AIR WARFARE

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22064, 15 June 1943, Page 4

AIR WARFARE

NEW TACTICAL FORCE WORK WITH THE ARMY FIELD ORGANISATION (omclal Wireless) RUGBY. June 13 The formation of a Tactical Air Force is announced by the Air Ministry in the following communique: As a result of the experience gained in the fighting in North Africa certain measures of reorganisation have been effected in the metropolitan air force. The Army Co-operation Command, which was formed in December, 1940, to organise, experiment and train in all forms of land and air co-operation, has been merged into the Tactical Air Force, designed to work with the army in The field organisation. This force conforms closely with that of the Tactical Air Force, under Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham in North-west Africa. The Tactical Air Force has been located in the Fighter Command in order to ensure the close integration of the work of tactical reconnaissance aircraft and light bombers with that of the main fighter force.

The Tactical Air Force is commanded by Air Vice-Marshal J. H. Dalbiec.

The following higher appointments are also announced: Air Marshal Sir A. S. Barratt, formerly Air Officer Commander-in-Chief Army Co-oper-ation Command, to be Air Officer Commander -in - Chief Technical Training Command; Air Marshal Sir J. T. Babington, formerly Air Officer Commander -in - Chief Technical Training Command, to be head of the Royal Air Force mission to Moscow. Directed by Mr Churchill

The formation of a Tactical Air Force on the lines indicated follows the direction of the Prime Minister some months ago. Preparations were then completed in time for a large scale inter-service exercise held in March, and it was the valuable experience gained in handling a selected air formation in field conditions

side by side with a corresponding army formation that enabled the main scheme to be organised so quickly. One of the most important features of the new formation was its organisation on a mobile basis throughout. It is, therefore, capable of operating independently of “tarmac” conditions and the tele-communications systems existing in Britain.

Secondly, provision is made for a high degree of flexibility in control operation of the squadrons which compose the new force. In this way it is possible to vary the number of squadrons on each airfield and further enable the force commander to operate any reasonable number of squadrons plqced at his disposal from time to time without overburdening the system. Profound Importance

“The creation of the Tactical Air Force marks a step of profound importance in the organisation of the British war macnine,” says the Times. “Few ii any changes in military organisation in the whole course of the war have equalled this in significance. The new organisation will enable striking power on iand and in the air to be operated as a single instrument.

“The two functions of air power in the final assault against the European citadel are clearly defined and differentiated. The Strategical Air Force will continue the long-term bombing of German war industries, but when land or sea operations are progressing it will attack communications in an attempt to prevent the enemy from bringing up reinforcements.

“The co-ordinated Tactical Air Force will provide cover for the Navy during escort and landing operations. It will also give direct support to the Army in land lighting.”

The Daily Express says that with the formation of the Tactical Air Force the last broad strategical step before the big offensive has been taken.