R.N.Z.A.F. SERGEANTS DECORATED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 260, 30 July 1941, Page 8

R.N.Z.A.F. SERGEANTS DECORATED

Gallantry In Bombing Raids LONDON, July 28. The Distinguished Flying Medal has been awarded to two. members of the R.N.Z.A.F., Sergeant Allen Robert James Box, Auckland, and Sergeant William Noel Williams, Dunedin. The citations stated that Sergeant Box, formerly an engineer, was a gunner in a plane which successfully attacked Munster early in June and which was attacked by a Messerschmitt while on the homeward run. In the ensuing action Box-fired a burst of 200 rounds at point-blank range, causing the attacker to turn away and dive steeply toward the sea, its engine on fire and emitting clouds of black smoke. Sergeant Box’s machine was severely damaged by a big fire which was burning in the starboard wing. “Excellent crew control” was displayed, and the crew refused to abandon their machine. Tremendous efforts were made to subdue the fire and all loose articles were jettisoned. A skilful landing was made. Sergeant Williams, a former hairdresser, was observer-navigator in an aeroplane which was attacked over Bremen from a low level at daylight on July 4. The aeroplane passed through a balloon barrage and extremely heavy flak. Sergeant Williams was injured in one leg and one foot, but successfully navigated the aeroplane home, where he made a successful crash landing. All of the crew displayed great courage and determination under extremely harassing circumstances. Squadron Leader R. P. Widdowson, Winnipeg, who is awarded tbe D.F.C., Sergeant M. H. Ross, Quebec, who receives the D.F.M., and Flight Lieutenant H. Spenke, Bloemfontein, who gete the D.F.C., are among other Empire airmen to be decorated for-gallantry.