NEW ZEALAND CREW’S RECORD FLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 191, 9 May 1940, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND CREW’S RECORD FLIGHT

Reconnaissance To Narvik 2000 MILES OVER THE NORTH SEA (By 'Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) LONDON, May 7. A New Zealand crew completed the longest reconnaissance Hight of the war—from Scotand to Narvik and back, a distance of 2000 miles, occupying 14) hours. The flight-lieutenant in command ot the plane was from Northcole, Auckland, the second pilot was from Stratford, the wireless operator an Aucklander. All were members of the Royal Air Force New Zealand bomber squadron. A Press Association message from Auckland states that the Hight lieutenant. from Northcote mentioned in the cablegram is believed to be Flight Lieu-, tenant A. A. N. Breekoti, elder sou of Mr. A. N. Breekoti, Northcote, and a member of the Royal Air Jiorco New Zealand Bomber Squadron, Born art Northcote 26 years ago, Flight Lieutenant Breekon was educated at Northcote primary and junior high schools and Mount Albert Grammar School before joining the staff ot the “New Zealand Herald” as U photographer. He learned tolly at Mungere, his instructor being the ’late Squadron Leader Allan. . He qualified for his B (commercial) licence and went to England about live years ago to join the Royal Air lorce. After further training be was posted to the No. 10 Heavy Bomber Squadron, and ou two occasions he acted as adjutant of the squadron, which is famous for its record in the Great War. Flight Lieutenant Breekon participated in tlie last Royal Air Force dispay at Hendon, shorty before the outbreak of war. Last September lie was transferred from the Royal Air Force to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, being one of the pilots chosen to fly to New Zealand one of 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered by the Government. Both pilots and crew were placed at the disposal of the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of war, however, and Fight Lieutenant Breekon has since been engaged in duties with the squadron. His younger brother, leading Aircraftman Breekon, is a pilot in training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force at New Plymouth.