AMERICAN D.F.C.

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23948, 15 May 1943, Page 4

AMERICAN D.F.C.

AWARD TO N.Z. AIRMAN WASHINGTON. May 13, The American Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flight Lieutenant W. R. B. Watson, a flight commander. in the R.N.Z.A.F. reconnaissance bomber squadron, serving with the United States Marines on Guadalcanal for “outstanding leadership and unyielding devotion to duty, which contributed greatly to the success of our forces.” Commenting on the American award to Flight Lieutenant Watson, the Air Department (states a Press Association message yesterday) stated that he was a commander of a flight of one of the R.N.Z.A.F. squadrons serving at advanced Pacific bases. During the period he was stationed at Guadalcanar the aircraft of the flight had been engaged in night-bombing missions with successful results. He had since returned to New Zealand. where he is now serving. The award of the American D.F.C. is the first of its kind to an R.N.Z.A.F. officer serving in the Pacific. Flight Lieutenant Watson was born at Auckland in 1911 and educated at Wanganui College and Cambridga University, where he graduated Master of Arts with honours in law. He was a sharebroker in Wellington at the time of his appointment to a commission in the R.N.Z.A.F. Reserve.