AWARDS TO AIRMEN

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 2, 27 September 1944, Page 6

AWARDS TO AIRMEN

Gallantry In Pacific Operations

I-lis Excellency the Governor-General has announced/that the King has been pleased to approve the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the undermentioned officers of the Royal New Zealand Air Force in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy in the South Pacific area: — Flight Lieutenant Charles Albert Fountaine. R.N.Z.A.F. Flying Officer Alan Rodger Walker, R.N.Z.A.F. “A cunningly-concealed enemy target of major importance on New Britain, well-protected by anti-aircraft guns, was located, bombed and damaged by this officer early in his latest tour of duty in February, 1-944,” states the citation to Flight Lieutenant Fountaine’s award. “.'His first run apparently took the enemy by surprise, as there was no fire from the ground. He made two more runs through strong defensive fire and pressed home his attacks in a most courageous manner. His skilful flying brought his erw through without injuries, though the aircraft was holed in several places.” The citation to Flying Officer Walker’s award states: —“Wounded in the arm when his aircraft suffered two damaging hits ’by 20mm. anti-aircraft shells during a ground strafing attack on enemy positions in northern New Britain, Flying Officer Walker was obliged to ditch his aircraft in St. George’s Channel, between New Britain and New Ireland, on June IT, 1944. He was rescued, returned to his base and had his wound treated. Two days later be led his section back to the same area, making a scries of determined attacks against gun positions and personnel, and destroying six Japanese trucks.” Flight Lieutenant Fountaine was born In Frankton Junction on November 24, 1918, and received his secondary education at the Feilding' Agricultural College. Before his enlistment in tlie R.N.Z.A.F. In .Tune, 1940, he was employed on his father's farm at ’Woodville, lie has completed two tours of operations with bomber reconnaissance aircraft in tlie Pacific war theatre. His wife is Mrs. E. D. Fountaine, 69 East Street, Feilding. Born in Nelson in August, 1922, Flying Ollicer Walker was educated at the 'Wanganui Intermediate -School and the Wanganui Technical College, later being employed as a clerk in the Native Department at Wanganui. He enlisted in (lie R.N.Z.A.F. in November, 191-1, anil trained in New Zealand as a pilot. He was commissioned in May. 19-12, and underwent army co-operation courses in New Zealand and Australia. His next-of-kin is his father, Mr. L. R. 'Walker, 59 Wilson Street, ’Wanganui.