ATTACK FROM AIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23156, 30 September 1938, Page 14

ATTACK FROM AIR

LONDON DEFENCES STRONG OPINION OF OFFICER NOTED TERRITORIAL REGIMENT [by telegraph—own- correspondent] WELLINGTON, Thursday The view that the Empire"s capita) was adequately protected was expressed bv Lieutenant-Colonel L. I). Bennett, Officer Commanding the London Scottish, one of England's known territorial regiments, who arrived at Wellington by the Remuera to-day on n business visit. Colonel Bennett said that in London thero was a good deal of anxiety concerning the peril of attack from the air. It was generally considered, however, that the military defences of the city were adequate to protect it against suhch a contingency. Although hn himself was not concerned with anti-aircraft defence, he believed that even if the defenders proved unable to stave off attacking aeroplanes entirely, they would certainly give a good account of themselves. Asked whether the balloon barrage of London was completed and likely to prove an effective factor' in defending the city, he said he did not know. A great deal of secrecy was observed on the whole subject. His regiment, the London Scottish, was at present 20 per cent above establishment strength and numbered 7464 officers and men. It formed part of the British Territorial Forces, but in addition it served as a club for Scots living in London. Qualification for membership was Scottish birth or parentage.