TWO TRANSPORT COMMANDS

Southland Times, Issue 25538, 5 December 1944, Page 4

TWO TRANSPORT COMMANDS

AMERICANS AND R.A.F. CO-OPERATE (P.A.) AUCKLAND, December 4. The wonderful co-operation between the Royal Air Force Transport Command and the American Transport Command was the outstanding impression gained on the flight from Great Britain to New Zealand, said Wing Commander Baird, who commanded the flight of Short Sunderlands that arrived on Saturday. He commented that an observer would think they were the same organization, so neatly had the functions of the British and American bases been dovetailed.

The Americans were very kind and hospitable, Wing Commander Baird added. He had met men everywhere who had either passed through Auckland or had been sent there on leave after service in the'Pacific.’ They all agreed that they had had a wonderful time in New Zealand and were fully conversant with the Dominion’s war record. Their pleasant memories of the country might have had something to do with the warm reception the flight received, but in addition there was a lively spirit of helpfulness that was itself a good augury for the future. SPARE PARTS CARRIED Referring to the trip, Wing Commander Baird said the Sunderlands flew in pairs te assist each other in maintenance, but navigated independently. Because there were none on the route ahead of them, each aircraft carried 15001 b of spare parts, but they had stood up so well that only 11b was used on the trip. The mishap near Whangarei was unfortunate at the end of so long a flight, but the result had been happier than might have been expected. The "wing commander paid a tribute to the Dalmatian fishermen forming the crew of the launch St. George which had towed the Sunderland that landed on the sea into the shelter of Urquhart’s Bay. Crews usually had to be specially trained to tow flying boats and the boat might well have been lost if it had not been for the skill of the launchmen.