N.Z. FIGHTER SQUADRONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 28 June 1943, Page 3

N.Z. FIGHTER SQUADRONS

PRAISE BY VICE-ADMIRAL FITCH Wellington, June 26. Complimentary reference to the work of New Zealand fighter squadrons operating from Guadalcanar, where they have shot down 14 enemy aircraft for the loss of one of their own, made by Vice-Admiral Aubrey Fitch, United States Navy Commander of Aircraft in the South Pacific, was quoted by the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) to-day. Vice-Admiral Fitch has sent the following message to the Chief of the Air Staff in New Zealand, Air Commodore Goddard : "R.N.Z.A.F. fighters have performed magnificently in recent mass engagements in the Solomons, proving again that man for man they are as dangerous to the enemy in the air as the Axis has found therp to be on the ground. Their performance inspires fear among the Japanese and admiration from their American Allies. We are proud to have them as comrades in arms.” The Air Officer Commanding No. 1 (Islands) Group. R.N.Z.A.F., Air Commodore S. Wallingford, has been requested to express personally to ViceAdmiral Fitch appreciation of his generous praise; and an assurance that the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks forward to continued and increasing participation in the Battle of the Islands, with their American comrades whose constant help and encouragement have been of the greatest value to our squadrons, and whose brilliant successes in action have inspired admiration and the emulation of our own men —P.A.