SIR CYRIL NEWALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24422, 7 October 1940, Page 6

SIR CYRIL NEWALL

NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL REMARKABLE TRIBUTES GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON. Oct. 5. (Received Oct. 6, at 8.10 p.m.) One of the pioneers of the R.A.F., and holder of the 144th flying licence issued in England, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Cyril Newall, during a discussion with representatives of the United Press on the general war situation, revealed a clear grasp and profound knowledge of the problems of aerial warfare which have enabled him to outlast three Chiefs of the Imperial General Staff and two First Sea Lords during his three years’ membership of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Three rows of ribbons and fading and discoloured “ wings ” on hi uniform give some indication of his length of service.

Subordinates at the Air Ministry pay tribute to Sir Cyril’s remarkable attention to detail and deplore the loss of a chief who guided the Air Force to the highest pinnacle of service yet achieved.

Pioneer of R.A.F,

The new Governor-General learnt to fly while on leave frcm the Indian Army in 1911, when he undertook a course at the Central Flying School, Bristol. He flew a Bristol Boxkite, described as being kept together by string, rubber bands, glue, and nails. It was capable of 60 miles an hour at an altitude of 3000 to 4000 feet. Sir Cyril returned to India fired with a desire to initiate a similar flying school there, but he encountered opposition. He persevered, however, and two years later induced the authorities to lay the foundation for a school which had scarcely begun operations before the Great War broke out.

Sir Cyril’s regiment went to France, and he joined the Royal Flying Corps as a flight-commander. He was appointed in 1917 to command the 41st Bombing Wing, which carried cut an offensive against German objectives in order to counter the air raids against London. Sir Cyril’s wing was the forerunner of the independent Air Force created in 1918 in which he commanded the Bth Brigade. “ Honoured and Pleased ” “Although I am sorry to leave my present post,” Sir Cyril said, “ I am tremendously honoured and pleased, particularly as my wife and I have always been interested in New Zealand and hoped for an opportunity of visiting it. As for the job here, I am always in favour of changes, especially when I have a successor like Sir Charles Portal, who is a first-rate fellow. I was greatly touched to receive a message of congratulation and greetings from the New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr P, Fraser) and also from Air Headquarters, Wellington. I am taking with me my two daughters, aged 14 and 13, and my son, aged 10. They are delighted at the prospect.. “ I am looking forward to meeting people who are making such a noble contribution to the defeat of the enemy. I am also eager for close association with the defence forces, particularly the Air Force, and I desire to study the defence problems there first hand, although my work on the Chiefs of Staffs Committee has given me.an insight into the defence of the Empire as a whole. I have never before been further East than Calcutta, although I once crossed the equator by motor car and several times by air.” Fishing, particularly fly-fishing, is Sir Cyril’s principal hobby. He has never done big game fishing, but he hopes to learn the art in New Zealand. He is also intensely interested in music and painting.

Pinnacle of Achievement

The R.A.F. swears by Sir Cyril, whose command has always been personal—never that of an impersonal administrator. When the complete history is written of the R.A.F. it will also be a biography of Sir Cyril. There are few aspects of its growth in which he has not had a hand. He nursed the R.A.F. throughout two of its most critical years. _ Both Sir Cyril and the new Air Chief Marshal, Sir Charles Portal, are great believers in offensive operations. Both strongly maintain that the winning of the war will be greatly assisted by large-scale bombing offensives throughout Germany. The Daily Mail says: “There is no muddle nor crushing defeat behind Sir Cyril Newall’s departure. He has spent a lifetime in flying, and no man has relinquished the command of a fighting force at a moment of greater achievement.” The Times says: “ Sir Cyril Newall will take to New Zealand the good wishes of all ranks of the R.A.F., with whom he is exceedingly popular. After his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff in 1937, he worked untiringly to make the R.A.F. the finest Air Force in the world. He has seen it grow out of all knowledge, both in size and efficiency. He retained command long enough to see his ambition achieved.”

Aviation Circles Surprised Sir Cyril Newall’s appointment surprised aviation circles, who pay tribute to his great tactical gifts and state that he has borne the brunt of organising the R.A.F.’s struggle both in defence of the Homeland and in hammering Europe. One aeronautical authority declared that the modern R.A.F. is partly Sir Cyril’s creation. He was Chief of the Air Staff throughout tremendous expansion and he forged a formidable weapon.

DOMINION’S GREETINGS PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE APPRECIATIVE ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Special ro Daily Times) WELLINGTON, Oct. 6, Messages have been exchanged by cablegram during the week-end between the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, and Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Cyril Newall, who has been appointed to succeed Viscount Galway as Governor-General of New Zealand. Mr Fraser sent the following message to Sir Cyril;—“ On behalf of Ine Government and people of the Dominion, I should like to offer you a cordial message of greetings and congratulations upon your appointment as Governor-General of New Zealand. Your name and your con-

spicuous services to the British Commonwealth, particularly during these critical months, are well known to us, and I can assure you that a very hearty welcome awaits Lady Newall and yourself here.” Sir Cyril’s reply, which was received to-day, reads; “I am deeply touched by your message. Please convey my warmest thanks to the Government and people of New Zealand. It is a high honour to me to have been called to the office of Governor-General of a great Dominion, and I shall spare no endeavour to be of service to New Zealand. Lady Newall joins me in looking forward with keen anticipation to our arrival.”