H.—27

Casualties. — (a) Overseas : Casualties to New Zealand personnel serving overseas from the outbreak of war to 31st March, 1943, total 2,001. The following table gives the classifications, with comparative figures for 1941 and 1942 :—

In addition, 66 have been reported seriously injured or ill and remain on the list at 31st March, 1943. The comparative total last year was 57. (b) New Zealand : During the year there were thirty-eight fatal flying accidents, involving the loss of 76 lives. The following table gives the number of deaths amongst New Zealand air personnel since the outbreak of war to 31st March, 1943. Figures for 1941 and 1942 arc also shown : —

Training Organization. —(a) Plying Training : Various alterations have been made to the standard training syllabus, and although this alteration has created extra demands on instructors, both ground and flying, all commitments have been met. Eeports from overseas indicate that the standard of training of R.N.Z.A.F. personnel is very satisfactory and compares favourably with that received by pupils from other Dominions. (b) Technical Training : Owing to the increased number of aircraft operating and to the formation of new squadrons over the past year, a rapid increase in the number of technical personnel has been necessary. A heavy burden has been placed on the technical training schools and staffs, who have carried out their duties with keenness and enthusiasm. The result has been that training for the year has been maintained at a very high standard. Educational Services. —This branch has continued to provide pre-entry training for aircrew and radio and other technical personnel, almost all the instruction being given in aerodrome defence squadrons. Entrance examinations for these groups and for corresponding groups in the Air Training Corps have been conducted regularly. Correspondence courses for Air Training Corps Cadets unable to join squadrons or units have been continued. An important development has been the extension to Air Force personnel of the facilities of the Army Education and Welfare Service. This branch has now completed arrangements to use current affairs bulletins, study courses, and library facilities as developed in the Army scheme. This type of work will be covered on all New Zealand stations, and in addition, two education officers have been posted to island stations for work of a general educational and recreational nature. The provision of educational facilities for discharged male and female personnel is also receiving attention. Air Training Corps. —The Air Training Corps has expanded considerably and is now established in nearly every town in New Zealand. School units have been formed in most of the principal secondary schools. Cadets are showing great keenness in their work and are reaching a satisfactory standard of efficiency in their training. ~ Monthly drafts are now entering the R.N.Z.A.F. for aircrew and non-flying duties, and the value of the A.T.C. training is being proved by the progress ex-A.T.C. Cadets are making in flying and technical training. The training of Cadets is divided into two main sections, (a) educational training and (b) Service training. Satisfactory progress has been made in the organization of classes for both these aspects of training. Cadet parades are held on two nights a week, one night being devoted to educational subjects and the second night to drill, physical training, Morse, first aid, aircraft recognition, engines, theory of flight, armament, and other Service subjects. These parades are supplemented by occasional week-end parades and by visits to Air Force stations.

2

nl . c ,. 31st March, 31st March, 81st March, Increase for Classification. lg4L m2 _ 1943 _ Ye&^ Killed .. .. .. .. .. 156 529 1,206 (577 Missing, believed killed .. .. .. 20 51 175 124 Missing .. .. .. .. 59 135 307 172 Prisoner of war or interned . . . . 50 132 287 155 Missing, believed prisoner of war .. .. .. 6 26 20 285 853 2,001 1,148

I „ 31st March, 31st March, 31st March, Increase for Oause - 1941. 1942. 1943. Year. Flying accidents . . .. .. 35 89 165* 76 Other aircraft accidents . . .. .. 2 4 4 Motor and other non-flying accidents . . 7 11 22f 11 Natural causes .. .. .. .. 5 7 21$ 14 49 111 212 101 * Includes six missing. f Two missing in alpine climb. J Includes two W.A.A.F. members.