Bateleur September 1978

Parade report; Commander's message is to stand fast

 The Wings parade is traditionally a glittering finale to a tough course of flying training, and this year's event was no  exception. The last parade of No. 31 Pilot Training Course, held at Thornhill on the 25th August, had all the usual elements of pomp and formal ceremony.

The parade was reviewed by the Commander, Air Marshal F. W. Mussel). OLM, and was attended by a large number of official guests and spectators. The Commander addressed his speech to the newly-graduated pilots as he stressed that much that is best in the tradition of our Air Force lay behind their attendance at the parade. He said that the newly-graduated pilots, the youngest generation of a long line, will carry forward into the future that proud tradition of service to their country and all of its people that has characterized the Air Force for so long.

 In a brief comment on political change, the commander made the point that change is nothing new for this Force, for we have had several changes of nature and of name in our country. Throughout all of these changes, he said, one thing has remained constant; the continuing standards of excellence achieved by all sections of the Force.

 "This Force represents an investment by the country over a long period of time," said the Air Marshal. "Now the battle has been joined with the forces which seem our overthrow, we are called upon to bend our every effort to the  task in hand. Our responsibilities are not changed by the changing circumstances of our life style, and nor can they  be in the future. We do not. nor can we ever, serve a poltical order. We serve the people oft his country, great and small. We have have not failed our country or our service in the past and neither will we do so in the future."

 The Commander went on to address his remarks to the families and friends of the graduating cadets and also to the  instructors and technicians who had played such a large part in supporting them during their course. "The officers  of No. 31 PTC have not arrived at this point by their efforts alone." he said. "They represent collectively, a very large  investment of the time and effort of all sections of the Air Force at all levels. Lecturers instructors, technicians,  administrators, alike, all see the culmination of 18 months of work, and each can take pride and satisfaction in the  part which he or she has played. Further, and in a very real sense, our collective fighting spirit relies upon the  support of each serving member by his family and friends, and I pay tribute today to the encouragement which has  been forthcoming unstintingly from wives and families in recent years, during lengthy separations and in unsettled domestic circumstances. It follows, therefore, that the families of the new officers of No. 31 PTC have a responsibility in their turn, and a tradition to follow in the manner in which that responsibility is discharged. If you. the individual members of our service families, are found wanting in your task the consequences will inevitably be seen  in reduced operational effectiveness of this Force."

 Determination

 The Commander paid tribute to the fact that the task of training young pilots had been accomplished when the operational demands of our Force had been more strenuous than ever before. He said that the fact we have been able to meet both the operational and training tasks speaks for itself of the ability of all members of the Force to make the best possible use of our limited resources of manpower and machinery. He went on. "The presence of this Course on the parade ground today provides proof of our determination to stand firm in adversity. It demonstrates our ability to respond to change. It gives promise for the future of our Air Force in a country of equally great potential." He concluded by congratulating the graduating members of No. 31 PTC and by declaring his trust and confidence in their loyalty, courage and good conduct.

 A further salute was paid to the newly-commissioned officers by their instructors, who staged the traditional fly-past  of Vampires, led by the OC Flying Wing.

 The graduating cadets were Guy Dixon (19). educated at Kearnsey College. South Africa: Edward Jackman (20).  from Prince Edward; Mark Kleynhans (22), Changi Grammar School. Singapore; Jonathan Ludgator (21). Prince Edward; Alistair Middleton (20). Prince Edward; Jeremy Skeeles (22), Plumtrce; Graham Thwaits (20). Oriel; Miles Orbell (21). Mount Pleasant; Michel Seegmuller (19). Allan Wilson; Michael Pinga (21). Jameson High School; Patrick Richards (18). Gifford Technical; Lodewieus Mostert (19). Lord Malvern; Ian Wallis (21). Fort Victoria High and Marc Stols (20). Ellis Robins.

The Commander congratulating officer cadet Guy Dixon

The Commander's Award for the best performance on the Course was won by Officer Cadet Guy Dixon, who was  really in with a head start anyway. His father was an airline pilot, and his mother is currently a qualified flying  instructor In Salisbury.

Wings for new Navigator and technicians

 In a brief formal ceremony at Air Head- quarters on 31st July. Officer Cadet Paul Perioli received his wings as a qualified navigator and his commission as an Air Sub-Lieutenant.

Paul (20) was educated at Umtali Boys' High School and joined the Force in 1977 as a refugee from the BSAP. Since  then he has completed a formal navigation course, as well as the Canberra OCU and bombing courses.

