H.—37

1943 NEW ZEALAND

AIR DEPARTMENT (REPORT ON THE) FOR THE YEAR 1942-43

Presented in pursuance of Section 7 of the Air Department Act, 1937

REPORT BY THE HONOURABLE F. JONES, MINISTER IN CHARGE OF THE AIR DEPARTMENT, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1943 Me. Speaker,— I have the honour to present to Parliament the report of the Air Department for the year ended 31st March, 1943. Because it is impracticable to publish detailed information on defence programmes during wartime, and also because of the shortage of paper, it has again been decided to reduce drastically the scope of the Department's report. I desire to express to all concerned my appreciation of the efficient and energetic manner in which they have met the many problems and difficulties of this period.

REPORT BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1943 The Hon. the Minister of Defence. I have the honour to submit the following report on the Royal New Zealand Air Force for the year ended 31st March, 1943. Personnel. —The year has been chiefly notable for the increase in the strength of the R.N.Z.A.F. , which was over 1.00 per cent, greater than at 31st March, 1942. All commitments have been met, but this has resulted in a heavy drain on reserves of applicants. Awards. —The following table details the awards made to New Zealand air personnel from the outbreak of war to 31st March, 1943. Comparative figures are also given for 1941 and 1942 :—

In addition, several honours have been conferred, and many have been mentioned in despatches.

, , 31st March, 31st March, 31st March, Awams - 1941. 1942. 1943. Victoria Cross .. .. .. . . .. .. 1 1 Distinguished Service Order .. .. .. .. .. 6 15 Military Cross .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Conspicuous Gallantry Medal .. .. . . .. .. . . 1 Distinguished Flying Cross .. .. .. .. 62 115 213 Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross .. .. .. 2 7 20 Distinguished Flying Medal .. .. .. .. 5 33 78 Bar to Distinguished Flying Medal . . . . .. .. . . 1 George Medal .. .. .. .. .. 3 3 3 Air Force Cross -. .. 8 19 27 Bar to Air Force Cress .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 Croix de Guerre .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 1 Air Force Medal .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 4 Order of Lenin .. .. . . . . .. . . .. 1 Order of Crown of Yugoslavia . . .. . . .. .. .. 2 Order of White Eagle of Yugoslavia .. . . .. .. .. 1 81 188 370