WAR IN THE AIR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 302, 28 September 1940, Page 6

WAR IN THE AIR.

NEW ZEALANDERS’ PART.

150 CASUALTIES LISTED

The gallant sacrifices which Dominion airmen are making in the cause of the Empire and its Allies are revealed in casualty lists compiled since the beginning of the war. Similarly, a growing list of decorations awarded to New Zealand pilots and air crews reflects the courage and determination with which they are carrying out their tasks. In just over a year of fighting more than 1.50 Dominion airmen, mostly pilots, have been reported killed, missing, or missing and believed killed. While a few lost their lives in aircraft accidents, the majority failed to return from operations against the enemy. At least ton New Zealanders are reported to be prisoners of war or internees in neutral countries, and it is likely that some among those missing may be held in. German prisons. About 20 officers and men have been seriously injured. Dominion airmen have won a full share of the awards granted for bravery and courage during operations. The Distinguished Flying Cross has boon awarded .to 29 ..ofiieurs, including, one with bar. One officer has received the Distinguished Service Order and another the Croix do Guerre. Pilots other than commissioned officers have won three Distinguished Flying Medals and three Air Force Crosses have been awarded. Several of the airmen decorated have since been killed. According to a recent announcement bv the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) there are approximately 1000 New Zealand members of the Royal Air Force, of whom about 600 have proceeded to the United Kingdom since the war began. Their versatility is indicated by the fact that they are being used to fly all types of aircraft and are serving not only in England but also in. the Middle East and the Far East. Others are training for the Fleet Air Arm.