In presenting the navigator's brevet the Chief of Staff. Air Marshal Dams, congratulated the new officer on his achievement and welcomed him to the ranks of operational aircrew. The ceremony was attended by the graduate's  parents, and by his sister and brother-in-law. The photograph shows the Chief of Staff pinning on the coveted brevet.

 Wings were also in the air for a brand- new batch of qualified chopper technicians who were presented with their  brevets at New Sarum recently. In traditional fashion, the parade was an informal affair followed by a relaxed  sun downer — both events being presided over by Air Commodore "Dicky" Bradshaw.

 The brevet presentation was preceded by a short demonstration of helicopter capability for the benefit of the wives and families of the graduating techs. Fit Lts Dave Rowe and Willie Knight took their Alouettes through some general handling, hoisting, cargo sling and hovering exercises to the obvious enjoyment of the spectators.

 Brevets were presented to Sergeants Phil Scott and Chris Joubert. and Corporals Billy Watt. Mario Venutti. "Criv" Crivellari. Gary Carter. Mike Smith, Lionel! Davel, Pete Caborn. John Jacobs. Mark Jackson and Bob Thomson. Also  qualifying for the award, but absent on duty in the bush were Sgt. "Beaver" Shaw and Cpl Frank Tyrrell.

GTS Gets New Trophy  

The Air Force has benefited by the acquisition of a new trophy, presented by the technical graduates of No. 1 Ground Training School. The Sid Watson Memorial Trophy has been designed and presented in tribute to the man who for a period of eight years was a popular and well-known Engine lecturer at the School. Before that appointment he had served for many years as an NCO in the Force.

Following his death in March of this year. GTS Staff and members of 36 LAR proposed the idea of a memorial trophy, and arranged for donations from ex-pupils of Mr. Watson's. Their generosity, and the ingenuity of WO Beeson's design, has resulted in the very unusual and attractive trophy depicted here. The piston and turbine stage are symbolic of the two main branches of the trade, whilst the spanner and pliers represent the tools of the technician. In the materials used, aluminum, steel, brass and copper, are represented the metals commonly used in engines.

The trophy will first be awarded to the best all-round engine apprentice of 35 LAR, and it is intended that Mrs. Watson will be asked to make the presentation in her late husband's memory.

Rob flies again

On the 4th May. 1977 one of our aircraft exploded against an Eastern Districts mountainside. The pilot. Air Sub- Lieutenant Rob Griffiths, (19) suffered 60 per cent, burns, principally to the face, head and limbs. There were grave doubts as to his ability to survive, and even if he did live, he would "obviously" be disabled to some degree.

But the medical diagnoses could not take into account the promise that had been made beneath the bandages and charred flesh. For Rob Griffiths was allowing himself just one year — not only to regain his full medical category, but also to be airborne again.

It was to be a promise which was kept, for after months of recuperation, skin grafts, plastic surgery and general therapy, Rob began his re-familiarization course- in May of 1978. By the end of July he had completed the course and was back in the operational area, "settling", as he put it"a few old scores".

Rob may never be one of our ace pilots, and he'll certainly never qualify as amongst the prettiest, but there can be few who will match him for determination and courage.

End of Page 2

Christmas as usual

Despite uncertainty in other quarters, the ladies of the Border Patrol Welfare Fund have made up their minds and have announced that it will be Christmas as usual this year.

A recent meeting of the Fund's executive committee .attended by representatives of all service welfare organizations, decided that the level of festive assistance will be unchanged from previous years. That means that each Force will  receive a donation from the Fund of $1.50 for each man on duty in the operational area on Christmas Day.

The decision came after some discussion amongst service representatives. The point was made that the exercise cost $48 000 last year and could well cost more in 1978. The question existed, said one representative. as to whether the money might not better be spent on welfare equipment of more lasting benefit. But the Fund chairman. Mrs. Passaportis, stressed that the general public donated to the Fund because they envisaged their money  providing Christmas parcels for the troops in the bush. It was therefore incumbent on the Fund to provide that sort of service, she said.

In practice, the money will be used at the discretion of the Units involved. As in past years, some organizations will use the donation to provide a party for troops returning home after Christmas, while others will spend funds on glory bags. The Air Force policy in recent years has been to buy each airman a spccial Christmas lunch with the money. In this way, the turkey, wine, hams and puddings all come with the best wishes of the Border Patrol Welfare 

Fund.

The system is reported to have worked well for us in recent years, and would seem to be the most appreciated way of spending the donation. But if there are any bright sparks in our midst who have any alternative suggestions to  offer, we would be happy to hear from them.

