HIGH REPUTATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 38, 13 January 1944, Page 5

HIGH REPUTATION

N.Z. CATALINA SQUADRON. LONDON, Jan. 11. A reputation for reliability and "being able to do the job", together with the high serviceability of their aircraft, has been won by the New Zealand Catalina squadron which is operating on the West African coast. This news was brought to London by Wing-Commander D. W. Baird, A.F.C., who, after six months as the .squadron's commanding officer, lias been succeeded by WingCommander Nieholl, Masterton. The New Zealanders had in those six months taken part in operations in very bad weather, being engaged in convoy protection and antisubmarine' patrols. They had sighted only one submarine, which was later reported definitely sunk. Wing-Commander Baird says that the snirit of the squadron, which consists of New Zealanders, men from the British Isles, and a few Australians and Canadians, is firstclass and their health is good, due in no small measure to the medical officer, Might-Lieut. I. D. Gebbic (Christchurch).

"We are much indebted to the New Zealand Patriotic Fund Board, which font us boots and jerseys, also a, base; ball outfit, in addition to a ' lb ™£f' said Wing Commander Baird that was for the lighter sida of life, for pleasant relaxation after flying W hours in bad indifferent weather, w hcn pitrols lasted anything between 13 and One'of the squadrons' flight-comman-ders is Squadron-Leader P. R- Godby