TRAINING SCHEME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20125, 20 December 1939, Page 5

TRAINING SCHEME

SCHOOLS IN CANADA STAFF OF THOUSANDS HUNDREDS OF PLANES BIG BILL INVOLVED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.; (Reed. Dec. 20, 9 a.m.) OTTAWA, Dec. 19. Lord Riverdale said he was particularly pleased at the way the Empire air plan affected Australia and New Zealand, “where there is a danger of attack.” He added that they would have men in training constantly to augment their permanent defence force.

It is explained that the Empire air training scheme centred in Canada provides for an estimated expenditure of £150,000,000 over three years and three months. An official summary states that the cost is to be borne by Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Britain on a percentage basis and student allotments. Canada’s share will be £87.500.000. The full staff of 40,000, exclusive of students, includes 2700 officers, 6000 civilians, and 30,000 technicians to handle the administration and instruction. There will be 67 bases in Canada. Hundreds of aircraft, mostly supplied by 'Britain, and 60 new airports will be needed. Up to 25,000 Pilots Annually

Mr. Frederick Birchall, of the New York Times, estimates that the scheme will supply 25,000 pilots annually, 10,000 being from Canada, 200 u rrom Australia and 2500 from 'New Zealand, exclusive of 600 expected to complete their training annually in Australia. The Canadian PriW Minister, Mr. W. L. Mackenzie King, stated that four-fifths of the pupils were taking the Canadian preliminary stage training of four weeks for selection of pilots, observers and gunners. Australian pilots first trained at home would spend 14 weeks in the Canadian schools learning advanced flying, night and blind 'bombing, and fighting. The observers would have 12 weeks in the schools for the study of navigation, reconnaissance and photography, and six weeks at the bombing and gunnery schools. Gunners would spend 16 weeks and wireless men four weeks in the schools.

'Lord Riverdale to-day initialled the agreement on behalf of Australia.

The immediate operation of the scheme will be administered by a board including representatives of the Dominions and the Chief of the Air Staff under the Canadian Defence Minister.