CHRISTMAS LEAVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1943, Page 6

CHRISTMAS LEAVE

FOR MEMBERS OF AIR FORCE MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The relationship'' between New Zealand’s air training plan and the maintenance of operational squadrons of the R.N.Z.A.F. in the Pacific was explained last night by the Minister of ! Defence, Mr Jones, in replying to questions which have been raised about Christmas leave for members of the Air Force. “I realise that many members of the R.N.Z.A.F. and their families are disappointed that a longer period of special Christmas leave could not be granted,” said the Minister. “It should be made clear that the whole matter has been given the most careful consideration, and it has been found impossible to grant extended leave generally throughout the service. “This is due primarily to the fact that important operations are taking place in the Pacific, and Royal New Zealand Air Force squadrons have been allocated essential duties in the prosecution of these campaigns. New Zealand’s operational plan in the Pacific, as far as the Air Force is concerned, is based on a rotation scheme whereby aircrew and ground personnel pass through their various stages of training, and then go forward to replace personnel who have completed their tour of duty in the Islands. Operational squadrons can be maintained at the peak of efficiency for definite periods only. If these periods are unduly exceeded, the risk to personnel rises sharply under the stress of fatigue, and, in addition, the success of air operations may be seriously prejudiced. The three days’ privilege leave granted does not affect an airman’s entitlement to annual leave, nor his ultimate embarkation leave. All personnel will still be entitled to leave; under these headings.”