Air Marshal To Command N.Z. Air Force Station

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 44, 26 April 1940, Page 2

Air Marshal To Command N.Z. Air Force Station

HE Minister of Defence, the Hon, F. Jones, announces the appointment of Air Marshal Sir Robert Clark Hall, K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O., to command the Royal New Zealand Air Force Station at Harewood, near Christchurch. Sir Robert, who will take up his appointment on May 15, will assume the rank of Wing Commander. He retired from the Royal Air Force five years ago, and has been living in Christchurch since his arrival in New Zealand. Sir Robert Clark Hall joined the Air Service in March, 1913, and was appointed to Eastchurch Station of the Naval Air Service. His early work, which included special armament duties, was concerned with the design of efficient bomb-dropping gear and a study of the flight of bombs. For his services during the war he won his D.S.O., the Legion of Honour, and was mentioned in despatches. When the Royal Air Force was reconstituted after the war, Sir Robert was appointed group captain in command of No. 29 Coastal Area Group. In January, 1922, he was appointed Air. Commodore, and shortly afterwards he went to the Staff College, No. 7 Group, Andover. s At the end of 1924, Sir Robert was appointed Chief Staff Officer of the R.A.F. Middle East Command, with headquarters in Cairo, and a year later he went to Malta as officer commanding the R.A.F. Mediterranean Command. After his return to England, he was appointed Director of Equipment at the Air Ministry with the rank of Air ViceMarshal. From 1931 to 1934 Sir Robert assumed command of the Coastal Area Command, and was appointed Air Marshal. He retired in August, 1934, and came to New Zealand to live about four years ago, bringing his wife and family with him. His great knowledge and wide experience should be invaluable to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.