Summary: A very brief survey of preliminary training of Air Force personnel in New Zealand.
Description: Expansion plans had been worked out since 1937, so on the outbreak of war rapid mobilisation had been easy (airfield construction scenes). Training begins with about 5 months voluntary evening classes while still in civilian jobs, then follows full time training (pupil and instructor fly in Tiger Moth). Passing out parade; men go on to Canada or Britain for further training and operations, or stay in New Zealand to assist training scheme. Closing sequence: crews stand by (Oxford) training planes, then take off - meanwhile commentary talks of size of New Zealand's effort etc: "In the thick of the fight are the men of New Zealand trained and eager to play their part in defence of the things they want: liberty, democracy and the progress of mankind".
Production Details: Government of New Zealand (Production sponsor)
New Zealand National Film Unit (Production company)
Cummins, Sylvia K (Production individual)
Wills, Colin (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal New Zealand Air Force (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - light military: De Havilland Tiger Moth & [New Zealand] (object name)
engineering, military, New Zealand: airfield (object name)
training, New Zealand air - combat (object name)
New Zealand (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 480 ft; Running time: 5 mins
