WING PARADES

ATC Observer, 1 September 1942, Page 3

WING PARADES

Sunday the 20th saw ths first parade of' the Christchurch Wing held in Cranmer Square, as a rehearsal for the Recruiting Parade to be' held / the following Saturday® Included with the town-Squadrons, were Squadrons from all the principal secondary schools in Christchurch. Wing z movements were carried out under.the direction of Flt©Lieut© Stedman, . our \/ing Commanding Officer®

When Saturday arrived our cadets-w-ere on their mettle, and the weather really excellent® The Wing fell in and was inspected by Group Captain G©So 'Hodgson, C©B c E o . , ,A c FoC., R©A#Fe, who upon his arrival was greeted with a general salute© During his inspection the Group Captain spoke with several of our M,o’s and cadets, showing a sincere interest "in our activities©

-Upon learning that our Fit©Sgts© had no crowns, he expressed surprise and commented that he would go into ,the matter© .After the inspection, the Wing marched past and then was addressed by Group Captain Hodgson who stressed the need for improved attendance, stating that he wished the Attendance Gup to come to Christchurch and remain here. The Wing then moved off, headed by the Band of the R© ; N© Z© and led by . Fit.Lieut® Stedman.*.

Upon s reaching Cathedral Square,. the Parade was addressed in burn by Ki Worship the Mayor, Wing Commander Nicholls and Fit©Lieut©H©Gladstone Hill® After these; addresses the Parade moved off through;, the City to the Bridge of Remembrance where ’’Eyes Right” was given as we marched under ( the arch® . Upon’ returning to Cranmer Square the Parade was ., congratulated by Fit©Lieut© Stedman.upon the showing, put j up# ' The Parade was.then dismissed**

i r Even the most’ critical Fit* Sgt* could .find little* to growl -about in the Brill and hearing of the cadets, whilst subsequent remarks from members of the public were of a very favourable ,nature©