N.Z. Dakotas Detailed for Hong Kong

Chronicle (Levin), 31 August 1949, Page 2

N.Z. Dakotas Detailed for Hong Kong

AUCKLAND, August 30. Redeeufing a New Zealand promise to Britain to provide a Dakota fiigiit to assist and relieve the Royal Air Eorce at Hong Kong, a detachnient of Xo. 4i (Transport) Squadron, H.N.Z.A.F., will leave Whenuapai in aections between September 15 and the end of the month. The detaehment, consisting of tliree aircraft, four crews and necessary ground staft',. 55 ofiieers and other ranka in all, will be commanded by Flight Lieutenant R. Manners and will be based at Changi, Singapore headquar--ters of Air Vice-Marshal Sir Hugli Lloyd, Air Officer commanding the kar East. Five of the squadron 's aircraft and six crews will be used in the raove from Whenuapai to Changi. Bquadrou Leader A. H. Harding, D.F.C., oliicei commanding No. 41 Squadron, who recently visited Changi and Kai-tan, Hong Ivong, will aceompany the first party and will later return to New Zealand. The Dakotas will leave Whenuapai at intervals of a few days, flying by way of Norfolk Island, Brisbaue, Cloncurry, Darwin and Sourabaya. Onee the move has been completed, the balancq of" the squadron operating from Whenuapai will fly a courier service to

Changi as required. By this means it will be possible, when necessary, to replace both aircraft and crews with a minimum of delay. No period has beei) fixed for the duration of the New Zealanders' tour of duty in the East.