PLANS TO RECONSTRUCT THE TERRITORIAL AIR FORCE OF NEW ZEALAND

Wanganui Chronicle, 15 September 1948, Page 5

PLANS TO RECONSTRUCT THE TERRITORIAL AIR FORCE OF NEW ZEALAND

(P.A.) Wellington, Sept. 14. Plans for the reconstruction of a territorial air force and the Air Force Reserve were now complete and arrangements were proceeding to start training during the last quarter of. this year, announced the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones t today. He added that the actual date when training would begin depended on the response made to a call for volunteers and the time involved in the selection of personnel required. The Minister, amplifying recent statements concerning non-regular air forces, said that apart from the Air Training Corps, which would continue to function as at present, the other non-regular air forces would consist of the Territorial Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. The latter would comprise an active reserve and a general reserve. Except in the case of regular air force personnel who had an obligation to serve on the reserve, membership of non-regular forces would be on a voluntary basis. As there was no general obligation to serve in th’e case of the majority of personnel now on the reserve, individuals who did not indicate by October 15, 1948, their willingness to do so would lie removed from the air force list. FIVE SQUADRONS. The Territorial Air Force would ultimately comprise five squadrons. The initial plans provided for the establishment of a Territorial Air Force squadron on a nucleus basis at each of the four main centres, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The squadrons •at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch would comprise two fighter flights and one bomber flight. The Dunedin squadron would be composed of three fighter flights. An additional squadron would consist of a fighter unit at Auckland, which would be established at a later date. These squadrons would each eventually be manned to the establishment of approximately 300 personnel. There would be a certain percentage of officers and other ranks of the regular air force included in that figure for supervisory and instructional work. It would not be possible to start the squadrons at full strength, continued the Minister. Commencing this year with four aircraft per squadron and approximately 100 officers and men, each squadron would subsequently be built up to full strength as equipment and men became available. Officers would receive an initial grant on a graduated scale for provision of a uniform. Other ranks would receive free issues. Rates of pay would be announced later. “The R.N.Z.A.F. fully recognises the value of officers and airmen who served in the last war and who represent an invaluable reserve in time of emergency,” said the Minister. “It is planned to draw the initial experienced element from this source to assist in the formation and development of territorial squadrons.”

The Minister said the establishment of that experienced nucleus would speedily provide an organisation capable ot receiving training applicants from the Air Training Corps and from others who had had no previous air force experience. Initial intakes, however, would be obtained from exservice personnel who were within the age limits required. PERIOD OF SERVICE. The initial period of service in the territorial air force which might be extended would normally be for five years, after which personnel would be posted to the reserve. The ultimate strength of the territorial air force would be approximately 2000. The upper age limit in the ease of ex-service personnel would normally be 35 years for aircrew, 45 years in all other groups. Training would be carried out at evening parades, during the week-ends and annual camps of 14 days. Active reservists would be liable for continuous service in time of war or imminent national danger. The ultimate strength of the acting reserve would rise to approximately 2000 and the initial recruiting would be from officers and airmen who were in the British Commonwealth air forces during the war. Engagements would normally be offered for terms of three and live years with extensions as considered necessary. Active reservists would attend a short annual course of up to 14 days at one of the regular air force stations when every opportunity would be given to gain knowledge of up-to-date procedures, techniques, and equipment. OBJECT OF RESERVE. “The object of this reserve is the maintenance of a roll of experienced air force personnel who express a desire to serve with the R.N.Z.A.F. in the event of mobilisation,” he added. “A member of the general reserve will be under an obligation to serve if called up in time of war or imminent national danger.” The Minister said a call for volunteers would be made shortly for the Territorial Air Force active reserve and general reserve. Advertisement would give a broad outline of what was required. A circular containing full details of terms of service and application forms would be obtainable on request from principal city and provincial post offices, or from the Air Department. Applications should reach the Air Department not later than October 15. “It will be appreciated that the numbers of air crew and ground staff required in the territorial air force and the active reserve are necessarily limited by the establishments and the capacity of the regular air force to provide the training required, ’ said the Minister. “Personnel who cannot, be posted to the territorial air force or active reserve for those reasons will be accepted in the i general reserve. Selections for the Territorial Air Force and the Active|: Reserve, if necessary, will be made by|j local selection boards, and applicants 1 will be advised as earjy as possible.” 5