GROWTH OF R.A.A.F.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 19

GROWTH OF R.A.A.F.

32,000 ACCEPTED TRAINING OF AIR CREWS Air crew and ground personnel accepted for the Royal Australian Air Force since the outbreak of war total 32,359. Pilots, air observers and wireless air gunners already training number 2095 and a further GG63 arc on the waiting list. These, the latest figures relating to an Air Force in which New Zealand has a close and friendly interest, have been released in New Zealand by the Australian Trade Commissioner (Mr C. E. Critchley). He adds that ground staff enlisted in Australia now number 17,402 and that a further 6199 are awaiting draft for training. The aggregate number of men accepted in ail the States is as follows: —

Doing their bit towards improving the efficiency and education standards of Australian Air Force men are 400 Victorian teachers. These teachers are voluntarily giving their time to educational classes. Applicants for enlistment in air crews must have a knowledge of mathematics and physics up to intermediate and junior certificate standard. Often they lack this qualification, but meet all the other requirements for acceptance. To provide these men with the opportunity of qualifying the Air Board has extended its educational services and a special course of instruction.

Air crew. Airmen Queensland .. 1475 3288 New South Wales 2530 7795 Victoria 2438 5107 South Australia .. 1268 2957 Western Australia 807 3306 Tasmania 240 1058 8758 23.601