TO BE FLOWN FROM ENGLAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21153, 28 September 1938, Page 10

TO BE FLOWN FROM ENGLAND

VICKERS WELLINGTON ’PLANES Plans for the flight from England to New Zealand of a number of Vickers Wellington aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force were discussed in an interview by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in Dunedin. The Minister stated that the machines would be piloted on the flight from England by New Zealand officers at present serving with the Royal Air Force. It was intended to call for volunteers from New Zealanders who had gained commissions in England, aid it was hoped that there would be a sufficient response to have all the machines piloted by men from the Dominion who would subsequently be available for service in New Zealand. In addition, it was Intended to send up to 30 airmen to England for specialised training in order that they might complete the crews of the new aircraft on the flight to New Zealand. Their duties would comprise servicing, maintenance and other incidental work.

Mr 'Jones was unable to give an exact date for the arrival of the Vickers Wellington machines in New Zealand. The 30 Vickers Wellington bombers were one of the chief items in the Government’s defence programme announced last May. Formidable monoplanes, heavily armed and capable of flying a great distance, non-stop, they will cost a total of £750,000, Including equipment. An outstanding feature of their design is that they are built on the “geodetic" principle, which permits drastic weight reductions without loss of strength. It is possible that the machines, which will be stationed at Ohakea, near Feflding, and at Auckland, will make the flight from England in three or four “hops.” The work at Ohakea should be completed early next year, and Mr Jones has stated that by that time there should be no difficulty in obtaining delivery of the Initial batch of aircraft.