Further news of this project will be carried in our next issue.

Welfare donations

Our sincereand grateful thanks go to Mrs. Rens of Pretoria who has generously donated a large box of books to the men of our Forward Air Fields.

Mrs Margaret Harding turned up trumps again and continued supplies of pickles and shortbread, and our winter chills were kept at bay by generous donations of balaclavas and scarves, including a personal parcel from Mrs Hestor Upton of Eastlea, Salisbury, and consignments from Co-Ord-A-Nation.

Rooms for families

A new welfare facility exists in Salisbury for wounded servicemen, thanks to the generosity of the Tanrose organization and Meikles Southern Sun Hotels. Between them the sponsors are arranging for two double hotel rooms to be available for the immediate families of men immobilized at St. Giles, or hospitalized at the Andrew Fleming. This means that men from out of town can benefit from family visits more readily than before, and the arrangement will be an obvious morale booster.

In practice, men requiring to book, this free facility should contact Admin I or the Secretariat at Air Headquarters by any available means.

We have received an offer from the management of the Casa Mia Hotel, Durban. Security personnel, and their families. are offered dinner, bed and breakfast at R4.50 a day, or $28 per week, and there are special rates for children. Unfortunately the hotel is fully booked for the immediate Christmas season but bookings for any other time are most welcome. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this offer should write directly to the Manageress of the Hotel at 17. Cato Street. Durban.

ROLL OF HONOUR

We salute the memory of the following of our colleagues who gave their lives in the service of Rhodesia:—

Flight Lieutenant Francois du Toit 28 July 1978

Sergeant Kevin Nelson 28 July 1978

New Batleur

Bateleur has a new face to publicise on its own behalf. Corporal Averil Whitley (21) has joined the Admin Secretariat at Air Headquarters, with special functions-as our general newshound and occasional dogsbody.

Averil. born in Salisbury and educated at Queen Elizabeth School, comes to the Air Force fresh from scooping an English degree at the University of Cape Town. She started a Public Relations course after her BA. but decided to come back to Rhodesia to learn the job at first hand.

After just one month. Averil is still finding her feet in the Force but is looking forward to the task of getting Bateleur out with improved frequency in the future. "I'm after all the news," she says "so send in all those stories and we'll  take it from there."

FORCES'CLUB OPEN FOR ALL SERVICEMEN

The Salisbury Forces Centre continues to go from strength to strength and is filling an increasing need amongt troopies of all services. Each month the bed occupancy rate increases and the number of meals served grows  significantly.

Run by Co-Ord-A-Nation at the comer of Baines Avenue and Seventh Street, the centre set out to provide a home from home with basic welfare facilities, but has become increasingly involved with a much wider range of services. 

The staff not only provide the basic comforts but will also store kit for passing troopies. arrange welfare parcels, books and magazines for bush bases, and are ever-ready to lend a sym- pathetic ear to personal problems.

The centre has facilities for squash, tennis and swimming, and is ready to provide a big welcome for any airmen who would like to drop in — at any lime

Tsanga Forces' Centre now "official"

Scrviccmen of all Forces will have been pleased to learn that a properly-appointed board of trustees is now to handle the day- to-day running of Tsanga Lodge. At an in- augural meeting held in Inyanga, the Army Chief of. Staff (Administration). General Derry Maclntyrc. made the point that the step was necessary in order to properly administer the very large sums of money being donated to Tsanga Lodge by the general public. He said that the 

Army was happy to hand over the financial control of the Lodge to the board of civilian trustees, who would be responsible for both generating and spending all of the relevant funds, and for producing accurate reports of expenditure.

Since its inception Tsanga Lodge, established in a house owned by Mr. Charles Hamner, has been run as a 

rehabilitation centre for wounded and sick members of all of Rhodesia's forces. At the inaugural meeting of the trustees, the Lodge CO Lt Dick Paget, reported that 162 Army menhad been patients, as had 32 men from the Guard Force. 11 for Internal Affairs and eight each from the Police and Air Force

The centre aims at providing each guest with a co-ordinated recuperative exercise programme as well as adjusting mental attitudes with a view to getting each man back into normal society as quickly as possible. 

Set in attractive hilly countryside above Troutbeck, the centre provides a wide range of facilities including a well equipped gymnasium.

Entry to Tsanga Lodge is entirely on a voluntary basis, and airmen who qualify for rehabilitation treatment may apply through their unit CO.

