AIR FORCE IN INDIA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22491, 28 January 1943, Page 2

AIR FORCE IN INDIA

Record Of Original Squadron (Special to “The Timaru Herald.'') Proud record of No. 31 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (Indian Wing) is that it was the first ever to fly in India, and for 27 years until the present day it has been flying without break in this country. The first flight of this famous squadron arrived at Nowshera in 1915. at the request of the Viceroy, for work on the North West Frontier. They adopted for their chest the five-pointed star of India, and the motto. “In Caelum Indicuin Primus"—“First into the Indian Skies." Another “first” the Squadron can claim is that it flew in co-operation with the Army in North-West Frontier engagements in 1916. the first time any units of the Royal Air Force- then the Royal Flying Corps—took part in opeartions In India. Afterwards it was employed on many occasions on the North-West Frontier and in the 3rd Afghan War. Flights of the Squadron have flown in all parts of India. 'The 31st Squadron Is alsp proud of yet another “first.” Its first RAF Commanding Officer was Squadron Leader A. T. Harris, now Air Marshal A. T. Harris, C. 8., 0.8. E,. A.F.C., hard-hitting chief of the R.A.F.’s Bomber Command which Is pounding at the heart of Germany with such devastating effect.