AIR TRAINING CORPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1942, Page 2

AIR TRAINING CORPS

MASTERTON TOWN UNIT INSPECTED VISITING OFFICERS IMPRESSED. MAJOR YOUTH MOVEMENT. ‘‘TIk 1 Air Training Corps lias achieved the distinction of becoming oik 1 of the major youth movements in New Zealand, as in other countries,” said Squadron Leader W. S. It. Bloomfield, Deputy Commandant of the Air Training Corps, in an interview in Masterton this morning.

Squadron Leader Bloomfield, accompanied by Flight Lieutenant D. F. Inglis, D.C.M., Adjutant Wellington area, A.T.C., and Flight Lieutenant L. A. Warner, Training Staff Officer, inspected the Masterton unit of the Air Training Corps last night. Squadron Loader Bloomfield was particularly impressed with the type of boys hr the unit, who compared favourably with those in any unit in New Zealand. To his interviewer, Squadron Leader Bloomfield said: “The training of the corps is on the lines of the most modern ideas in operation in the R.A.F. In order to handle efficiently the modern fighters and bombers it is necessary for members of the air crew and of the ground staff to understand the elements of engineering, science and mathematics. The Air Training Corps syllabus represents the ground work in these and related subjects, with specialisation for field observers, wireless operator-airgunners, radio technicians, flight riggers and flight mechanics being introduced after cadets have left the Air Training Corps and entered unit training wings of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.” The inspection of the Masterton town unit (No. 21 Squadron) was carried out at Wairarapa College. Squadron Leader Bloomfield briefly addressed the boys on the interest and importance of the training which was ahead of them and extended his best wishes for their future careers in the Air Force. Later the visiting officers inspected the conditions of work in drill, first aid and physical training. In connection with first aid instruction the Air Training Corps was fortunate in having at its disposal the services of members of the St John Ambulance Association. The system of physical training, it is pointed out, represents a great departure from the methods that the older generations were used to and anyone inspecting the work of the Air Training Corps Cadets is impressed with the thorough enjoyment the boys receive from these modern methods. “Lads in and around Masterton who wish to make inquiries in regard to the Air Training Corps should communicate with the acting-officer commanding No. 21 Squadron, Mr E. K. Eastwood, Perry Street, Masterton, or with the acting squadron adjutant, Mr F. M. Cunningham, c/o Messrs Low and Cunningham, Church Street, MasterIon,” said Squadron Leader Bloomfield. “Boys from 16 to 18 years of age arc eligible to join the corps. They are supplied with Air Training' Corps uniforms. Boys thinking of joining the corps should do so as soon as possible, as the training schedule for the Masterton Squadron is just commencing.”