WON IN AIR WAR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 301, 20 December 1943, Page 4

WON IN AIR WAR

SQUADRON-LEADERS

DECORATIONS AWARDED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sunday. Decorations to New Zealand air personnel serving overseas include a Distinguished Service Order, a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. The recipients are:— Distinguished Service Order Squadron-Leader J. M. Checketts, D.F.C., of Invercargill. Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross Squadron-Leader H. G. Holmes, whose mother is Mrs. G. Holmes, Tauranga. Distinguished Flying Cross Squadron-Leader A. W. Mack, of Wellington. Acting-Squadron-Leader N. R. Mansfield, of Christchurch. The citation states that courage, fortif.ude and skill of a high order have been shown by Squadron-Leader Checketts. He has destroyed at least 11 enemy aircraft and caused the destruction of two E-boats. He has taken part in a large number of sorties. Since being awarded the D.F.C., Squadron-Leader Holmes has recently completed his second tour of operational duty, states the citation. He has continually shown the utmost determination when pressing home his attacks. He has taken part in a series of attacks on enemy submarines. After completing a tour with the Bomber Command, Squadron - Leader Mack has lately been attached to the Night Fighter Command and has displayed great keenness and tenacity. During' a recent operational flight, when 400 miles from his base, his aircraft struck some object, 4ft of the starboard wing being broken off and all but 2ft of the starboard aileron. In spite of this Squadron-Leader Mack flew his aircraft back to the base.

Acting-Squadron-Leader Mansfield has taken part in -a large number of sorties, during which many well-defended, fardistant targets have been successfully attacked. Outstanding determination marked his efforts, and on more than one occasion his great skill has been responsible for the safe return of his aircraft in the face of difficulties.