Formation of No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School

[Dave Homewood]

Does anyone know the exact date in November 1939 that No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School formed at RNZAF Station New Plymouth, please?

[tbf25o4]

Dave, the only references I have seen for this unit simply states "November 1939" it probably evolved over a few weeks from initial arrivals of ground staff etc before the aircraft
and flying instructors arrived

[Dave Homewood]

Yeah that's all I have seen too. Thanks.

[davidd]

It was hoped that No. 2 EFTS could commence forming at Bell Block on 12th November 1939, but this was pushed back till 14th November, according to the Air Department unit history. Flying Training Schools, because of their comparatively large size (numbers of pupils, instructors [air and classroom] and aircraft establishment) tended to be formed in stages, and until a sufficient quantity of aircraft, and instructors were on hand, as well as technical ground staff, then it was impossible to start the first course. Typically it would take a couple of months from commencement of formation of an EFTS, till sufficient equipment and staff were on hand to be considered complete, as two courses at a time would always be underway (the successive courses overlapped one another by 50%); with SFTS's it would take twice as long to fully form, perhaps 4 months, as at full strength they would have 4 courses in residence simultaneously. These "formation periods" were also totally dependent on timely delivery of the necessary aircraft, and delays of such were not unknown, including loss of new aircraft coming from the UK (ships sunk by U-boats).
David D

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks David.