CAB80-20 — Page 197

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NOTE: Among the squadrons to be re-equipped with the Mohawks and Glem Martins are the following South African squadrons:-

(a) Two Fighter Squadrons to be equipped with

Mohawks. (One S.A.A.F. Squadron is already in process of re-equipment with Hurricanes).

(b) Three Bomber Squadrons to be re-equipped with

Glem Martins.

In addition there are four additional squadrons due to form in South Africa, for which the programme of equipment has yet to be decided.

(ii) All possible steps will be taken to speed up the

delivery direct from the United States of the unit ground equipment required to enable the squadrons due to be equipped with American types to operate.

(iii) The two existing squadrons of Bomber Transport

are being re-equipped as heavy bomber squadrons. The delivery of Wellingtons for this purpose will be accelerated as follows:

It

There are 10 Wellingtons in Middle East now, and 13 more are due to go out this month. is proposed to arrange for 10 additional Wellingtons to be sent as soon as possible. These reinforcements will be sent as soon as possible and, when complete, they will provide for the full strength of two Wellington

squadrons at 12 I.E., each with some reserve aircraft.

EXPANSION.

8.

The second method for increasing rapdily the strength of the existing forces is to expand the first line strength of the present squadrons, thus saving on the overhead establishments and reducing the delays inevitable in sending out complete new units. The present establish- ment of the bomber squadrons in the Middle East is 12 I.E. aircraft. The policy already is to increase the establish- ment of these squadrons to 16 I.E. aircraft, thus bringing them into line with home establishments. It is proposed that this change should now be undertaken as early as possible and the following are the details proposed;

(a) MIDDLE EAST.

(1)

Increase the existing bomber squadrons from 12 to

16 I.E. This will affect the two Wellington Heavy Bomber Squadrons and twelve medium bomber squadrons resulting in an addition to the front line of 56 I.E. aircraft.

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