PILOTS HONOURED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 9, 22 October 1940, Page 5

PILOTS HONOURED.

AWARDS TO NEW ZEALANDERS

ATTACKS ON ENEMY BASES'

WELLINGTON, October 21

Air Headquarters at Wellington have received advice that the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to the following three New Zealanders.

Acting,-Flight Lieutenant John, Adams, R-.N.Z.A.F., Christchurch. ■Flying Officer Trevor Owen Freeman', R.N.Z.A.F., Dunedin. Pilot Officer Arthur Mitchell Paape, Dunediu.

Since the beginning of the year, Flight-Lieutenant Adams, as - captain, of an aircraft, has made a large number of flights, including attacks on Germany, Norway, Denmark, Holland Belgium and enemy-occupied France. His work, according, to the official citation, has always been noticeable for a high standard of efficiency and determination.

On one occasion I ], when it was impossible to attack the primary target owing to weather , conditions, FlightLieutenant Adams attacked alternative targets with conspicuous success. He always set a fine example. FlightLieutenant Adams, who is aged 29, was born and educated in Christchurch 1 . He was granted! a. short-service commission with the Royal Air Force in 1936, and in 1939 was selected for posting to the New Zealand Squadron in the United Kingdom. Set Great Example. Flying Officer Freeman, according to the official citation, has set a, high standard since the beginning of. the year as captain of aircraft in active operations against the enemy. He has carried out a. large number of flights, including ..major attacks on Holland, Belgium and enemy-occupied France. He is a highly-skilled, determined! navigator, even .under the worst weather conditions. He recently carried out a special photographic reconnaissance deep into enemy territory. By his sense of duty, determination and courage he. has set a great example. Pilot, Officer Freeman, who was born at Lawrence, Central Otago, and later lived in Dunedin, travelled direct to thf. United Kingdom, where be .received a commission in the Royal Air Force. In 1939 he was selected for direct posting to the Nelw Zealand! Squadron. Pilot Officer Paapo, concerning whose award details are not yet available, was born at Dunedin and educated at Waitnki Boys’ High .School. He was accepted for. a, short-service com mission in 1938, receiving his preliminary training with the Otago Aero Club and later at AVigram. Pilot Officer Paape, who is 21, left for service with the Royal Air Force in 1939.