CIVIC WELCOME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20130, 27 December 1939, Page 7

CIVIC WELCOME

BRITAIN IMPRESSED READY RESPONSE CONFIDENCE VOICED KEEPING TRADITIONS (British Official Wiroless.J Reed. 11.30 a.m. RUGBY, Dec. 26 The men of the first squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force to arrive in England since the outbreak of war were received with a civic welcome by the Mayor at their port, of landing this morning. They are fully trained and represent all branches of the service, but before going on active service will undergo further training in England, Wing Commander L. V. Lachal, who is in command of the squadron, was among those who met the men on their arrival. Air Commodore T. E. B. Howe, in welcoming them on behalf of the British Air Minister, Sir Kingsley Wood, said: “We have all been greatly impressed in this country with the ready response which Australia made to the Empire air training scheme and also the part she is taking in the production of aircraft independently of the Home country.” Honourable Position Air Commodore Howe also conveyed a cordial welcome on behalf of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Coastal Command. Wing Commander Lachal, read the men a message from the Australian High Commissioner, Mr. S. M. Bruce, in which ho said: “Your safe arrival has given great pleasure, both in Britain and Australia. You are representatives of an air force which already has established for itself an honourable position in which you are called upon to perform and in which you will be associated with the Royal Air Force. You will, I know, maintain that tradition." A message from the Australian Air Minister, Mr. J. B. Fan-bairn, read: “A great responsibility rests upon you. You will be comrades in a great and just campaign with the men of the Royal Air Force and Australia is confident that you will play your part in whatever sphere you may be called upon to serve. “The people of Australia will follow your activities with the keenest interest and will look forward to your safe return when your task is done. May the best of good fortune attend you in this enterprise.”