R.A.F. LEADERSHIP

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 26, 26 October 1942, Page 3

R.A.F. LEADERSHIP

New Zealander Praised (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) LONDON, October 23. Group Captain S. U. Elworthy, D. 5.0., D.F.C., A.F.C.,' Timaru, is one of the lour group captains of whom the aeronautical writer of the "Daily Mail” said: "Watch these men. One or more will be a truly great name in Britain some day.” 'l‘he others named were Group Captains 11. Broadhurst. D.S.O. ami bar, D.F.C. ami bar, C. 11. Appleton, D.S.U., D.F.C., and G. A. Walker, D. 5.0., D.F.C. Commenting on .them, the aeronautical writer says: "A very significant change is taking place in the operational leadership of the R.A.F. . For the first time in the 25 years of its existence, key posts are .being tilled, by men of its own making—men whose service careers have been entirely spent in the R.A.l!'., whose nursery was not the Nuvy-of the Army, but air training schools.” Of these-four the writer adds: ‘’They are exceptional men —exceptional for more reasons than one. Reckoned in the light' of casualty statistics' their mere survival is remarkable.” . Group Captain Elworthy is at present an adviser in the Bomber Command.

“Elworthy's career is probably unique,” the writer adds. "He was.granted a permanent commission in the R.A.F. only six years ago and entered the war as a flight lieutenant. All three of his decorations were awarded in the first four months of 1941, about which time he was in command of one of the extremely gallant Blenheim squadrons engaged in daylight bombing botli of Europe and the Mediterranean. His own squadron, was twice almost wiped out of existence. He is now 31, -tall, fair and broad, the sort 'of man oue would expect to find preeminent in any role from that of bishop to bomber pilot.” Flight Lieutenant V. E. Sutherland, Wellington, has the distinction of being one of the first members of the R.A.F. and certainly the first New Zealander to be selected as a Judge’s Marshal in England. He will accompany Sir Reginald Croom-Johnson for six weeks on Assizes. Sutherland carried out a tour of operations before being posted to an operation training unit. Before enlisting he was- in the legal branch of the Public Trust. ”