D.F.C. AWARDED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 306, 8 October 1942, Page 5

D.F.C. AWARDED

PILOT NOW PRESUMED DEAD. COMRADE RESCUED IN DESERT. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 7. Recognition of one of the most spectacular epics of the air war is given in the announcement of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Acting-Flight Lieutenant Owen Vincent Tracey, Royal Air Force, formerly of Dunedin. Seeing a comrade parachute from his aircraft while in combat with enemy fighters over the Western Desert, Flight Lieutenant Tracey, at great risk to himself, followed the parachuting airmail to the ground, landed, picked him up, and brought him back to the base in his fighter aircraft. The decision to make the award was made before Flight Lieutenant Tracey’s death was officially presumed by the Air Ministry a short time ago. His widow lives at Harrow, Middlesex, England, and his mother is Mrs M. E. Tracey, of Dunedin. The citation accompanying the award describes the rescue made by Flight Lieutenant Tracey, and adds that he took part in a long-range flight during the Crete evacuation. In addition he led his flight in practically every operational flight his squadron carried out during the present campaign in the Western Desert. It is known that he accounted for many more than those officially recorded. By his . outstanding keenness he proved an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. He was born at Dunedin in March, 1915, and was educated at Onehunga and Oamaru. He gained a pilot’s A licence as a member of the Otago Aero Club early in 1937, and .after being selected for a short-service commission with the Royal Air Force. sailed for England in June, 1939, to commence training.