AIR AWARDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 247, 18 October 1941, Page 6

AIR AWARDS

THREE D.F.C.'S NEW ZEALAND FLYERS CONSISTENT LEADERSHIP United Press AMOcUtion.—Copyrlgtot. (Rec. 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 17. The latest list of R.A.F. awards includes three New Zealanders, Wing-Commander J. S. McLean, Squadron-Leader M. W. B. Knight and Acting-Flight-Lieutenant J. C. F. Hayter. All receive the D.F.C. Wing-Commander McLean has participated in 29 operational sorties ana has always shown the greatest courage and determination, often in the face of heavy enemy attacks, says the official citation. He has destroyed two and damaged at least one hostile aircraft and has displayed a high standard of leadership and organising ability. Wing-Commander McLean was born at Hawera in 1912 and was appointed to a short-service commission in the R.A.F. in 1932 and granted a permanent commission in 1938, being promoted wing-commander last September. His wife lives in England.

Squadron-Leader Knight has commanded the 485 th (New Zealand) Squadron since its formation. He has participated in 43 operational sorties over enemy territory as well as in a number of conyoy patrols. He destroyed a Junkers in June, 1941, while engaged on convoy patrol. He led his squadron with great skill and determination.

Squadron-Leader Knight was born at Dannevirke in 1916 and joined the R~A.F. in 1935. He was appointed a squadron-leader early in 1941. His wife lives in England. Flight-Lieutenant Hayter has made 48 operational flights over enemy territory. He has destroyed four enemy planes and damaged four and he has participated in fighting in France, also in the Battle of Britain. He has displayed great skill and leadership and has contributed materially to the high morale of his unit.

Born in Timaru in 1917, FlightLieutenant Hayter joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1938 and was commissioned in 1939. He was appointed Acting-Flight-Lieutenant last February and has flown with many R.A.F. units. v