BRITISH AIR FORCE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1929, Page 5

BRITISH AIR FORCE

TRIBUTE TO OPERATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 20. - . Lord Win ter ton (Under-Secretary for India) stated in the House that the evacuation of the last remaining members of the staff of the British Legation at Kabul was successfully achieved yesterday. Sir FI. Humphreys in paying a warm tribute to the remarkable smoothness and efficiency with which the Air Force had carried out the arduous undertaking, had telegraphed: “ Royal. Air Force performed historic achievement. Conveyed f)Hfi persons in 3‘2 aeroplanes without a couple mishap to passengers, since 2‘lrd December, over mountainous country in the depth of winter, at an average height, of 10,000 feet. The conditions have always bpen difficult and during the last two days almost insuperable on account of a heavy fall of snow.” Lord Winterton paused to observe: I am sure the House will cordially endorse this tribute.” He continued to read the telegram, which ran: ‘‘ln the early stages of aircraft operations, which first established touch wtili the Legation they were repeatedly under lire and one machine was shot down over Kabul. The pilot fortunately was not hurt and has since rendered invaluable assistance to Sir 11. Humphreys. The Royal Air Force personnel have flown over the wild border country unharmed. One machine made a forced landing through the engine freezing, whilst m flight. Its two occupants for some days were in the hands of tribesmen although subsequently they were successfully evacuated by aircralt.”