Extract of report to Air Council on RAF in China by Gp Capt A S Barratt
– 22 Mar 28
On my return to Shanghai I found that the OC No. 2 Sqn had reported to the General Staff that
the aerodrome was unsuitable except in case of emergency and for operations and that he did not consider that more than four
of his officers were capable of using the aerodrome with safety. I did not concur with this report and after
satisfying myself by personal tests and from test flown by Flt Lt Hollinghurst, I informed the OC that, with the exception
of those officers who had come out from England in Jan 27, I considered that the aerodrome was fit for use and that all
officers had to fly about and keep themselves in practice.
Embarkation. I arranged with Army Staff that all arrangements for the move home of the
sqn should be carried out direct by myself with the SNTO. This was agreed to provided that copies of all orders
and decisions were communicated to the military authorities (MLO & AAQMC). This arrangement undoubtedly simplified
matters and saved time and worked admirably. When it is realised that personnel were despatched on two different
vessels, aircraft on HMS HERMES, transport and stores on a separate ship and stores for HONG KONG on another, and that
separate contracts were necessary and had to be arranged, it will be appreciated that dealing direct instead of through the
MLO saved the reference of innumerable questions of the details through a third party ignorant of the requirements of a
separate service. That all arrangements worked smoothly and without a hitch I entirely attribute to the excellent
work of Flight Lieutenants HOLLINGHURST and SKOULDING.
Establishment of HQRAF It is recommended that in the case where a HQ
proceeds overseas with responsibilities of command and Administration over one or more squadrons, that the establishment
should be that of a Wing HQ. It will be appreciated that the organisation for ensuring that all administrative and financial
details are correct, and that returns, etc., are properly rendered, that question of supply and accommodation are attended to
and adjusted, that the Air Staff work of plans, operations and training are carried out, that one Staff Officer and two
clerks were inadequate. As it happened no active operations intervened, yet the work necessitated long hours in a
very trying climate. In this connection I cannot speak too highly in praise of Flt Lt HOLLINGHURST DFC and No.
340232 Cpl Statham A T, both of whom were indefatigable and exceptionally efficient. It is suggested that Flt Lt
FA SKOULDING should have been posted as a member of my staff. This recommendation is in no way intended as a
reflection on the work carried out by this officer. Flt Lt SKOULDING was invaluable in his assistance to an
inexperienced Stores Officer called upon to act in a position where initiative and experience were essential. This
fact and also the instructions issued to him necessitated his working in the squadron the whole of the time with the result
that the very considerable amount of “Q” Staff work had to be done by Flt Lt HOLLINGHURST in addition to his normal duties.
Flt Lt HOLLINGHURST was attached to me as Staff Officer to HQSDF. He drew Lodging Allowance at Class 12.
Army Officers of equivalent rank and appointment were drawing allowances at a higher rate, Class 11.
It is recommended that under the particular conditions applying to the SDF that allowances at Class 11 should be sanctioned
for this officer.