Air Force Alsatian for Senator Chief Chirau

Dogs, it seems, are very important as associated symbols of chieftainship. And Chief Chirau's links with the Air Force are well known. So it was natural that when the Senator Chief needed a dog some years ago. the New Sarum Dog Section should donate an Alsatian called Prince — and when Prince died, that a replacement should be found from the same source.

So it was that on 5th July, in the presence of the Chief of Staff, 5 J year old "Dusty" was handed over at New Sarum to become the newest member of the Chirau household.

Our picture shows the Senator Chief accepting Dusty from WO Kenneth Masunda. after which he said that his connections with the Air Force were widely known and respected.

Sports champions

Crackshot Sergeant Boet Lamprecht has done it yet again. On the 4th June. 1978. Boet was the over-all winner of the Rhodesian National Service Rifle Association shoot for the third year in succession. Over a two-day period, at ranges between 100 and metres, he scored a winning total of 487 points with his FN rifle.

The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant-General John Hickman, presented the Ralston Trophy to Boct and made the point that a large number of South Africans had taken part in the competition, representing their army, air force navy, police, prisons and railways police. The nover-all commander of the South African contingent. Colonel Louis Vorster, said later that it had been an experience for the South Africans to take part in the competition and he praised the Rhodesian team  for their marksmanship.

Congratulations to TF member AC Nicky Price (21), who recently returned from a six-month tour of the British and European golf circuits. At the close of the tour he had had four finishes in the top ten and is placed 43rd in the Order of Merit with three tournaments to come.

Nicky returns, not only with $10 000 in his pocket, but also with a wealth of experience in the world of professional golf.

EXCO BRIEFS FORCE

In an unprecedented move, the Ministerial members of the Executive Committee held a meeting at New Sarum on the 17th August to brief nearly 1 000) members of the Air Forcc on recent developments. The party, consisting of the Rev Ndabaningi Sithole, Chief Jeremiah Chirau, Bishop Abel Muzorewa and the Prime Minister, Mr Ian Smith, were introduced by Air Marshal Mussell.

The Commander made the point that the visitors were present mainly to answer questions following a short
introductory address. On behalf of the Exco. the Rev, Sithole stressed that the defence of Rhodesia would be of paramount importance in the future. He referred to the Salisbury Agreement of 3rd March as an "exciting event" which would stimulate Rhodesia's of all environments to work together towards the building of a strong nation.

Subsequent questions from the floor covered a wide range of subjects, and members of the Committee commented in as much detail as they could on the matters raised. On the subject of guarantees and Conditions of Service for the security forces, the Prime Minister emphasized that it is vitally important to keep people in Rhodesia. He gave an assurance that there would be no reduction of standards in the country and said that the Exco unanimously agreed that maintaining the confidence of the security forces was most important. He went on to stress that  pensions arc assured both here in Rhodesia and beyond our borders, and also that there will be no political interference with the running of- any Force.

Conditions of Service

Answering a question on options to leave miltary service, the Prime Minister released the information that a joint-service committee is currently working nn the terms and conditions of service which will apply to the security forces after 31st December. Until that body had presented its report, said the PM, no firm news was available.

The Rev Sithole commented on the subject of national service, saying that this duty will be spread amongst all races as from next year. There will be no discrimination whatsoever." he said. Turning to the subject of law and order, he went onto emphasize that the stability of the armed forces would be the key to the stability of the country as a whole. "The efforts of the Council are directed towards building one nation," he said, commenting also that a major effort is being made to erase tribal boundaries and differences.

On another question, the Rev Sithole stressed the importance of good relations with South Africa, saying that Rhodesia was dependent on that country in many ways. He said that the partnership experiment here may help South Africa find solutions to her problems, and that we should not be interested in making trouble for our neighbours.

Bishop Muzorcwa said that he was satisfied that the security of the country could be maintained .and that the incidence of terrorism in the tribal areas would drop wih the advent of the election exercise.

Education

Asked to make a statement on possible changes in education, the Prime Minister said that it was acknowledged that the country must maintain high standards of education in order to succeed. However, he said this was yet another area under active review at the current time and asked his questioner to have a little more patience. In a similar mood, the question of the lifting of British sanctions drew the answer from the Rev Sithole that it was rather early to be definitive. Britain, he said, was waiting to see the outcome of the Salisbury Agreement. Once, it can be demonstrated that a one-man, one-vote election has succeeded then London will be forced to recognize the

Government of the day.

