DECORATIONS WON

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 247, 31 July 1941, Page 8

DECORATIONS WON

FIVE. NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN. SKILL AND GALLANTRY SHOWN. (P.A.) WELLTNGT(||§ July 30. Particulars detailinp; the award or four Distinguished Flying Crosses anu one Distinguished Flying Medal to New Zealand airmen have been received b\ Air .Headquarters, Wellington. The particulars are: — Flying-Officer Ronald Edward Lewis, mother, Mrs L. W . Lewis, 56 the Terrace, Wellington: One night in March 1941, this officer was the rear gunner of an aircraft which carried out an attack against the Focke-Wulfe works at Bremen. During the return journey a Messerschmitt 110 was encountered, ’flying,in,an easterly direction. The enemy immediately turned - to -attack, but Flying-Officer Lewis shot it down while it was still turning at a. range of 250 yards. Flying-Officer Lewis had previously been employed in the Coastal Command, where he completed 45 sorties on submarine patrols and convoy escort. He has displayed gieat courage and devotion to duty. Pilot-Officer Douglas Robert Bagnall; mother, Mrs I. A. Bagnall, G lasgow : This officer has completed many operational missions during the -last seven months. During the period lie has attacked numerous important targets in Germany, including lour raids on Berlin, and also ports in enemy occupied zones in France. He has displayed great determination in spite, ot many trying experiences, and has always displayed keenness in pressing home his attacks. Pilot-Officer James Victor Vcrran, mother, Mrs J. Verran, Manunui: This officer has completed operational sorties, and has"attacked many important targets in Germany, including three raids on Berlin ana three on Mannheim. He has also attacked objectives in Franco and Italy. He is an extremely reliable captain of an aircraft. His care and thoroughness in preparation for a flight have contributed materially to the success of these operations. Pilot-Officer Verran lias set a splendid example. Pilot-Officer Hayden Hugh James Miller; father, Mr,H. A. Miller, Morrinsville: This officer has completed numerous operational missions. Throughout those flights ho has displayed great determination and complete disregard of enemy opposition. He has attacked many objectives in enemy and enemy occupied territory with marked success. On one occasion he completed an operation over Turin in almost impossible weather conditions. His courage and skill have inspired confidence- in-every crow of which-he has acted as captain. Sergeant Frank Simpwofth Kirke; This airman lias completed many operations against the enemy as air observer. His navigation has been of the very ■ highest, order, and he has always shown the greatest keenness in liis work. He has displayed outstanding ability, determination, and devotion to ■duty throughout .