FAMOUS AIRMAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1944, Page 3

FAMOUS AIRMAN

A. E. CLOUSTON PROMOTED TO GROUP CAPTAIN (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, May 22. Promoted group captain at the age of 36, the famous airman A. E. Clouston, D. 5.0., D.F.C., A.F.C. and Bar, Motueka, now commands a station with a truly Anzac atmosphere, both New Zealand and Australian Beaufighter squadrons being based on it. Clouston was promoted and given his present appointment after commanding a Liberator- squadron for a year. His wartime record is as distinguished as his peace time career. After- serving in the R.A.F. on a short service commission from 1930 until 1935, Clouston became a civilian test pilot to the Air Ministry, -trying out aircraft and engaging also in the dangerous experimental work of flying into barrage balloon cables. On the outbreak of wax- he was recalled to the R.A.F. and given the rank of squadron leader. Many fine exploits, including the destruction of a U-boat, stand to his credit. In his long flying career, which began in Marlborough, where he learnt to fly a D.H. Moth, paying £3 an hour, and continued during his recordbreaking flight between Cape Town an'd Nev/ Zealand, Clouston has flown no fewer than 183 different types of aircraft, while his flying hours are 4035. He is very proud of his Anzac squadrons, particularly, of course, the New Zealanders. “You are going to hear a lot of them,” he said.