Air Marshal Mussell concluded the meeting with a brief comment on the wide spectrum of questions put to the Council, and advised the airmen and women present to think very carefully about their future. "Now is not the time to resign." he said, asking everyone concerned to give the Executive Council time to act.

It was apparent that the visit had been arranged more as an interim report-back rather than as a platform for making radical new announcements. There was undoubtedly some disappointment amongst those members of the audience who had hoped for specific answers to detailed questions, but it was generally agreed that the exercise had been of value. "At least," said one airman, "I am now sure that the Executive Council members know exactly what our concerns really are."

The Commander briefed Exco Ministers before the meeting at New Sarum

HISTORIC JUMP AT SARUM PARA SCHOOL

In 1961. the decision was taken to establish a Parachute Traininc School at New Sarum. Some 17 years later, on 30th June. 1978, Acting Sergeant Carlos Gomes (24). stepped through the door of a Dakota over the airfield to make the School's 50 000th training jump.

In the years of its existence, PTS has trained thousands of Army paratroops, dozens of its own instructors — and has given tuition in emergency descents to hundreds of aircrew members. Throughout the programme the School has maintained an injury rate of less than half the figure accepted as normal by most other Air Forces.

To make the historic 50 000th jump, PTS organized a gala day, inviting particularly ex-members of staff and
representatives of the Army units who provide most of the paratroop pupils, as well as wives and families. Both the Commander, Air Marshal Mussell, and the Army Commander, General Hickjman, were present to congratulate the PTS staff on their achievements.

The actual jump was preceded by a low-level stick of 13 of what might be called parachuting dignitaries, including Sgt Connie Cousins, who insisted on her traditional right as a parachute packer to complete the PTS course and has jumped regularly ever since.

Following the low-level stick, the aircraft climbed to 2 500 ft to dispatch Sgt Gomes — complete with a white 'chute which opened to display the legend "50000" sewn across the canopy. And whilst the Air Force's youngest instructor was being congratulated on his historic arrival by the Commander, the aircraft climbed up to 9 000 feet.

On its final run over the DZ the remainder of the PTS instructors jumped in freefall configuration, trailing orange smoke. They broke into a bomb-burst and then turned to link up and steer their way onto the DZ target.

In a final ceremony, the PTS CO. Sqn Ldr Derek de Kock. asked the Dakota captain to land, and Fit Lt AI Bruce accepted a bottle of champagne as a gesture to thanks to 3 Squadron from the jump instructors. "After all." said one "without the expertise and co-opcration of the Dak crews, we could never do the job at all."

Airmen win Rally with record score

Once again the Air Force was well  represented amongst the prizewinners on the Meikles Southern Sun Air Rally 1978.

Top team in the exacting three-day event was Flight Lieutenant Mike Ronne and Squadron Leader Chris Dixon, who navigated for lowveld farmer and PRAW pilot,Clive Styles. In terms of over-all accuracy, their winning result was outstanding; a total of just 70 seconds of errors over 15 timing points.

The team won the MSS Trophy and a cash prize of $750. Other familiar faces in amongst the minor prizes of the rally included Brian Meikle. Rob Gaunt. John Mussel! and Eddie Wilkinson.

Above.Not content with snivelling the major prize, the Dixon/Ronnie/Styles axis also conned the Old Mutual out of a rally sponsorship. Here iir see rank being pulled on Old Mutual production manager Fit. Lt. Alan Bradnick to hand over the company cheque for $100. We hasten to add that our heroes did not borrow the Canberra in which to fly the Rally.

GOOD SHOW

Warrant Officer L. W. Authers

Warrant Officer Lcs Authors of Thornhill was asked to look at designing a better way to protect expensive and vulnerable aircraft canopies from sun and dust scratching. He came up with a prototype cover which provided all the requested advantages and also enabled the canopy to be opened and closed normally at the same time.

The cover went into local production at a unit cost of $50. and thus WO Authers invention has saved the Force a considerable amount—as well as contributing to a longer life for valuable aircraft components.

Air Lieutenant II. Grossberg

Air Lieutenant Grossberg was the Camp Commandant of a FAF when a farm in the area was attacked by terrorists.

The thatched farmhouse was set alight in the attack and the FAF was called for help.

Air Lt Grossberg assumed control of the fire-fighting operations and showed remarkable physical and mental ability  in confining the fire. There is no doubt that had he not been there the damage would have been more severe.

