FIRST IN THE INDIAN SKY
Proud record of No. 31 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (Indian Wing) is that it was the first ever to fiy in India. And for 27 years until the present day it has been Hying without break in this country
The first flight of this famous squadron arrived at Nowshera in tu the request of the Viceroy, for work on the North-west Frontier. Thev adopted for their crest the live-coin 1ed star of India, and the motto, “In Caelum Indicum Primus'' -“First into the Indian Skies.’’
Another “first” the squadron can claim is that it flew in co-operatioi. with the Army in north-west frontierengagements in 1916. the first time anv unit of the Royal Air Force—then the Royal Flying Corps took part in operations in India. Afterwards it was employed on many occasions on Ihe north-west frontier and in the third Afghan war. Flights of the squadron have flown in all parts ol India.
The 31st Squadron is also proud ol yet another “first.” Its first R.A.fc Commanding Officer was SquadronLeader 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.’*: Bomber Command, which is pounding at the heart of Germany with such devastating effect.
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Bibliographic details
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 22, 28 January 1943, Page 6
Word Count
209FIRST IN THE INDIAN SKY Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 22, 28 January 1943, Page 6
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