NEW SQUADRON FOR AIR DEFENCE

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 25, 18 October 1940, Page 1

NEW SQUADRON FOR AIR DEFENCE

Reconnaissance Force For Nelson-Blenheim Area

LARGE PROGRAMME OF BUILDING The establishment of a general reconnaissance squadron in the Nelson-Marl-borough district, . using the existing aerodromes in Nelson and Blenheim, lias 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. Provision for the squadron will be made progressively, .the. headquarters , unit and firs' 1 flight joining at Nelson in January, 1941. The use of Nelson 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- . poses will be used. 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. An Air Force personnel of approximately 220 of all ranks will be stationed at 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 as separate buildings for sick quarters, tecreation institute, canteens, and a ration store. A personnel strength of 90 will be stationed 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 canteen purposes! A new timber hangar to house aircraft and various other small buildings for technical purposes will also be necessary.