Reliability Makes N.Z. Airmen Welcome Overseas

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 59, 11 March 1943, Page 3

Reliability Makes N.Z. Airmen Welcome Overseas

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Mar. 9. Appreciation of New Zealand’s war effort and of the quality' of her fighting personnel has made New Zealanders welcome everywhere overseas, and this has greatly facilitated any negotiations, or arrangements, between Now Zealand and overseas authorities. This opinion, based on his personal experience, was voiced in an interview this morning by Air Commodore L. M. Isitt, who recently returned from u three years’ tour of duty overseas. Air Commodore Isitt said that he was deeply impressed by tho warm feelings with which people in Britaiu, Canada, and the United States regarded the Dominion, and by the admiration which ho had heard expressed everywhere for the manner in which tho Dominion had undertaken her* war responsibilities. He found, also, that the exploits of our troops in tho Middle East, and of our naval and air personnel, had created a most favourable impression in both the public mind and in official circles. Commenting on the Empire air training scheme, Air Commodore Isitt said that it had been an outstanding success, and undoubtedly had played a vital part in securing Allied air superiority. Tho excellent standard of New Zealand trainees sent to Canada had been maintained, and our men had established a well-deserved reputation for hard work and reliability. Generally speaking, he said, our men were very happy in Canada, and it was not the fault of the Canadian people if New Zealand personnel did not feel at home. Speaking of New Zealand airmen in Britain, Air Commodore Isitt said that men were in three fighter squadrons, two bomber squadrons and in the Coastal Command squadron, and they were doing a grand .-job. The reputation for thoroughness and reliability, which trainees gained in Canada, was more than maintained in their operational work. The welfare of New Zealanders was well catered for from the time they arrived in the United Kingdom. On his wav back to New Zealand from London, Air Commodore Isitt said lie visited B.N.Z.A.F. units on various islands. Operational perforances of tho New Zealand flying units in the New Hebrides and Solomons areas had been excellent, and appreciation of tlicir work had been expressed bysenior officers in Washington and the Pacific.