ANTI-AIRCRAFT WORK

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 5, 16 September 1942, Page 3

ANTI-AIRCRAFT WORK

WOMEN IN TRAINING

The first, women intended for active service within New Zealand at anti-aircraft stations are in training at the Radio Location Wing of the School of Artillery. During the past 12 months there has been a great expansion in the anti-aircraft, strength of New Zealand, and these girls are going to play an important part in it. TJiough they will not be used, on the actual guns, accurate shooting at the anti-aircraft stations to which they will be atttached, will absolutely depend on their ability to do their job efficiently.

One of their jobs will be to operate the elaborate and intricate predictors which enable the gunners to direct their fire to the point reached by enemy aircraft at. the correct moment —an important-factor when it is remembered, that many aircraft are travelling at more than 300 miles an hour. The students will work in teams on height and range-finders and take their places as "spotters" on the identification telescopes. The ages range from 18' to 27; a, few older. Previous occupations include,, typists, clerks, companionhelps, a theatre usher,, girls who lived at home and did no outside work, and even an embroidery expert. Now thev arc all women soldiers.

The Now Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps to which these girls now in training at the School of Artillery belong, is this country's counterpart of the British A.T.S.