ATC Observer

The ATC observer : the unofficial magazine of the ATC (Air Training Corps) trainees was published between 1942 and 1945 by the Editorial Council for the Christchurch Wing of the Air Training Corps during World War II.

Originally starting as a typewritten bulletin called Observer, the magazine was ‘dedicated to the memory of those New Zealand Airmen who have given their lives in the execution of their duty’ (July 1942: 1). Its main aims and objectives were to establish a liaison with other ATC units throughout New Zealand, provide an up-to-date resume of squadron activities, give news of the ATC in other centres, and provide scope for the literary ability of cadets.

Started in July 1942 and intended to be published monthly, by September 1942 the Observer settled on publishing one issue over two months. In December 1942 the Observer announced plans to take the next step in creating a ‘bigger and better Observer, twice the size of the old with a printed cover and having some press photographs of the wing in action’ (December 1942: 1). This followed with the issue of January-March 1943 being the first with a printed cover and text. This was possible, according to the Observer, due to an increase in circulation with the formation of other squadrons in the Christchurch wing district and with the help of their advertisers.

Features of the magazine included messages, news of appointments and promotions, ‘Jottings from the Kiwi Diary’, accounts from local dances, sporting events and reports from other squadrons around the country, as well as information about and photographs of various aircraft.

The ATC Observer published their final issue in March 1945 with all ATC news and information from this date being moved to the national Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) magazine Contact.