BRAVERY IN AIR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 88, 14 April 1945, Page 10

BRAVERY IN AIR

N.Z. PILOTS' FEATS

SERIES OF AWARDS

P.A. WELLINGTON, Friday. An operation one night in October, 1944, won for Acting-Flight-Lieutenant Leonard Bursell, of Auckland, an immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. "Flight-Lieutenant Bursell set a fine example of gallantry and devotion to duty," the citation states. "He has taken part in very many sorties and nas invariably pressed home tne atcacks with exceptional determination. One night in October, 1944, this officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Early on the outward flight one engine failed, but Flight-Lieutenant Bursell flew on. When nearing the target his inter-communications system became unserviceable. Although the aircraft was now subjected to considerable anti-aircraft fire the pilot pressed home a good attack and then flew the aircraft back to an airfield in England. The brakes were defective, but he made a* safe .anding, which showed' outstanding skill and great resolution." His wife is Mrs. J. A. Bursell, of sa, Holliday Road, Milford. The •-citation to an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to FlyingOfficer Raymond Edward Charles Hogg, of Auckland, says FlyingOfficer Hogg had completed a tour of operational sorties during which he had attacked a wide variety of targets in Germany and occupied territory. "During the tour," it adds, "his aircraft has been attacked by fighters and damaged by antiaircraft ' fire. Flying-Officer Hogg invariably pressed home his attacks. His fine fighting spirit and great determination have been an inspiration to his crew." His home is at 236, Kepa Road, Mission Bay. Air Sortie Veterans The completion of many operational sorties in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and several successful returns to base in badly damaged aircraft are mentioned in a citation to the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Flying-Officer John Clement Stuart, of Birkenhead, Auckland. "On three occasions," the citation states, "his aircraft has been attacked by enemy night fighters. Fine airmanship enabled his crew to shoot down one enemy fighter and damage another. At all times as captain of his aircraft Flying-Officer btuart has set an inspiring example by his courage and determination." mother, Mrs. D. S. Stuart, lives mu Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. The citation to an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Fly-ing-Officer Kevin Michael Cotter, of re Kuiti, says he had completed a large number of ' bombing and intruder sorties against enemy targets. He has ahvay shown fine fighting spirit, courage and devotion to duty, it continues. "He has destroyed one enemy aircraft in the air off the coast of France and damaged .12 others on the ground. He also inflicted much damage upon enemy transport, dften in the face of intense opposition. Flying-Officer Cotter's enthusiasm for operational flying has won the admiration of his squadron." His mother is Mrs. K. Mcintosh, of Waitete. Road, Te Kuiti.

Bomber missions into Europe, and mine laying operations, comprise a fine record to the credit of ActingSquadron - Leader Brian Maurice O'Connor, D.F.C., of Auckland. The citation to nis award states he has completed two tours of operational duty. "He has taken part in attacks against some of the enemy's most heavily-defended targets, including airfields, railway sidings, troop concentrations, lines of communication, oil refineries, shipping installations, and harbours," it says. "In addition, he has taken part in mine-laying operations in the Danube. In June, 1944, Squadron-Leader O'Connor was detailed to attack a heavily-defended airfield in Austria. In spite of adverse weather and intense antiaircraft fire, he pressed home a telling attack and obtained an excellent photograph. During the past 11 months he has been in command of his flight he has set a high standard by his leadership, determined and devotion to duty." An old boy of St. Patrick's College, Silverstream, Squadron-Leader o'Conn9r studied at St. Ignatius Sydney, before working as a clerk in Palmerston North and then entering Auckland University College to study architecture. He is 28 years old and his mother, Mrs. V. L. O'Connor, lives in Palmerston North.