BRITISH DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20496, 12 May 1938, Page 9

BRITISH DEFENCE

4 THE KING’S TOUR M MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION IMPRESSED BY AIR FORCE (Official Wireless) RUGBY, May 10 After hla return from his 200-mile ilr tour of the four important Royal Air Force stations, the King sent the following message to the Air Force: " I spent an Interesting and enjoyable day with the Royal Air Force, and I would like them to know how Impressed I am with with all that I have seen. I congratulate them on the determined and successful way they are meeting the heavy demands made upon them by the expansion of their service, and I send them my best wishes.'* THE DEFENCE OF LONDON BALLOON BARRAGE SQUADRONS AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, May 11 The Air Ministry announces that the formation of the first three balloon barrage squadrons for the defence of London against air raids will begin on May 16. Eventually there will be ten squadrons comprising 500 balloons. The total personnel required will be about 6000 officers and men, and the minimum age limit for enlistment will be 39. The object of the barrage is to force enemy aircraft to a height at which they can be effectively attacked by fighter aeroplanes and anti-air-craft guns Each balloon will be attached by a steel cable to a ground winch. The rabies will be strong enomrh to bring down any aeroplano colliding with them.

THE REGULAR ARMY RECRUITING AT HIGH LEVEL (OIBeiA! Wireless) RUGBY, May 10 Recruiting for the Regular Army continues at a high level compared with a year ago. The figures for London last week show that enlistments were more than doubled, at 113. The recruiting figures last week for all arms totalled 798, an increase over the corresponding week last year of 422.