ROYAL AIR FORCE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1928, Page 2

ROYAL AIR FORCE

CIi\X(;KS IN COMMAND. (British Official AVireless.) RUGBY. Aug. 10. The following changes in the higher commands of the Royal Aid Force are announced: Air Alarshnl Sir John Salmoml has been selected to succeed Air Yiee-Alar-shal Sir Philip Game as Air .Member for Personnel on the Air Council at the beginning of January next, and Air Vice-Marshal Sir Edward Islington will at the same time succeed Air Marshal Sir John Salmond as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief tile Air Defence of Great Britain.

Sir John Salmond has had a distinguished career as a living officer. On the. outbreak of the war in 1914 lie went to Franco in command of No. 3 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps, and subsequently received rapid promotion. Tn 1910 he became Brig-adier-General, and the following year was promoted to Major-General. Ihon lie became General Officer Comma,tiding the Royal Air Force in France, which appointment he held until the eonel usnui of hostilities. To October, 1922. ho was appointed to command the combined British lories in liaq. In 1923 he was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal in recognition of his distinguished service in Iraq, and on returning to England was appointed Air Officer Commandcr-in-Chief of the Air Defence of Great Britain, a new command. Shortly afterwards ho was appointed Controller-General of Equipment at the Air Ministry and on the reorganisation of the Air Ministry in 1919 he became Director-General of Supply and Research, with a seat on the Air Couni!. He held this appointment until 1922, when he proceeded to Egypt to take over the command of the Royal Air Force and control of the air services of the country.

At present Sir John Salniond is in Australia, at tlio request of the Australian Government, advising them on the air defence of flic Commonwealth, and on the organisation, training and equipment of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Air A'ice-Alarshal Sir Kdward Klling;on lieeame Director-General of Military Aeronautics In 191 Sin the Middle East. He relinquished this command in 1923 on his appointment as Air Officer Commanding the Royal Air Force in India. Since November, 192(1. he has commanded the British forces in Iraq.