BRITAIN'S CIVIL AIR GUARD

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22520, 30 September 1938, Page 9

BRITAIN'S CIVIL AIR GUARD

FIRST MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS MEMBERS' PLEDGE OF SERVICE mom orn on cobbbspoitdbwt.) LONDON. September 1.

The recently-appointed Commissioners of the Civil Air Guard held their first meeting in private. The session lasted about seven hours, the subjects considered ranging from buttons and badges to major questions of organisation and training, how to capitalise the immense enthusiasm, and how best to direct it into the most valuable channels for the nation.

Lord Londonderry, chairman and Chief Commissioner, presided,'and the others present were Captain H. H. Balfour. Under-Secretary for Air; Air Commodore J. A. Chamier. the secretary of the commission; Major Alan Goodfellow, member of the Lancashire Aero Club and of the General Council of Associated Light Aeroplane Clubs; Mrs Miles, wife of Mr-F. G. Miles, joint managing director of Phillips and Powis Aircraft. Ltd.. of Reading: and Mr Robert. Murray, president of ihe Glasgow Corporation Transport Flying Club. Mr W. Lindsay Everard. M.P.. the fifth commissioner, was absent ou the Continent. "Any Capacity In Aviation" Forms of application to join have been made available to the secretaries of flying clubs for distribution among candidates. Each applicant must sign a declaration stating:— I hereby give an honourable undertaking that, if required, 1 will accept service in any capacity or rank in con-

nexion with aviation in this country in the event of emergency arisingJErom war or threat of war, but I understand that no guarantee is given that in the event of such emergency I shall necessarily be called on for service in pursuance of this undertaking.

This undertaking shall remain ra force for a period of two years from the date of renewal of my licence as • Civil Air Guard member and for a period two years from each successive renewal of that licence as * "lyHAw Guard member, save that liability under this undertaking shall not in. any case extend beyond my fiftieth birthday. I understand that unless and until I am called up for service in pursuance of this undertaking I am not in any way in the service of the Crown, and that no responsibility rests on the Crown or the Secretary of State for any act or neglect on my part or in respect of any loss or injury sustained by me or claim made against me. Applicants also have to state whether they are under any national obligations such as membership of any A.R-P. body, fire brigade, or special constabulary.

Flyincr for 2a 6d an Hour The scheme enables flying clubs t» train pupils in aircraft of less than 12001b all-up weight at 5s an hour at week-ends, or 2s 6d an hour on other days; or in machines of more than 1200Jb at double those rates. Applicants have to pass the medical examination required of those who qualify for an "A" licence, and any doctor is qualified to examine candidates on the lines indicated in an Air Ministry form. The usual fee is one guinea, but »om« clubs have schemes under which the cost is half, or even less. Personal equipment may be bought by the applicant, and arrangements bav» been made in some cases »y which th« cost is reduced. A few clubs will arrange for the loan of equipment to pupils at cheap rates.