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Operation Swallow

A seven-day exercise termed Operation Swallow was conducted by the aircraft of No.75 (Fighter) Squadron at the airport from May 1 to May 6.

Based at Gisborne and operating as a self-servicing unit, the aircraft made simulated strikes and attacks on targets in the central and eastern regions of the North Island.

A feature of the operation was the aerobatic display given on the Wednesday when several types of planes took part.

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A Canberra bomber sweeps skyward after a run.

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Top brass inspecting the unit also paid a visit to the Council Chambers calling on Mayor Harry Barker (centre) and Town Clerk Bill Hudson. They are, from left, Flt/Lt J. V. Lill, Air Commodore T. F. Gill and Group Captain S. M. Hope.

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Stepping from his Vampire is Squadron Leader C. W. Rudd who commanded the exercise.

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The exercise began with the arrival of an Argosy with men and supplies

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The giant plane is unloaded by the ground staff

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L.A.C's L. J. Armstrong (Birkdale) and I. W. Coppins (Milford) at work in the kitchen

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Two mess tents cater for the whole unit.

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Spare parts required for the operation are based on estimates. L.A.C.'s P. W. Tolhoek and N. D. O'Brien check a box.

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Flt/Lt J. E. Lucas tasks a signal from the operations tent

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Fuel is loaded into a Vampire, which uses 350 gallons on a forty minute run

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The Sioux helicopter which directs the Vampires onto target

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Pilots prepare for take-off on a raid

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