N.Z. AIR STRENGTH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20875, 29 August 1942, Page 4

N.Z. AIR STRENGTH

CONSIDERABLE FORCE ATTACK AND DEFENCE NEW PLANES OPERATING (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Minister of Defence, the Hon ,"F. Jones, revealed to-day that new :-types of aircraft are being placed in 'service in the Dominion. He said that most New Zealanders had now seen in the air new types of fighters and bombers which had been added to the R'oyal New Zealand Air Force. “in addition to new operational types, we have several modern -types ff single and twin-engined training aircraft which are providing New Zealand air crews with advanced training" instruction and operational experience.” he said. “Many of our instructors have returned from active service overseas, with the result that our operational units are manned by thoroughly qualified personnel. “It is obviously not possible for me to give the full details of the development of our air policy in this direction. but I can say that New Zealand’s 1 air strength is a considerable factor i.o be reckoned with in any possible war operations in this area. It may also be said that we are looking considerably beyond our own shores. Wc j-ealise that to boat an enemy we must carry the- attack to his bases. Wc i already are co-operating in this task in the Pacific.” Referring more specifically to the new aircraft, Mr. Jones mentioned that some types had been engaged for some time in carrying out long-range patrol and reconnaissance duties. The Hudson reconnaissance bomber was now a familiar sight in this country. Numbers of Avro Anson reconnaissance bombers had also arrived in New Zealand.. These aircraft were most valuable for advanced operational training purposes, while a formidable addition to our fighter strength had been the Kittyhawk. a type which at present was inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese north of Australia.