WAR SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 223, 19 September 1940, Page 15

WAR SERVICE.

N.Z/S FINE PART. AIRMEN'S ACHIEVEMENTS. GISBORNE, this day. The impressive proportions of New Zealand's part in all the three arms of services in the many theatres of war were indicated by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, who is visiting Gisbome. He said the achievements of New Zea- j landers in the air in the present con- : flict has earned the praise of most highly authoritative judges of air personnel. In all there were about 1000 Xew Zealand members of the Royal Air Force, some GOO of whom had proceeded to the United Kingdom since the war began. ■-...-■ Mr. Fraser said tile 'establishment of a separate bomber squadron,' manned entirely by men from this country, was signal recognition of their capacity. New Zealand pilots and observers and air gunnere had ibeen awarded 25. Distinguished Flying Crosses, including one bar, three Distinguished Flying Medals, three Air Force Crosses, and one Croix de Guerre, while several mentions in dispatches had also been credited. The men who represented New Zealand in the R.A.F. wore not to be allowed to carry the burden without reinforcements for there were 5204 men in this country who had volunteered for service as pilots, while another 81S9 were anxious to serve in technical branches and in ground staff. Soon New Zealand would reach the peak of its scheduled contribution to the Empire j training scheme, and be supplying 900 fully-trained pilots a year, with;. 800 [ men under the heading of technical per-. I sonnel to back them up. Between now and the end or Mils year 167 pilots, 117 observers and 42 gunners .would go to England, and 125 observers and gunners:to Canada for further training, a total of 1465. . . ■ The Navy ana Army. The total personnel from this country now with the Navy -was 2980, including a number of volunteers who had left to join mine sweeping flotillas at Home in May last. These men were serving already, and a number of New Zealand officers had been appointed to commands. Sonic of the New Zealand Naval Reservists would serve in British waters, and a few in the China Sea, added Mr. Fraser. There was no question that New Zealand's young men were keen, for when 200 volunteers were called for for R.N.V.P. posts 1240 applications were received.

The total registration for voluntary service in' the N.Z.E.F. had reached 65,003, and an instance of keenness was provided by the speedy formation of specialist companies. With the Territorial Forces at their war strength of about 30,000, and the formation of Reserve and Home Guard units well advanced, New Zealand was looking after her own safety while sending aid abroad, concluded Mr. Fraser.