NEW SQUADRON FOR AIR DEFENCE

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 46, 25 October 1940, Page 2

NEW SQUADRON FOR AIR DEFENCE

poses will be used.

LARGE PROGRAMME OF BUILDING

The establishment of a general reconnaissance squadron in the Nelson-Marl-borough district, using the existing

The establishment of a self-contained squadron organization between the two aerodromes will necessitate a considerable building programme for technical services and service personnel. It is intended to initiate construction work immediately, and the Public Works Department is already engaged on preliminary work at Nelson. Buildings at both stations will be constructed in materials not of a* permanent nature and generally in timber.

Reconnaissance Force For Nelson-Blenheim Area

An Air Force personnel of approximately 220 of all ranks will be stationed .n Nelson, and in the first instance all will be accommodated in tents of the pattern used in public works \ camps with detached ablution and lavatory blocks One mess building in timber' with a central kitchen, but providing separate messing and retiring space in three sections will be provided, as well

aerodromes in Nelson and Blenheim, has been, decided on by the Government

as part of its policy of improving the air .defences of the Dominion. ■ The plan, however, will not interfere with the existing commercial air services. A headquarters unit and two flights will be established at Nelson aerodrome and-the third flight as a detached unit at Omaka aerodrome. Blenheim.

as separate buildings for sick quarters, recreation institute, terms, and a ration store.

Provision for the squadron will be made progressively, the headquarters unit and firs r flight joining at Nelson

111 .January, am. me use or i\eisoii and Blenheim aerodromes for Air Force purposes will be for the duration of the war only, and. for this reason, as many as possible of the existing buildings and facilities for civil aviation pur-

A personnel strength of 90 will be Rationed at Omaka. Here all ranks will be accommodated in the standard mobilization type of wooden dormitory and cubicle blocks from the outset. A separate mess building is to be erected, together with a small sick quarters and a building for recreational and can teen purposes. A new timber hangar to house aircraft and various other small buildings for technical purposes will also be necessary.