NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23649, 5 November 1938, Page 19

NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE

THE WELLINGTON SQUADRON FIRST CAMP AT BLENHEIM (Per United Press Association) BLENHEIM, Nov. 4. The Wellington (Territorial) Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force will hold its first squadron camp this month, the location being the Omaka aerodrome, Blenheim. Six Blackburn Baffin bombers will be flown across Cook Strait from Wellington and will participate in the various exercises in the Marlborough district between November 16 and November 25—the duration of the camp. The Wellington Squadron, the motto of which is "Te atete—kia Tupato" (let the aggressor beware), was formed less than 12 months ago and its base is at the Rongotai aerodrome, Wellington. Equipped with 12 Baffins. the squadron has the distinction of beinr the first territorial squadron to be formed in New Zealand, and will be the first squadron in the Dominion to hold a-territorial camp. Six aircraft will be used for the training of squadrons of 17 officers and 85 airmen. The camp is intended primarily for the technical training of airmen and officers, and in addition practice bombing will be carried out at a bomb range erected at Lake Grassmere. The commanding officer of the camp will be Squadronleader E. A. Gibson, and the adjutant Flight-lieutenant J. R. S. Agar (Regular Air Force). Wireless units attached to the squadron will receive special training in- war duties. It is intended to erect a small transmitter and carry out practical tests with radio stations operated in different parts of the Dominion for aviation purposes, the obiect being to bring the territorial personnel up to the same standard of efficiency as regular war operators. Several of the Baffins are also equipped with wireless, and when in flight maintain communication with the ground stations.