AIRMEN RELAX

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 33, 13 December 1940, Page 5

AIRMEN RELAX

Headquarters Hold Smoke Concert CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SERVICES The smoke concert held by Air Headquarters in the Mayfair Cabaret, Wellington recently, proved a pronounced success, there being an attendance of about 200 airmen and guests. Mr. F. Davis, Director of Accounts of the Air Department, presided. Proposing the toast of “The Navy and Army,” Group Captain H. W. L. Saunders, R.A.F., said he was very pleased to be able to express the high admiration the men of the Air Force held for the magnificent work the Royal Navy and the British Army had done and were doing. Without control of the seas it was impossible for Hitler to invade England. The work of the Navy was not spectacular, and much of it had to be done in heavy seas and bitterly cold weather. The Army, too. had done magnificent work, as witness the evacuation from Dunkirk. The Air Force had still a great deal to learn, but it would help the 'Navy and Army to defeat the evil forces which wore attempting to overrun the world. • Responding on behalf of the Naw. Captain A. B. Fanshawe. R.N.. said the Naw called the Air Force the eves of the fleet. Thanks to the Air Force the Naw was able to make contact with the enemv. and tell where the shells were fallins. The airmen were also able to soar above smoke-screens, and enable shins to so on firins accurately even through smoke. On behalf of the Army, Colonel A. E. Conway, Adjutant-General of the New Zealand Military Forces, said no one could have anything but intense admiration for the manner in which the British Army, after its battering at Dunkirk, had reconstructed itself, and within a few weeks was ready to take the field again. New Zealand had sent splendid men to the Great War in 19141918, but he was certain that the Second: New Zealand Expeditionary Force would uphold the high traditions set by the men of 1914-1918. They had received the highest reports of the New Zealand troops which had been sent to England,

and he was sure the troops from the British Dominions must have been an inspiration to the people in Britain during the past year.

In New Zealand the Territorial force had been expanded and if its services were ever required it would give a good account of itself. The National Reserve and Home Guard were also playing their part ajid setting an example to everyone. The civil staff was an important part of the organization.

The need for co-operation had been stressed that night, and the army had to thank the Navy for taking the troops overseas and guarding the trade routes, and the Air Force for the great part it was playing. The glorious part the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy was playing was revealed by the number of Victoria Grosses which had (been awarded and the deeds which had won those distinctions. It was very pleasing to see the splendid manner in which the New Zealand troops were acquitting themselves in the present war.

Other toasts honoured were: —‘‘Parliament, proposed by Mr. P. Weenink, As-sistant-Secretary for Air, and responded to bv. Mr. Combs, M.P. ; “The R.A.F. and New Zealanders serving overseas,” proposed by Wing Commander E. G. Olson, and responded to by Squadron Leader L. Crocker. Songs were sung by Messrs. R. Nelson, F. Andrews, L. Bent, and H. F. Wood. Mr. W. Arcus showed his ability as a magician and Mr. I. Dentice as a ventriloquist. Mr. Norman Isitt was accompanist.