D.F.M. AWARDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 301, 20 December 1941, Page 8

D.F.M. AWARDS

N.Z. AIR FORCE

BRAVERY IN ACTION The Distinguished Flying Medal has been awarded to two members of the Royal Xexr Zealand Air Force Sergeant Herrold Raymond Corrin! son of Mrs. M. Corrin, Auckland, and Sergeant Peter Coulson WhiTwell. son of the Rev. S. Whitwell. Che=ham England, according to official advice received. The citation in the case of Sergeant Corrin states that the award was made as a result of certain Royal Air Force operations. In July large-scale daylight attacks were made on German warships at Brest and La Pallice, and a smaller attack at Cherbourg. Despite strong accurate anti-aircraft fire the air crews succeeded in securing direct hits on the objectives and inflicting severe damage on the target area Twenty-one hostile aircraft were destroyed in combats with enemy fighters and others were severelv damaged. The great success of the operations was due largely to the bravery, determination and resource of the officers and airmen who participated. The citation regarding Sergeant Whitwell states that he has displayed great ability, tenacity and courage. He was rear-gunner in one of two aircraft which carried out a daylight attack on shipping off Borlam, during the course of which the aircraft were attacked by eight Messerschmitts 109. Sergeant Whitwell warded off the first four attacks, and from the other four attacks two of the enemy aircraft were seen to dive away seriously damaged as a result of his gunfire. On another occasion when attacked by a Stesserschmitt 110, Sergeant Whitwell withheld fire until the attacker closed to a range of 50 yards and then shot it down in flames.

Born in Cheshire in 1921. Sergeant Corrin was employed in the Post and Telegraph Department, Auckland, at the time of his enlistment Sergeant Whitwell was born in England the previous year, and prior to entering Hhe air force served at Fort Dorset.