Youngest R.A.F. Instructor

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 23, 18 November 1938, Page 4

Youngest R.A.F. Instructor

Flying Officer lan D. Strachan Is_ Son Of NCBS Executive HE Commercial Broadcasting Service has a close, and practical, association, with aviation. The Controller, Mr. C. G. Scrimgeour, was formerly a keen flying man, and is a past-captain of the Auckland Aero Club. "Beau" Sheil, of course, is known internationally, owing to his association with the late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. Several of the ZB announcers are qualified pilots, and one has the distinction of having been "grounded" in Sydney for flying under the Sydney harbour bridge.

ND now advice has been received by L. EH. Strachan, National production officer for the service, that his son, Flying Officer Ian. D. Strachan, has achieved the distinction of being appointed an instructor for the Royal Air Force, in England. Flying Officer Strachan, who has just turned 21 years of age, is the youngest instructor in the Royal Air Force. He was specially selected for training as an instruetor on the completion of his flying course, being classed aS an exceptional pilot. During his training he broke three Air Ferce Training Schoo! records. He was one of the batch of New Zealand trainees selected for the Royal Air Foree in 1937, and arrived in England in September, 1937. . Flying Officer Strachan is an ex-pupil of Wellington College, where he was prominent in all forms of sport. In 1932 he won the junior welterweight boxing championship. In 1933 he wen the junior swimming championship, and in 1934 the senior swimming championship. He was also a member of the college first fifteen. After leaving school be con-

tinued to take an active interest in sport, and for a time, played in the senior grade Poneke foctball team. Among his treasured possessions is an autographed jersey of AIL Black Jack Grifliths, who tock 2 keen interest in the promising young footballer.