AIR FORCE GROWTH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 August 1940, Page 7

AIR FORCE GROWTH

... ■s, INCREASE IN AUSTRALIA. BIG NUMBER OF TRAINED MEN. The strength of the Royal Australian Air Force has increased five times since the outbreak of the war, and is now growing almost daily to an extent which the most optimistic planV' ners had barely hoped for. According to news received by the Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, there are now 1,250 officers and 16,715 men in the Australian force, compared with 310 officers and 3.17.9 men before war was declared. The strength of the force, including cadets, is now 18,130 men. Apart from these there are 4.798 air crew personnel on the waiting list. These numbers are outside of those being enlisted under the Empire Air Scheme. The total number attending various training schools is about 1,400. In August (this month) the monthly intake will be stepped up to 502, and in November to 552 By this time 3,473 air crew will have been called up. The response to the call for fitters has been splendid. To date 2,243 qualified fitters and 2,240 fitter trainees have been obtained. At the outbreak of the war there were 1,069 fitters in the service. In addition, 4,169 men have been selected as mechanic and rigger trainees. Educational classes for air crew reservists, designed originally to assist reservists who had not reached the desired educational standard, are rapidly widening in scope. Refresher courses have been provided for more advanced pupils.