H.—37

A total of 17 honours has been granted to R.N.Z.A.F. personnel since the outbreak of war to 31st March, 1944. This total consists of — Commander of the Order of the British Empire .. .. .. .. 3 Officer of the Order of the British Empire .. .. . . .. .. 5 Member of the Order of the British Empire .. . . .. . . 9 Casualties. — (a) Overseas : From the outbreak of war to 31st March, 1944, 3,062 personnel have been reported as casualties. Additional casualties for the year totalled 1,061. The analysis for each year is as follows : —

Analysis of total casualties from outbreak of war to 31st March, 1944 : — Killed or presumed dead .. .. .. .. .. 2,210 Missing, believed killed .. .. .. .. .. 93 Missing .. .. .. .. .'.' .. .. 314 Prisoner of war or interned .. .. .. .. .. 445 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,062t f Of this total, 2,716 casualties have been reported to personnel of the R.N.Z.A.F. and 346 to New-Zealanders serving with the R.A.F. at the outbreak of war. In addition, 77 have been reported seriously ill/injured and remain on the list at 31st March, 1944. The comparative total last year was 66. (b) In New Zealand : During the year there were thirty fatal flying accidents, involving the loss of 52 lives. The following table gives the annual death-rate from Ist April, 1940, to 31st March, 1944 : —

Empire Air Training Scheme. —The Empire Air Training Scheme has continued to function during the year and the output of trained aircrew has been fully maintained at the agreed figures. The results of this remarkable programme are now everywhere in evidence on the war fronts of the United Nations. Training Organization. — (a) Flying Training : Satisfactory reports received from overseas and from operational units within New Zealand, together with the success achieved by New Zealand aircrew personnel operating in the Pacific area, prove that the training of aircrews is thorough and is keeping pace with present-day operational requirements. The standard of flying training in New Zealand compares most favourably with that maintained elsewhere throughout the Empire. Enlistments for aircrew duties have been sufficient to ensure full outputs in all categories of pilot, navigator, air bomber, and wireless operator/air gunner. Supplies of aircraft, spare parts, and equipment have been reasonably well maintained during the year. The reduced accident rate in flying training schools reflects credit on all those concerned with flying training. It has been reduced to a relatively low level, and this improvement is no doubt largely due to a vigorous anti-accident campaign which has been conducted during the year. (6) Technical Training : A high standard has been maintained, involving a wide range of trades, in spite of the lower qualifications of personnel under training. The training staffs have executed their duties with commendable enthusiasm. (c) Physical Education and Recreational Training : In 1943 a trained staff was appointed to bring into operation a scientifically-planned programme of physical training. The improvement in the physique and mental outlook of personnel has been a tribute to the work of the instructors. (d) General and Service Training : Units leaving New Zealand for service overseas are now capable of taking their places with other branches of the Services with the knowledge that their general and service training is in accordance with the latest methods. All recruits now receive training in defence against gas. Educational Services. —Facilities for general educational welfare have been available since April, 1943, and R.N.Z.A.F. educational facilities are also available to all naval personnel.

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Total to Increase or Total to Increase or Total to Increase or Total to 81st March, Decrease Hist March, Decrease 31st March, Decrease 81st March, 1941. for Year. 1942. for Year. 1943. for Year. 1944. Killed or presumed dead .. 156 373 529 677 1,206 1,004 2,210 •Missing, believed killed .. 20 31 51 124 175 - 82 93 *Missing .. .. 59 76 135 172 307 7 314 ♦Prisoner of war or interned 50 82 132 155 287 158 445 ♦Missing, believed prisoner .. 6 6 20 26 — 26 Nil of war ■ Total from outbreak 285 .. 853 .. 2,001 .. 3,062 of war ■ Increase for year .. .. 568 .. 1,148 .. 1,061 * Figures in these categories fluctuate from time to time as personnel are reclassified on receipt of additional information.

As at As at As at As at . Cause of Death. 31st March, 31st March, 31st March, 31st March, Total. 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944. I Aircraft accidents .. 37 57 75 52* 221 Motor and other non-flying 7 4 11 11 33 accidents Natural causes .... 5 2 14 30| 51 49 63 100 93 305 * Includes 1 W.A.A.F. t Includes 5 W.A.A.F.