HC Deb 29 March 1944 vol 398 cc1415-6
17. Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State for Air the meaning of the term "sortie" as applied to flying operations against the enemy and referred to in communiques issued by R.A.F. commands; and whether, in view of the uncertainty as to what this means, he will define it more precisely.

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

The meaning of this term as applied to flying operations against the enemy is "one flight by one aircraft."

Mr. Granville

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the dictionary, "sortie" is a French word? Would not "operational flight" be clearer Basic English?

Sir A. Sinclair

This is a term which the Royal Air Force have used ever since the beginning of the war, and we believe it to be quite a good one.

Mr. Hopkinson

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain the precise difference between a "sortie" and a "sneak raid"?

Sir A. Sinclair

I have been asked to explain "sortie" and I have done it.