AIRMEN DECORATED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 227, 8 July 1942, Page 4

AIRMEN DECORATED.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP. WELLINGTON, This Day. Air Headquarters announce the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Pilot-Officer Gordon William Brewer., whose father is Mr W, Bi-ewer, of Papatoetoe, and ActingFlight Lieutenant Geoffrey Charles Russell Pannell, whose father is Mr C. Pannell, of Springston. Both are members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The citation states that Pilot-Officer Brewer was engaged in his first operational flight as pilot of one of six Bostons attacking shipping and docks at Dunkirk. Approaching the French coast the formation was subjected to heavy, accurate anti-aircraft fire. Pilot Officer Brewer’s aircraft was liit in numerous places, the hydraulic system being rendered useless. Brewer was wounded in the thigh and his leg was rendered useless, hut despite the pain and loss of much blood he bombed his objective successfully and maintained formation during his return. He landed without brakes by running the aircraft to a standstill- through a dispersal area. He displayed high courage, and devotion to duty, setting an excellent example. The citation regarding Acting-Flight Lieutenant Pannell says he completed a large number of operational sorties and displayed exceptional enthusiasm for operation flying and a keen desire to engage the enemy. In October, 1941, he was leading an air escort for an air and sea rescue operation when the formation was attacked, but showing fine leadership and tenacity, he managed to protect the rescue craft and destroyed one of the .attacking aircraft. He has destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged several more.