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(ii) Concurrently it is proposed to approach the
South African authorities with a view to
raising the strength of their three medium bomber squadrons also from 12 to 16 I.E.
NOTE: The foregoing amounts to an addition equivalent
to more than four squadrons to the bomber strength now available in the Middle East
j
area.
(iii) The strength of the British fighter squadrons
in the Middle East is already established at 16 I.E. aircraft whereas the three South African squadrons are still established at 12 I.E. It is proposed to suggest to the South African authorities that they should raise the strength of their three fighter squadrons from 12 to 16 I.E.
(iv)
(b) MALTA.
In connection with the strengthening of the
Bomber and Fighter Units, it is proposed also to bring the two General Reconnaissance (Flying Boat) Squadrons up to their full establishment of 6 I.E. + 3 I.R. Sunderlands as soon as the P.B.Ys. are available from the American orders to re-equip Coastal Command squadrons.
(i) The existing flight of Hurricanes is to be increased
to the strength of a full squadron of 16 I.E. with appropriate reserves. This will involve an additional 12 aircraft being sent out and arrangements for this are already in hand.
(ii)
The existing Glenn Martin Unit is to be brought
up to the strength of a full flight at 7 I.E. and 5 I.R., involving the addition of 6 aircraft, for which arrangements are also in hand,
ADDITIONAL SQUADRONS.
9.
Apart from these two immediate measures, there is the question of increasing the existing strength by adding complete new squadrons. Any such addition requires not only the full establishment of aircraft, crews, ground equipment and personnel being sent out, but also of the specialised and technical vehicles to enable the squadrons and the requisite ancillary units to be fully mobile for their operational duties. It has already been agreed between the Air and General Staffs that a force amounting to eleven squadrons should be organised on a mobile basis by the Spring of next year, to be ready to co-operate with the Army in an overseas expedition. The Air Ministry will ão their utmost to fulfil that agreement. But there are certain serious deficiencies, notably in technical vehicles. And if additional squadrons are to be formed and despatched
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