“DEFENCE UNTIL DAWN”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27038, 24 March 1949, Page 6

“DEFENCE UNTIL DAWN”

STORY OF NEW ZEALAND SQUADRON PUBLICATION IN BRITAIN NZPA Special Correspondent Rec. 9.30 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 23. “ Defence Until Dawn ” is the title of a book telling the story of the New Zealand Night Fighter Squadron in Britain during the war, No. 488. Compiled by Flight Lieutenant Leslie Hunt, the English adjutant who served with the squadron for two separate periods, it has been published to coincide with the first reunion to be held at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, on April 2 The squadron was stationed in that town for a period, and the Mayor and Corporation of Southend is giving a civic dinner to celebrate the reunion. Mr T. Driberg, M.P.. whose home was used at one time as the squadron mess, is giving a luncheon. Copies of the book are being sent by English' members of the squadron to the New Zealanders with whom they served and who have now returned to the Dominion, and to the relatives of the men who lost their lives. In a foreword, the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Mr W. J. Jordan, refers to the squadron’s magnificent record: 67 enemy aircraft destroyed, 3 probably destroyed, 11 damaged: 40 enemy trains and an unknown number of barges, road transports and ground installations destroyed, as “an important contribution towards victory by any standards." The book, which is believed to be the first complete record of any squadron’s war-time experiences, gives an account of a night fighter’s life and work. It includes a roll of honour and many excellent photographs. “New Zealanders are proud of the men of 488,” says Mr Jordan. “They will also be proud of this book.”