WARTIME FLIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22475, 20 July 1936, Page 6

WARTIME FLIERS

AUCKLAND REUNION GOOD MUSTER PRESENT OLD FRIENDSHIPS RENEWED "I am pleased to see such a splendia muster," said Squadron-Leader J. g ea . brook, presiding at the 19:36 reflnion of Auckland "war birds," held at the Officers' Club on Saturday night, when wartime memories were revived and old friendships recalled. Some of the 40 guests had not mot for many years. Welcoming Paymaster-Commander 0. H. Law, of H.M.S. Philomel, represent, ing the Royal Navy, and Colonel J. E. Duigan, representing the New Zealand Staff Corps. Squadron-Leader Seahrook said that, although the gathering was comprised of "war birds." it was realised that the throe services were dependent on one another,-and that no service could carry on alone. Recent events in history would endorse this view. Although it was nearly 20 years since the end of the war. and some of the "war birds" were becoming bald, the reunions were undoubtedly worth while. If the camaraderie of wartime could be recaptured in civilian life, a big step could Tie made toward the solution of present-day difficulties. Tribute to Late M. C. McGregor In proposing the toast of "Absent Friends," Wing-Commander K. L. Caldwell paid a tribute to the late Squad* ron-Lcader M. C. McGregor, who was killed in a crash at Rongotai aerodrome, Wellington. Each "war bird" answered a roll call, giving his nanfe, number of squadron and attachments, and it was revealed that a number of those present had served with Royal Naval Air Service before it was absorbed, together with the Royal Flying Corps, in the Royal Air Force. Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force who were present were Squadron-Leader L. M. Isitt, officer commanding the Hobsonville Air Base, and Flight-Lieutenants S. Wallingford and M. W. Buckley. " Others present were: —Major G. L. Hartgill, of Dannevirke; Group Captain Hewlett, of Tauranga; Captain W. H. Lett, of Hamilton; Captain A. F. B. Broadhurst. of Cambridge; Captain A. Hanna, of Te Awamutu; Lieutenant T. R. Blomfield, of Waiuku ; Lieutenatit Haddyn Smith, of Akitio; Lieutenant H. L. Bayly, of Tirau. Auckland Pilots "War birds" present who reside in Auckland were:—SqUadron-Leader J. Butler; Flight-Lieutenant D. M. Allan; Surgeon-Commander J. A. Watson; Captains E. Dickson, J. A. Carr, W. S. Shirtcliffe, G. F. A. Lewin, W. S. E. Bloonifiekl, H. C. Leese. A. McArthur and Garfield Stewart; Lieutenants L. Courtenay, F. Green, J. Parkinson, C. K. Mills. V. J. Parkinson, C. J. S. Lea, J. E. Histed and A. R. Fairev. A short business session was held, during which it was decided to support a suggestion that the Dominion reunion be held in Christchurch next year. Wing - Commander Caldwell, Squadron-Leader Seabrook, SquadronLeader Isitt, Captain Leese and Captain Broadhurst were elected a committee to consider arrangements for the next Auckland reunion. The "war birds" deposited a wreath at the cenotaph yesterday morning, and later visited the Hobsonville Air Base, where they inspected equipment ana machines.