D.F.C. AWARDED TO AIR NAVIGATOR

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24237, 20 April 1944, Page 6

D.F.C. AWARDED TO AIR NAVIGATOR

—4 EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY ON OPERATIONS (P.A.) WELLINGTON. April 19. Exceptional ability as a navigator during bombing raids over Germany on the part of Flying Officer John Stewart Leech, of Waikiekie, North Auckland, has earned for him the award of the D.F.C. The citation states that Flying Officer Leech has participated in many sorties and as invariably displayed keenness, courage, and devotion to duty. His navigational ability has always been apparent, and not once has he failed to guide his pilot to the allotted target. On a recent occasion he was a member of the crew of an aircraft which attacked Berlin. < On the return flight one engine caught fire. A propeller flew off, tearing a large hole in the fuselage. Other damage was also causSa, putting many instruments out of action and extinguishing all lights. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Leech, using a torch for illumination, plotted the way home with his usual accuracy. His efforts were of the greatest assistance to his captain, A son of Mrs J. Leech, Waikiekie, Flying Officer Leech was born at Westport and educated at St. Patrick’s College, Wellington. He was farming on his own account before joining the R.N.Z.A.F. in September. 1941,