FIGHTING AEROPLANES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 180, 25 April 1919, Page 4

FIGHTING AEROPLANES

• TO PLY AT GHEISTCHURCH. Types of the very latest and most efficient aeroplanes used on the Western front aro likely to be seen in flight over Christchurch in the course of the next month or so. They will be the machines whioh the British Government is sending out for the use of Colonel Bettiugton, who is in New Zealand to advise tho Government on aeronautical matters. There are four machines on the way to New Zealand. Two of them are the famous D.0.4 machines, heavy, highpowered binlanes, used by the Allies for day bombing. The other two are "Bristol Fighters," affectionately remembered by all airmen, for as Colonel Bettington remarked to a "Lyttelton Tinifcn 1 reporter. British airmen killed more Huns With the Bristol Fighter than with any other machine. Colonel Bettington was asked whether the machines would -be seen in Christchurch. Ha replied that he was having them sent to Sockburn. as it was the only aerodrome in New Zealand and the machines would lie flown there,, although he would like to fly wherever there was accommodation for the machines.. Ppeaking of the Bristol Fighter, Colonel Bettington added that it was a verv compact two-seater, in which pi'nt and observer sat back to back, with their backs touching at times, so close were the seals. The gunner, .liowevev, was at liberty to move at any anale jii the cour-e fl f his duties. Colonel Bettiinrton added that two mechanics and two riguers werp af"ompanying the machines to New Zealand.