SPEEDY BOMBERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23993, 17 June 1941, Page 7

SPEEDY BOMBERS

FAST AS FIGHTERS NEW MACHINE FOR BRITAIN SUCCESSFUL TEST MADE (Rerd. 8.35 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 15 The Glen Martin Company, in the presence of British experts, held a successful test; of the new bomber which it is building for Britain. The company's chief engineer, Mr. Joseph Hartson, said the machine was as fast as most fighter aircraft flying in Europe. "In actual combat," he added, "we expect them to do better than manyeven the latest—types of pursuit era ft." The bomber, which will be called the Baltimore by the British authorities, has two 1850 horse-power air-cooled motors. It has a range of from 10(H) to MOOO miles, according to bomb load. Without bombs it can be used as a long-distance fighter. The first consignments will go to Britain in July. LAVISH HOSPITALITY AIRMEN FROM BRITAIN TRAINING IN AMERICA (Herri. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 15 When the first large contingent of Royal Air Force trainees reached the United States they were given a great welcome, says the British official wireless. They were received with lavish hospitality and centres that were to receive them organised civic receptions. Local populations turned out in their honour, and bands played British and American songs and marches. In barrack buildings allotted to the men United States air cadets had done their utmost to see that the men from Britain were comfortable, and a complete spirit of friendship was immediately established between the young men of tbe two nations. OFFICER AIRMEN BRITISH TRAINING SCHEME COURSE AT UNIVERSITY (Herd. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON. June 15 The Air Ministry's pre-entry training scheme, which provides for instruction at the universities of potential candidates for commissioned rank, is now in full swing, says the British official wireless. In a few months the first batch of students will be training at elementary flying training schools The course trains men between the ages of 17 and 18 and eight months who have gained their school certificate or its equivalent. They come from secondary and public schools in all parts of the British Isles, and there is a fair contingent from Eire. Immediately they are made members of the University A 1 Squadron the young men begin to learn the elements of flying in the same way as cadets at the initial training wing. At the same time they begin a course in mathematics, mechanics, physics, electricity, magnetism, engineering, meteorology and navigation, under exactly the same conditions as other students. SAVINGS FOR WAR (Heed. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 15. The sale of savings certificates and] defence bonds and the increase in savings bank deposits last week amounted to CI 1.010,0 M, says the British official wireless. The total sum raised is now C8.T2,0:!1,001. During the week the bomber savings group raised £1.'?0.», bringing the total for Kngland and Wales to £196,H0T).