MIMIC WARFARE IN AIR

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1930, Page 12

MIMIC WARFARE IN AIR

EXERCISES OF THE AIR FORCE. J British Wireless. Rugby, August 10. England will experience four days of mimic air war this week. The Royal Air Force’s annual exercises begin on Tuesday and consist this year of strategical air operations between opposing forces of “Redland” and “Blueland.” “Blueland,” comprising the south and west of England, is equipped chiefly with raiding craft, and “Redland,” consisting of the north and cast of England, has an air force mainly of fighters. The operations are designed to test initiative in attack and defence. Imaginary mountains, ranges, vulnerable points and industrial centres have been sprinkled about the map, and communication in both countries will be conducted almost entirely by wireless. Air-Marshal Sir Edward Illington will be head of the directing staff. The “Red” colony’s force, commanded by Air-Vice-Marshal Dowding, will consist of eight fighting squadrons, including two whose craft have speed of 180 miles an hour, and five squadrons of bombers. The “Blue” force, commanded by Air-Marshal Sir John Steel, will comprise nine squadrons of bombers and three fighter squadrons.