TWO MORE D.F.C.'S

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 74, 29 March 1943, Page 4

TWO MORE D.F.C.'S

DOMINION AIRMEN CITATIONS TO AWARDS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. Two members of the R.N.Z.A.F. serving overseas, Flight.-Lieut. William Semmens Austin, of Wellington, and Acting-Flight-Lieutenant John Alfred Hegman, of Auckland, have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, according to official advice x eceived by the Air Department. The citations state:— "Flight-Lieutenant Austin, since November, 1940, has completed a large number of operational missions, including 2S sorties against targets in German-occupied Europe. At the end of this first tour of duty, he was due for a period of rest, but volunteered to remain in his squadron as navigation officer. Later he accompanied a detachment overseas, where he took part in the India and Middle East areas. The high navigational standard of his squadron is entirely due to his efforts. His leadership has set a high standard of efficiency." "Plight-Lieutenant Hegman, in the role of aircraft-captain, has taken part in a very large number of sorties. Throughout his career he has displayed the greatest determination, perseverance and courage." Flight-Lieutenant Austin was born in Greymouth in 1915 and educated at the' Wellington Boys' College and Victoria University College. He volunteered for the R.N.Z.A.F. at the outbreak of the war, and went overseas in June, 1940. Flight-Lieutenant Hegman was born in Auckland in 1916 and educated at the Auckland Grammar School. At the outbreak of the war he was a volunteer member of the army. Later he was transferred to the Air Force, commencing training early iff! 1941. His sister is Mrs. O. Foster, of Waimauku.