Battle of Britain salute scene of another attack

By ALAN PERROTT

A few quiet bombs were dropped on the Government during the annual Air Force Commemoration Day.

About 50 old flyboys paraded before a 300-strong crowd at the cenotaph in the Auckland Domain yesterday to remember old comrades and deeds on the occasion once known as Battle of Britain Day.

While there was much pride among the ranks there was also considerable anger over the axing of the Skyhawk squadrons.

The Air Force's 17 Skyhawk fighter bombers and 17 Aermacchi jet trainers have been on the market since the end of last year.

A last-ditch public attempt to save the squadrons ended in the Court of Appeal last February.

Words such as devastated, gutted and shameful flowed freely in conversation, although no one wanted to put their names with the bile. Former RAF squadron leader Ray Karran preferred to look at the positive.

"Do we have low morale? Far from it, this is a rebuilding phase.

"The Air Force is getting new equipment and they are receiving worldwide recognition for their efforts in Timor, Bosnia and Kosovo."

Mr Karran said his heart was still racing from the applause they received during their parade and the news that his grandson had just signed up for the Air Force.

"I just couldn't believe it. I'm very proud."

Event host Neil Morgan, of the North Shore RNZAF Association, said there would be no public criticism of the Government's policy.

"When you get down to it these guys are quite loyal to the country, their beliefs and the service, but they would be upset at how the Government has gone in recent years."

The former flight sergeant clocked up 24 years' service between 1955 and 1979 and is now on his second tour of duty maintaining Iroquois helicopters at the Whenuapai Air Base.

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/defence