POST-WAR R.N.Z.A.F.

Chronicle (Levin), 11 September 1946, Page 7

POST-WAR R.N.Z.A.F.

-Press 1 Association

By Telegraph-

WBLLIJNuTUIn, oept. xu. The establishment of iive permanent Air Force squadrons, Avith their ueeessafy ancillary organisations, was recommended in a roport on the post-war R.N.Z.A.F. drawn up by the preseut Chief of the Air Staff (Air Yice-Mar-shal A. de T. Nevill) it is now Tevealed. It is understood that the recommendation has been forwarded to the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones), but is still awaiting approval. Hince the report was dra^vn up', the Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) has returned from overseas, tvhere he took part in discussions on Empire defence, and Air Vice-Marshal Nevill is at present visiting the United Kingdoin. It is possible that the xecommendalions may be altered as a result of these discussions. Air Vice-Marshal Nevill's recommendation provides for an est-ibhshment of approximately 3000 airmen and 420 oliicers; the annual cost of the organisatiouwould be in the viciuity of £2,000,000, and there would be no ltems of capital expenditure during the tirst few years. "It is visualised," the report states, "that such a post-war air force would be fully reconstitutod Avithin a peiiod of two Vears from the cessation of hostilities. Part of Science. ' ' Althougli science must piay a far greater part in militarv activities than heretofore there ii- no reason to suppose that the basic priuciples of warfare and tlieir method of application havo been fundameutally altered by the tremeiidous destructive energy released by atomic llssioii, radio control, and the use of rocket missiles. The human fac tor in warfare will slill remain paramountj and a natioual organisation for defence Avill still be required." The recommendation calls for oue medium-boinber squadron and one fly- . ing boat squadron in the Islands Area, with headquarters at Nandi and LauL'haia Bay respectively. Within Ngav Zealaud, a medium-bomber squadron, a Jighter-bomber squadron, and a trausjiurt squadron are recoiiimended. In addition there is provision for a Territorial Air Force consistiug of a Fighter Wing, a Bomber "SViag, and a Technieal YViug, aud an Air- Training Forps of four Avings. The report adds, " While the W.A.A.F. have dcnumstrated their ability to carrv out a wide range oi" skilled

and semi-skilled work in the Air Forci wilh notable success, their eontinued employment i'n the Kcgular Air Force in peacetimc is subject to certain serious disadvantages. "At the present time there are 45 W.A.A.F. trades and this liumbei would have to be redueed drasticallv if the W.A.A.F. 's are retained. It is con sidered tlvut thc future oi' the W.A.A.F. should be explored Fully by a suitable committee. "