NEW ZEALAND FLYERS TAKING FULL PART

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 82, 7 April 1943, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND FLYERS TAKING FULL PART

BOMBERS, FIGHTERS Allied Round-The-Clock Offensive N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 12.30 p.m. LONDON, April 6. The New Zealand Stirling, "Ventura and Spitfire squadrons have taken their full part in the Allied round-the-clock offensive in the past 72 hours. The Stirling squadron bombed Kiel, which is the main base of the German Fleet. The pilots met bad weather with dense cloud and some iceing, but all returned safely. The Venturas again visited Rotterdam docks where hits were observed in the target area. They were protected bv fighters, three Fockewulfs being shot down. Two Spitfires are missing. All the New Zealanders returned without loss.

The .New Zealand Spitfire Squadron accompanied the American Flying Fortresses and Liberators on the big raid against the Antierla aero-engine works at Antwerp. They too returned without loss. This is all part or what is being claimed as the greatest air offensive of "history, fitting in with big raids on Naples from North Africa. It is a dual offensive, striking at the very heart of the Axis—home bases and production centres. Distinguished Fighter A distinguished New Zealander has been appointed to command the Second New Zealand Fighter Squadron which is engaged on patrol work off the south coast of England. He is 24-year-old Squadron-Leader Desmond J. Scott, D.F.C. and Bar, of Hokitika, and is regarded so highly by • the Fighter Command that he rose from sergeant to squadron-leader in nine months. Squadron-Leader Scott shot down at least five enemies while flying long-range Hurricanes on night intruder patrols. He used to wait over German aerodromes in enemyoccupied territory and swoop down on landing aircraft. He also carried out attacks against shipping, flying four-gun Hurricanes. He was awarded the D.F.C. last May, the citation stating that he had displayed great skill and keenness, his exceptional devotion to duty being an admirable example. He was awarded the Bar to the D.F.C. last September. Squadron-Leader Scott succeeds Squadron-Leader C. L. C. Roberts, an Englishman, who has led the squadron since its formation. The squadron's score is now 12L 'SScotty," as he is known generally, is determined to improve that total.