BRITAIN'S AIR PAGEANT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18643, 12 August 1930, Page 9

BRITAIN'S AIR PAGEANT.

Week Of Mimic Warfare. TESTING AERIAL DEFENCES. British Officio] Wireless RUGBY. August 10. England will experience four days mimic air war this week. The Royal Air Force’s annual exercises will 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 racing craft, and Redland consisting of the North and East of England, has an air force mainly of fighters. The operations are designed to test initiative in attack and defence. Imaginary mountain 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 Ellington will be the head of the directing staff. The Red colony’s force is commanded by Air-Vice Marshal Dowding, and will consist of eight fighting squadrons, including two whose craft have a speed of 180 miles per hour and five squadrons of bombers. The Blue force will be commanded by Air Marshal John Steel, and will comprise nine squadrons of bombers and three fighter squadrons.