RAPID PROMOTION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 82, 31 December 1940, Page 10

RAPID PROMOTION

New Zealand Squadron Leader Dominion Special Service. DUNEDIN, December 30. Rapid promotion from pilot officer to squadron leader and the gaining of the D.F.C. within 18 months for his work as a bomber pilot of the R.A.F. is the line record of Squadron Leader T. O. Freeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Freeman, Cargill Road, South Dunedin. At 24 years of age Squadron Leader Freeman is young to hold this high position. His parents have received congratulations from the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, on their son’s achievements and confirmation of the advice they received a few days ago from the Minister has now come from Squadron Leader Freeman himself. It is five years since Squadron Leader Trevor Owen Freeman became a member of the R.A.F., and in July of last year he received his commission as pilot officer. He was promoted exactly a year later to Hying officer. Three months ago he became flight, lieutenant, and was for some time attached to group headquarters. He gained the D.F.C. in October. He also successfully completed his course of advanced navigation, and this no doubt aided him in reaching his new post.