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Part 9
EXPANSION OF THE AIR FORCE.
20. As has already been indicated, the air strength in India in March was almost negligible. To build it up, much more was, of course, required than the supply of air squadrons or aircraft. A programme to construct over 200 airfields had to be undertaken, which threw a heavy strain on the material resources of India (such as cement), on the transportation system by rail and road, on the engineer personnel and supply of labour. In March there had been only some 30 to 40 airfields suitable for operation, even in fair weather; by the end of November the number was approximately 150. A large programme of signal construction was also necessary; repair and salvage organisations had to be brought into being; schools for training had to be arranged, and many other establishments formed. Nothing but a rudimentary warning system existed in Eastern India, and much work was. required before it was even reasonably effective.
No details of the expansion need be given. By the end of 1942 there were 29 squadrons operational and another 20 forming, in addition to 2 squadrons of transport aircraft and 1 P.R.U. squadron. This was much short of the minimum force considered necessary for the security of India, but a great improvement on the defencelessness of March. Balloon barrages were established at Calcutta and Jamshedpur.
The Indian Air Force took part in the expansion, and is being raised from 4 squadrons equipped with obsolete machines to 10 squadrons with modern aircraft.
21. Air operations during the monsoon from June to October were naturally on a small scale; but were notable for the skill and determination with which crews operated in bad weather. Targets on the Burma coasts, in the Chindwin valley and on Akyab . Island were attacked with success; and a constant reconnaissance of the Bay of Bengal, over enemy aerodromes in Burma and of the Port of Rangoon was maintained as far as possible. Air information was, however, severely restricted not only by the weather but by shortage of long-range aircraft. During this period the enemy air force was almost completely inactive.
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