TRANSFER OF AIR FORCE MEN

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 229, 24 June 1944, Page 6

TRANSFER OF AIR FORCE MEN

Sergeant’s Allegations INQUIRY INTO USE OF MANPOWER (By Telegraph.—Press Associate -n.) ■CIIiRISTOIIURCIH, June 23. Allegations that air force n a had been shifted from Wigram to North Island stations before the arrival of the commission investigating the use of manpower in the Services, and that in cases where they could not depart immediately they were told to take part of their annual leave so that they would not be on the .station when the commission arrived, were made before the No. 10 Armed Forces Appeal Court today by James Cyril Lloyd, flight sergeant on the Permanent. Staff, R.N.Z.A.F. Flight Sergeant Lloyd was appealing for his release from the air force on grounds of undue hardship. Mr. R. F. Thompson, who appeared for Flight Sergeant Lloyd, said the appellant had been in the air force for ten years. If he were shifted to Ohakea he would have to pay board, and he could not afford to pay to support himself at Ohakea and keep his home iu Christchurch. “Il seems a serious thing, when manpower in the Services is being investigated, that the air force should comb out suddenly skilled personnel and send them to other districts,” said Mr. Thompson. He added that he understood men in certain air force stations, and in army camps, too —men who were acquainted with the manpower position—had suddenly been shifted to other places. "It seems extraordinary that these men should be shifted away with the excuse that they have got to get oil' the station, and that if they cannot get away they must at least take part of their leave, but be off the station when the manpower committee is there.” said Mr. Thompson, The chairman, Mr. R. A. Cuthbert, pointed out that the air force was not represented at the hearing to answer any charges made. "There is a good old axiom that the air force will take no notice of recommendations for the release of men,” said Mr. Thompson. "What we have, we hold,” said Mr. G. T. Thurston, a member of the Court.

Mr. Thompson claimed that in cases where release was recommended, the air force promptly checked the man’s promotion and shanghaied him to another station. Replying to Mr. G. M. Hall, a member of the Court, Flight Sergeant Lloyd said the move was made very suddenly. He and a number of other men had been told on Saturday to report to Ohakea. They were told to be on the boat on Monday, and in cases where they could not travel so soon were given part of their annual leave to be clear of the station when the manpower commission arrived. Replying to further questions. Flight Sergeant Lloyd said he did not know of any sudden influx of men to Wigram. There were a number of men transferred and some had gone over to Harewood.