RESISTING ATTACK

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20507, 25 May 1938, Page 9

RESISTING ATTACK

DOMINION AIR FORCE IMPORTATION OF BOMBERS OUTLINE OF REQUIREMENTS (Special to Times.) MASTERTON. Tuesday The aim behind the policy of the Air Department is to train pilots to take their place in the service in the event of war,’’ declared Group-Captain the Hon. R. A.‘Cochrane, Chief of the Staff. In a comprehensive survey of New Zealand’s air defences, at a meeting of the Wafrarapa and Ruahine Aero Club. “ The men have to be trained, not only to Ay. but to fight, which is much more complicated than just flying at an aerodrome." Group-Captain Cochrane said that by defence he mean* defence by aeroplanes rather than defence against aeroplanes. Attack by aircraft was exceedingly remote except from a few machines which might be brought by ship, for any attack on New Zealand must come from ships. That was the clue to the defence force that was needed. “ It Is far better to sink a ship than to shoot down any aeroplanes It might be carrying,’’ sajd Group-Captain Cochrane. " For that reason the need exists for bombers to sink ships rather than for fighting aircraft. Fighting aircraft cannot operate unless they have a great deal of warning of attack. Attacks on Cities " The major cities of New Zealand are on the coast and could not receive adequate warning." he continued. " If they did not have bombing aeroplanes the enemy machines could be in and out before our machines were off the ground. What ore required are aircraft that can go out and attack enemy ships in New* Zealand waters-—machines that can go out a long way." It was necessary that they should have a highly trained personnel to handle the expensive machines and equipment. Group-Captain Cochrane dealt with the value of the territorial squadrons, which he described as the second line of defence. The third element in the organisation—the reserves—was most necessary for the expansion of the force in the event of emergency.