THE R.N.Z.A.F.

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 20, 24 July 1945, Page 6

THE R.N.Z.A.F.

FURTHER RELEASES

TWO STATIONS CLOSING

Releases of New Zealand air personnel were announced last night by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones). Some 3000 aircrew members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force serving with the Royal Air Force will be returning to New Zealand in the next few months, about 2000 ground crew will be released from New Zealand stations, and two South Island flying training stations will close. Mr. Jones said these changes would not reduce the full-scale operations of the R.N.Z.A.F. in the Pacific. He added that the future of the Air Training Corps is being investigated.

The Minister said the tour of duty of R.N.Z.A.F. aircrew attached to the R.A.F. was normally three years or two tours of operations, and it was anticipated that all of those who had not completed their full service would still be required to do so. In the last few days,, information had been received, however,, that this would not now be necessary in all cases, owing to replanning of R.A.F. requirements. "Under arrangements concluded recently," he continued, "three New Zealand squadrons will remain with the R.A.F., plus a small number of aircrew . with operational experience whom the R.A.F. may still require. Two of the squadrons will undertake garrison duty in Europe for a short period, after which these men will also return to New Zealand, and the third squadron, a heavy-bomber unit, will join in the war against Japan, under R.A.F. command. The great majority of our airmen, therefore, to the number of some 3000 personnel, will be returning to New Zealand Within the next few months, leaving about 1100 serving with the R.A.F. This number will be still further reduced when the two squadrons in Europe are released." . '' ' FUTURE OF AIRCREWS. Regarding the future of aircrews after their return, Mr. Jones said that personnel with long operational service would be released if they so desired. A proportion, however, who had seen little or no operational flying and whose training was suitable would be available for service with the R.N.Z.A.F. in the Pacific. The further employment of the balance would be decided on their return according to the requirements of the service at the time. "The unexpected availability of trained aircrew from Britain, including many suitable for use in the Pacific, will enable initial flying training in New Zealand to be suspended immediately," added the Minister. "This will mean that approximately 500 men now waiting or undergoing initial aircrew training in New Zealand who have not yet reached Service Flying Training School or its equivalent, can be released for ground duties with the Air Force or service with the Army; Those trainees in this category who are under 20 years of age will be given the option of remaining $in the Air Force on ground duties or being released to civil life till they are liable for military service. While I regret that these fine lads will be sadly disappointed at missing the opportunity of flying overseas with the R.N.Z.A.F., there is, unfortunately, no justification for continuing with their training when their services are unlikely to be used in that capacity. "A further result of this development will be the closing of two flying training stations in the South Island, and the early release of approximately 2000 ground crew from the Air Force,'* Mr. Jones added. "The operational flying schools in the North Island, which carry out operational training for the Pacific, will not be materially ■affected, as this training .will still be required to maintain the R.N.Z.A.F. effort against the Japanese. "Since no further aircrew recruits will be required, the future of the Air Training Corps, which is the sole source of aircrew recruiting, is being investigated. An announcement as to the future policy of the A.T.C. will be made at an early date." TAIERI TO CLOSE. "The Taieri Air Force Station will be closed as a result of the reduced training programme," said Mr. Jones today. The Taieri station has been used recently as a grading school. The Minister said that the second station to be closed in the near future would be either Harewood or Woodburne. That matter was, being closely examined and an early announcement would be made of the station decided upon. The Minister also said that Wigram station would continue to operate.