AIRMEN DECORATED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 40, 27 November 1940, Page 5

AIRMEN DECORATED.

THREE NEW ZEALANDERS.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

(Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.)

LONDON, November 26. The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flight-Liputenant Lloyd Watt Coleman, of Wellington, and Squadron-Leader Norman Maxwell Boffee. The citation states that Lieutenant Coleman attacked railway yards and locomotive sheds at Munich. Despite considerable, activity and the'presence of balloons he glided down to the height of ,3500 feet, straddled the target with bombs and then encircled the town, ordering his airgunners- to put out as .many, searchlights as possible Lieutenant Coleman lias carried o.ut 25 raids since June, IS4O, 15 as plane captain. . He has set a magnificent example to. the squadron.-Squadron-Leader Boffee was decorated for. a recent night attack on: the Munich railway yard. He was the first to locate the target, which was successfully bombed, causing fires, being instrumental in guiding subsequent planes. He has taken part in 27 raids. Royal Air Force Officer Peter Wynn Mason West, of Palmerston North, has also been awarded the Distinguished Filing Cross. The citation states'that he has taken part in 32 flights, 11 as captain of the plane, comprising 216 flying hours. Skill and coolness as a navigator and bomb aimer largely contributed to the success .of operations. He displayed coolness and determination in pressing home the attacks.

SIX NEW ZEALAND PILOTS.

WELLINGTON, Novomebr 26.

Information, concerning the latest awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross to six more New Zealanders teas received by air headquarters to-day. The recipients are Acting-Flight Lieutenant Cecil Dunn Milne, R.A.F., Auckland; Acting-Flight Lieutenant Frederick John Lucas, R.N.Z.A.F 1 ., Tuapeka Mouth, Otago • Flying Officer William Maxwell Nixon. R.A.F., Pukerau, Otago; Flying Officer Wilfred Maurice Chalk Williams, R.N.Z.A.F., Napier; Pilot Officer Donald . Joseph Ilarkness, R.A.F., Midhirst, Taranaki ; Pilot Officer Peter Wynn Mason West, R.A.F., Palmerston North.