FINE REPUTATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20093, 13 November 1939, Page 12

FINE REPUTATION

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN ■' PLUCK AND ABILITY TRIBUTE BY MINISTER Commenting on the reference by live London ’Times" to the daring of an unnamed New Zealand pilot, 21 years old, in fighting a successful singlehanded action with one of Germany’s fastest Dornier reconnaissance planes at a height of five miles, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, said that tiv. tribute paid to the young New Zealander was further evidence of the courage ani resourcefulness of our lads 'in the air.

Reports from the United Kingdom were such as to provide reason for pride in New Zealand’s representatives in the Royal Air Force, he stated. Throughout their training in England and in active service they had shown initiative, technical ability and devotion to duty.

”1 am glad to say," added Mr. Jones, “that tlve same qualities have been demonstrated here in New Zealand. The zeal of our young airmen calls for unstinted praise. "It has already been mentioned, though not emphasised, that New Zealand is well represented in the Royal Air Force. Between 400 and 500 of our young flyers are doing splendid work with the Royal Air Force in the Old Country and ‘somewhere in France.’

“Over a dozen severe casualties have been sustained since the outbreak of w;ir, but, in view of the nuraer of New Zealand airmen on active service, those losses, although regret-

able, are not excessive, and it is a great solsolation to know that our boys have established a fine reputation for pluck and ability in the air.

“There is a keen demand for enrolment in the New Zealand Air Force, and every effort is being made to provide facilities for training.”