BRAVE AIRMEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 251, 23 October 1944, Page 2

BRAVE AIRMEN

TEN MORE AWARDS

D.S.O. AND FLYING CROSSES

(P.A.) ' WELLINGTON, this day. Ten New Zealand airmen serving in the European theatre have been decorated, according to advice just received by the Air Department. They are:— Distinguished Service Order.— Flight-Lieutenant S. G. Culliford, Norsewood.

Distinguished Flying Cross — Flight-Lieutenant G. W. Warden (Mrs. K. B. Upton, Auckland, mother); Flight-Lieutenant E. W. Gabites, Hastings; Flight-Lieutenant L. Elliot, Pukerua Bay; Acting Flight-Lieutenant B. J. Oliver (Mr. J. Oliver, Whangarei, father); Pilot-Officer M. McL. Mime, Hastings; Pilot-Officer A. R. Speirs, Christchurch; Pilot-Officer G. H. R. Treasure, Christchurch; Pilot-Officer T. H. Harrison (Mrs. A. M. Harrison, Ngongotaha, mother); Flying-Officer A. E. Nicklin (Mrs. V. A. Nicklin, Auckland, wife); Flight-Lieutenant B. G. Collyns, Kaikoura. Flying-Officer Nicklin has taken part in many bombing attacks against strongly defended targets in Germany and enemy occupied territory, and the citation states that in April, 1944, he was the pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Schweinfurt. Before the attack an enemy fighter was encountered. In the engagement the rear gunner was severely wounded and serious damage was suffered by the aircraft. In spite of this, and with the turret and intercommunication system unserviceable Flying-Officer Nicklin completed his attack and piloted his aircraft to a safe landing in the United Kingdom. He has always displayed courage, resolutio'n and skill of an outstanding quality. Before he joined the R.N.Z.A.F. he was dairy farming in the Putaruru district. "Flight-Lieutenant Oliver has flown on many operational sorties," the citation to his award states, "and has destroyed four enemy aircraft and 20 mechanical vehicles. He has displayed the greatest keenness to engage the enemy and his example has been most commendable." Flight-Lieutenant Oliver was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School and joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in July, 1940.