CAB80-25 — Page 448

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(iii) Air Force.

15. The amalgamation of Nos. 320 and 321 Squadrons has now been com- pleted, the new Squadron being known as No. 320, consisting of 10 Hudsons and a training flight of 4 Hudsons and 4 Ansons. Having completed its operational training, the first flight has returned to Carew Cheriton. Operational training of the second flight will start shortly at Silloth.

Three pilots are coming to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands East Indies for short attachment to R.A.F. Fighter Squadrons. Twenty-four Dutch Army personnel have been accepted for enlistment in the R.A.F.V.R. for training as pilots.

(i) Army.

D. CZECHS.

16. Strength.-Leamington Area: 581 Officers, 2,254 Other Ranks. Equipment. The following has been issued during the month :

Ointment, Anti-Gas

Wallets, Anti-Gas

Curtains, Anti-Gas

Bren Guns

Binoculars

Lorries, 3-ton, 6-wheeled, machinery

Employment.—(a) Normal training.

3,050

3,050

3,050

30

15

2

(b) Czech Detachment of Signals have been attached to V Division.

(c) Inspector-General of Allied Contingents carried out an inspection on the 25th January.

(d) Dr. Benes and General Sikorski paid a visit on the 27th January. Security-A Security and Intelligence exercise has been carried out with beneficial results.

Welfare.-A canteen in Leamington has been opened.

(ii) Air Force.

17. Operations.-Nos. 310 and 312 Czech Fighter Squadrons made 141 sorties and No. 311 Czech Bomber Squadron 23 sorties during the month.

Morale.-Morale in Fighter Squadrons remains high. A very satisfactory report has been received of the morale of pupil pilots now in the early stages of training.

(i) Navy.

E. NORWEGIANS.

18. Morale and discipline entirely satisfactory.

Five Norwegian Midshipmen have completed their course in Torpedo and Mining at H.M.S. Vernon. Their conduct gave every satisfaction, and their marks in passing-out examination ranged between 76 per cent. and 85 per cent.

During the month the Norwegian Navy have manned one Town Class Destroyer and four Minelayers. The crews for two more destroyers are training at Devonport, and it is expected they will shortly man these ships. A fourth American Destroyer is earmarked for the Norwegians.

Plymouth. The class of Norwegian ratings at the Gunnery School is very favourably reported on, both for discipline and progress.

H.M.S. Royal Arthur (Skegness).The majority of the second contingent of 100 men have completed training. Being mostly merchant service men they found the discipline difficult and there has been some leave-breaking and minor offences, but on the whole loyalty and keenness are marked.

H.M.S. Lochinvar (Port Edgar).-Twenty Cadets have completed their course and have been promoted to Sub-Lieutenants. Some are now to undergo Asdic Course.

Trawlers on minesweeping duties are working satisfactorily. Morale and discipline remain good.

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