AIRMEN HONOURED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 38, 25 November 1940, Page 4

AIRMEN HONOURED.

NEW ZEALANDER GETS D.F.C.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, November 24. The Minister 1 for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) announced to-night that he had received official advice of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Acting-Flight-Lieut. Lloyd Watt Coleman, a son of Mrs H. N. Coleman, of Havelock North. It is understood that Coleman took a prominent part in the recent big raid on Munich. Mr Jones said this award brought the total number of Air Force decorations awarded to New Zealanders since the outbreak of war to 50, made up of 39 Distinguished Flying Crosses, including two with bar, four Distinguished Flying Medals, six Air Force Crosses, and one Croix de Guerre. Mr Jones said the Dominion could be justly proud of the work being performed by New Zealanders serving with the Royal Air Force.

“We can'say quite definitely that the honours board reads- “Fifty not out, ’ said Mr Jones, “for the men we are training here give every indication that they will fully live up to the outstanding record established by, those who have preceded them overseas, and who are continuing to score success after success. *

“The blows the Royal Air Force is inflicting on the enemy are very considerable in both weight and importance. New Zealand can reasonably be proud that its boys are able to play such a part in the Empire’s fight for freedom.”

FOUR OTHER AWARDS MADE.

LONDON, November 22. Ninety-seven D.F.C.’s and D.F.M.’s have been awarded.

The recipients include four New Zealanders, Flight Lieutenant Frederick John Lucas, of Dunedin; Flying Officer William Maurice Chalk-Wil-liams, of Napier, Pilot Officer Donald Joseph Harkness, of. Midhirst, and Acting Flight Lieutenant Cecil Dunn Milne.