End of Pg 6

Holding the line

In our rapidly changing circumstances few facts remain fact for long; few undertakings seem to retain their form; few ambitions there are which suffer no adulteration. But in the welter of uncertainty about present negotiations and future developments, one fact remains both unchallenged and un- changed.  If there is to be any stability in this country after December 31st, then the armed forces and police must remain strong, dedicated and apolitical. Without them, a disastrous maelstrom could well ensue.

There is a very real and discernable desire on the part of Exco Ministers to stress this fact, and at their briefing of the Force the Rev Sithole went to some lengths to emphasize the need for military stability. To this end we welcome the Prime Minister's assurance that a joint-service committee is busy on the task of reviewing our Conditions of Service. And we need hardly point out the desirability of publishing these terms as soon as is humanly possible; the Executive Council are well aware of the feelings of servicemen on that score.

Our Commander echoed the need for stability and calm at this moment. when he concluded that historic meeting with the exhortation to us all to think very carefully about the situation, and give the Exco the time they need to act.

Perhaps the key to what our attitude should be was underlined by the Commander at the recent Wings Parade. Detailing the changes of form and name experienced during our history, the Air Marshal noted that "throughout these changes, one thing has remained constant—the continuing standards of excellence achieved by all sections of this Force'*. He stressed that our responsibilities are not changed by the changing circumstances of our life-style.

It is our function to serve the people of this country, great and small, and each of us has a clear duty to so conduct himself that failure may never be laid to his charge.

Rhodesian soliders and airmen have been fold repeatedly, by both military and civilian leaders, of the truly magnificent job which they have performed for the country. They have been exhorted to hold the line, to preserve security, to maintain a stability in which the politicians may negotiate. All these things they have achieved—again and again.

What folly it would be to negate those achievements by wavering now.

Collage

Out in the Wild West, the Air Force flair for inventive ingenuity was recently demonstrated yet again. The problem: aerial resupply of water for the horses of the Grey's Scouts. FAF. Its solution: freezing the water into 10-litre plastic bags for drops which are now coded "Op Ice Berg".
The possibilities are endless. After all. there's no reason why we cannot pre-package cubes of gin and tonic or brandy and coke for our wayward warriors and start our own bush booze cruise service.

★ ★ ★

News flash from Down South says that the Station Commander at Waterkloof is experimenting with falcons to write off the kiewiets on his airfield. Shouldn't someone tell him that we've had a great deal of success in using pilots for the same job?

★ ★ ★

August 4th, the third anniversary of the founding of the RWS, was treated as a gala day by the brown birds, who organised a major parade for girls from all over the country. The Army Queen Bee, Captain Trow, talked about the vital role now played by women in the Forces. I think", she said "that while the girls are here for the parade, there are many fellows back at their units with very long faces, missing their services". Wrong, Barbara. They were all making the most of the sudden tranquil silence.

★ ★ ★

Incidentally, the RWS parade was the trigger for yet another stunning howler by RBC/TV. The evening's newsfilm of the totally Army ceremony was accompanied by stirring military music — "Winged Assegais", the march-past of the  Royal Rhodesian Air Force. Surely Waltzing Matilda would have been more appropriate.

★ ★ ★

President Carter is reported to have appointed a Commission to recommend ways to bolster up the ailing dollar. No doubt the result will be the usual voluminous report — whereas the average man in the street could probably offer effective remedial advice in just three words.

Change the President?

★ ★ ★

Airmen may be forgiven if they are still confused about the recent pay rise, since no publicity has been given to the amounts involved. Whilst this may perhaps be regarded as taking bureaucratic secrecy to one of its more ridiculous extremes, there are no doubt many confirmed members of the Mushroom Club who will be only too happy not to be told about future rises as often as the Government likes.

Bateleur

The opinions expressed in Bateleur are the personal views of the Editor and of contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect official opinion Unless otherwise stated, contents should not be construed as regulations. orders or instructions.

Articles, features, designs and illustrations published in Bateleur carry no security restrictions and may be reprinted in any journal. It is expected however, that the normal con-ventions of attribution will be observed and that prior approval of the Editor will be sought wherever possible.

Contributions are welcome, as are comment and criticism The Editor reserves the right to make such changes as he believes will improve material without altering the intended meaning. All correspondence should be addressed to

Bateleur. Private Bag 7721, Causeway, Salisbury. Rhodesia.

Bateleur is published for personnel of the Rhodesian Air Force by the Air Force Public Relations Office.

Editor Squadron Leader A. J. Cockle

End.

Source. Scanned coppies of original Bateleur which were made available by Hylton Garriock. Thanks Hylton.

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris for use on the Our Rhodesian Heritage.

Comments are welcome - please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

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