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This would enable up to 200 drops a day to be practised. The production of training type parachutes should be given the highest degree of priority as it must now be looked on as offensive and not defensive.

I request that the whole of the Whitley group should

be regarded as available for offensive parachute action. This will give a potential of 1,152 fully armed men + 96,000 lbs. stores.

14.

(b) The policy of fitting certain aircraft with floats

be reconsidered. There are but few flying boats, and Blenheims would be used not only for carrying personnel of Commandos to a foreign shore, but also for use in a combined operation where landing grounds were not available, vide Norwegian Waters.

"D" Headquarters Staff.

My H.Q. Staff consists of:-

Captain Maund, R.N. (who also commands the I.S.T.D.C.)

Lieut.-Colonel Hornby, War Office,

Group-Captain Bowman (in addition to other duties at

the Air Ministry).

Captain Walker, R.M., as Adjutant.

I will require, in addition, one Intelligence Staff Officer (G.S.0. 2nd Grade) from each Service.

Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.

~5-

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