AIR CHIEF ON VISIT TO N.Z.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18578, 28 September 1928, Page 9

AIR CHIEF ON VISIT TO N.Z.

SIR JOHN SALMON D SEES WIGRAM ’DROME.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defences of Great Britain, Air Marshal Sir John Salmoncl, was among those who farewelled the Southern Cross at the Wigram Aerodrome this afternoon. He arrived in Christchurch this morning and inspected the Wigram Aerodrome.

Sir John arrived in the Dominion last Sunday from Australia, where he has been conferring with the Australian Government regarding air defences. He will stay in the Dominion for about a month, and during that time he will confer with the New Zealand Government. It is probable that his recommendations will have an important bearing on the air policy of the Dominion. Accompanying Sir John Salmond is Squadron-Leader R. M. Drummond, D. 5.0., 0.8. E., M.C., R.A.F., and Flight-Lieutenant A. P. Ledger, R.A.F., Major T. M. Wilkes, Director of Air Services, and Major L. M. Isitt, officer commanding the Hobsonville Air Base.

Sir John Salmond commenced his inspection of the Wigram Aerodrome soon after his arrival this morning, in company with Captain J. L. Findlay, 0.C., Captain M. Buckley and Lieutenant T. J. Denton, of the staff of the aerodrome.

Later in the morning he conferred with Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith concerning the flights of the Southern Cross.

A Distinguished Pilot. Sir John Salmond, who is a distinguished pilot, came to the fore as a great air commander during the war, and since 1918 has played a leading part in the organisation of Britain’s home defences. Born in 1881, he was educated at Wellington College, England, which has produced many of Britain’s finest soldiers, and he received his commission during the South Afri-* can War, in which he saw active service. He went to West Africa and served with the Frontier Force from 1903 to 1906, and in 1912, when flying first became of military importance, he iearned to fly at his own expense at the Grahame White School at Hendon.

When the European War broke out Sir John went to France with Sir John French in command of an air squadron, which was of invaluable service to the British troops in the retreat from ftjons. He was awarded £he D. 5.0., and promotion followed rapidly. In 1917 he was appointed Director of Military Aeronautics at the War Office, with a seat on the Air Board, and in January of the following year he succeeded Sir Hugh Trenchard as General Officer Commanding the Royal Air Force in France, being responsible for all air operations during the great German advance in that spring and in the final victorious advance of the British Army.

Organisation Abroad. After commanding the Air Force of Occupation until August, 1919, Sir John was recalled to England to engage in organisation work. He was sent to India in 1922, and from there to Iraq, where he assumed responsibility for the whole defence of the country. Since 1925 he has been Commander-in-Chief of Great Britain’s Air Defences. Sir John Salmond visited Australia in 1918 to advise on the air defence of the Commonwealth and on the organisation, training and equipment of the Royal Australian Air Force. In view of his work in devising the elaborate protective scheme for Great Britain he has unrivalled knowledge of the new and complex problems of defence against aircraft.