30. Mr Strachey, in the Commons, said that there would be a service inquiry into each of the R.A.F. strikes. The number of men flown each way under the air trooping scheme had been cut from 10,000 monthly to 5000. It was impossible to extend the scheme for the repatriation of men by ah' because the resources were insufficient. Shipping was now becoming available, and all arrears of Air Force members awaiting repatriation would be cleared by February. He was aware that the situation at Mauripur was especially bad. Vast works were going on there, adding to everybody s discomfort. AUSTRALIAN AIRMEN’S GRIEVANCE. SYDNEY, January 31. In a signed letter to the Sydney “Daily Telegraph”, nearly 400 airmen stationed at Madang, New Guinea, accuse the R.A.A.F. of mal-adminis-tration, neglect and treatment which lowered the morale. The letter was drafted after a mass meeting at Madang, which officers tried to prevent under the ' threat of disciplinaryaction. The principal complaints concern bottle-necks in the transport to Australia, and unit strength being maintained, although 75. per cent, of the personnel claim to have nothing to do The letter claims that youths under 21 with less than 12 months’ service were being discharged, while long-service personnel were being retained.