West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Thursday 5 November 1953, page 2


Air Race Crew Will Lead New Squadron MELBOURNE, Wed.-The first R.A.A.F. jet bomber squadron will probably be formed within the next few weeks. Its original members will be those of the long-range flight which was set up by the R.A.A.F. to plan and fly in the recent London-Christchurch air race. This unit, probably to be designated No. 2 Bomber Squadron. will be located at Amberley (Queensland). Squadron-Leader P. F. Raw, who gained second place in the race for the R.A.A.F., is expected to be appointed commanding officer of the new squadron. 'Wing-Commander D. R. Cuming and his navigator, SquadronLeader C. G. Harvey, will remain with the R.A.A.F. Air Research and Development Unit at Laverton. The long-range flight, still located at Laverton, will be disbanded within the next fortnight and announcement of the formation of No. 2 Bomber Squadron is expected before then. The flight numbers about 60, with ground crews and aircrew. The ground crew parties, who played such a big part in the race, have been arriving back from overseas in the past fortnight. The last six-a holding party from Cocos Island-arrived back today. The new squadron will have three Canberra bombers at first, including the two Australianbuilt Canberras that took part in the race.