TRAINING STARTED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 24, 28 July 1939, Page 4

TRAINING STARTED

WELLINGTON BOMBERS

OFFICERS FOR FIRST FLIGHT

THE PRESENT PLANS

(By Air Mail—From "The Post's" London Representative.)

LONDON, July 6.

Officers and airmen to form the personnel for the flight of the first formation of six Wellington bombers from England to New Zealand have begun their training at Marham, Norfolk. The officers were "posted this week after their names had been approved by the New Zealand Government. Two officers and three; men will be allotted to each bomber.

Squadron-Leader W. M. Buckley, 0.8. E., will command the first flight; and Flight Lieutenant C. E. Kay, 0.8. E., will b« second-in-command and navigating officer. The other New Zealand officers will be Flight Lieutenant C. C. Hunter, Flying Officer A. B. Greenaway, Flying Officer A. A. N. Breckon, Flying Officer J. N. Collins, Pilot Officer J. Adams, Pilot Officer W. H. Coleman, Pilot Officer W. Me Williams, and Pilot Officer T. O- Freeman. The names of Pilot Officer Lucas and Pilot Officer N. Williams have yet to be approved. No Indication has been given as to the date upon which this first flight expects to take off for New Zealand, but it is thought that, it will be before October 1. '

The plans for these Wellingtons have been changed from time to time, so that each announcement can be regarded only as tentative. Whereas it was stated a few weeks ago that five flights would be made between August and April, 1940, the latest news is that the last flight will not be formed until Octobei-, 1940.

The personnel for the second flight is to be assembled on October 1. As already announced in New Zealand, this will be commanded by Flight Lieutenant R. Cohen.

Squadron Leader S Wallingford will command the third, which is to be formed for training on December 1. and Wing Commander J. L. Findlay the fourth, which is not to be selected until July 1, 1940, according to pre? sent plans.

The commanding officer for the fifth and last flight has not yet been announced. Formation of personnel will not begin until October 1, 1940.