AERODROME DEFENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 115, 19 May 1942, Page 5

AERODROME DEFENCE

TEST BY CHURCHILL DEALING WITH PARACHUTE ATTACKS (Reed. 7.5 p.m.) Rugby, May 17. When Mr. Churchill visited a Bomber Command aerodrome on Friday he asked the station commander to suppose enemy parachute troops had landed in a field outside the aerodrome. At once the commander put the aerodrome defences into action. Sirens sounded and all over the station officers, airmen and W.A.A.F’s took up positions. Ground crews and maintenance staff put down tools and rushed for their rifles. All guns were manned. Troops moved at the double to various parts of the station and every point of attack was covered. No one had expected the exercise. It was Mr. Churchill’s own idea and he gave no warning of it. He hurried in and out of hangars, climbed parapets and looked into shelters. Everywhere he asked men questions about their duties and weapons. He was specially interested to see flying crews arm themselves and rush to defend their aircraft.—B.O.W.