FLEET AIR ARM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21820, 25 November 1940, Page 4

FLEET AIR ARM

Recent Examples Of Its Work Speech By Commodore Parry Openings For New Zealanders In a broadcast last night Commodore Parry explained the work of the Fleet Air Arm. He cited as recent examples the bombing of aerodromes in Sardinia by aircraft from the Ark Royal and the crippling blow to the Italian navy. “As you know the Italian navy does not like going to sea, so as our warships could not reach them the Fleet Air Arm went to Taranto where, on the Italian home ground, they accounted for two or three battleships, a couple of cruisers and two auxiliary vessels.” Referring to the part played by the Ajax’s aircraft in the Battle of the River Plate. Commodore Parry said the action had been in progress some time before the aircraft was launched. “Can. you imagine the feelings of its crew with the concussion of the ship’s guns rocking their frail craft and surrounded by vast splashes made by the enemy’s shells while they hurriedly made their tests and preparations for being catapulted?” It said much for the strength of the machines and the nerves of their airmen that they stood up to these heavy conditions. The aircraft marked the fall of the shot, reported the tracks of the enemy torpedoes and his movements behind his incessant smoke screens. The aircraft was successfully recovered in the open sea during the chase of the Graf Spec later in the day. New Zealanders In Air Arm Speaking of the New Zealanders, Commodore Parry said: “We have heard much and will hear more of the daring deeds of those in the Royal Air Force. We shall have the same words of praise for the New Zealanders in the Fleet Air Aim. Since last May we have sent no fewer than 117, and there will be an opportunity for more.” Commodore Parry read from a letter received from a New Zealander who arrived in England recently “Of our 20 from New Zealand 18 are pilots and two observers. Observers of the Fleet Air Arm are given very extensive training including flying, special gunnery, bombing, reconnaissance, air photography and navigation. We will learn Morse and semaphore, squad drill and a good deal of seamanship. The sports facilities are good and we found the English boys most friendly and helpful. Being ‘one of those New Zealanders’ is a passport to all kinds of hospitality.” The writer said he would be training for 10 months at various stations and hoped thus to see the whole of the British Isles. Then he wanted a job in a cruiser or a battleship as a gunfire spotter which might take him anywhere in the world. Men wishing to join the Fleet Air Arm should offer through the New Zealand Au- Force. The successful candidates went direct to England for training, and those who passed the courses were given temporary commissions in the air branch of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.Commodore Parry expressed a hope that his words would induce young New Zealanders to join the Fleet Air Arm.