HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 28 February 1929, Page 5

HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT

EVACUATION OF LEGATIONS ROYAL AIR FORCE WORK. TRIBUTE TO ITS EFFICIENCY. (.British Official Wireless). •RUGBY, Feb. 26. Bari Win tartan, for India, stated 1 in ithe Hans© of Commons that tiie evacuation of the last remaining members of the staff of the British Legations at Kabul was sueoesfullly achieved yesterday. Sir Francis Humphreys, in paying a warm tribute to the remarkable smoothness and efficiency with which the Air Force had carried out its arduous undertaking, had 1 telegraphed:—-“The Royal Air Force has performed an historic achievement. It has conveyed 586 persons in 82 aeroplanes without a single mishap to the passengers, since December 23, over mountainous country in the depth of winter at an average height of 10,060 feet. The conditions have always been difficult, and during the last two days almost insuperaWre on account of a heavy fall of snow.” Earl Winterton paused to observe that in the early stages of the aircraft operations. which first established touch with tlie legation were the machines repeatedly under fire, and one machine was shot down over Kabul, but the pilot fortunately was unhurt and had sine© rendered iinta.uable assistance to Sir Francis Humphreys. The Royal Air Force personnel had flown over wild border country unharmed. One machine made a forced landing through the engine freezing Whilst in flight andi its two occupants for some days were in the /hands of tribes men. although they were subsequently successfully evacuated by aircraft.

THE KING’S CONGRATULATIONS

RUGBY, Feb. 26. The King has sent a telegram to Sir Samuel Hoare, Secretary for Air:—‘‘l heartily congratulate the Royal Air Force "an its great feat of rescuing so many men, women and children from Kabul in spite of many difficulties in air and on the ground.” Sir Samuel has replied.:—‘ ‘I desire to convey our deep appreciation of your gracious congratul 1 artions. All’ ranks of the fore© have been anxiously watching your Majesty’s progress from day to day with earnest wishes for a speedy recovery. They will particularly welcome at the present juncture the consideration which has prompted you to send them so encouraging a. message on the completion of a duty which they have been proud to perform in the interests of humanity. “The King has also sent a telegram to Sir Francis Humphreys congratulating him on his safe arrival at Peshawar.