BRAVERY IN THE AIR

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 3, 28 September 1944, Page 6

BRAVERY IN THE AIR

D.F.C. To Wanganui Man For courage and devotion to duty which “undoubtedly saved his crew and aircraft, from disaster,” Flying Officer Douglas .James Naismith Gibson, R.N.Z.A.F., of Wanganui. Ims been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, according to official advice received by the Air Department, AVellingtoii. The citation describes how in November, 1943, Flying Officer Gibson was engaged in an attack on an important target. Tile run up was made through heav.v and accurate anti-aircraft fire and splinters penetrated Flying Officer Gibson's aircraft, wounding him.in the face anil left shoulder am] fracturing his collarbone. fie was temporarily stunned and the aircraft fell from 10,000 to 0000 feet, nt which height he came to and regained control. He instructed his crew Io abandon the aircraft, but as he appeared to be in full control they decided to stay with I heir pilot. The navigator gave him the course and though suffering extreme pain and loss of blood. Flying Officer Gibson flew to an airfield in England. Despite the injury to his left shoulder lie made a safe and normal landing. The citation adds that Flying Officer Gibson has completed many operational sorties with marked success and has several' times led sections in formation attacks.

He was born in Englund In April, 1921, and enmo out Io New Zealand with tils parents al. the age of three. Educated at tlic Wanganui Intermediate School and Wanganui Technienl College lie was later employed by Bing Harris, Ltd., in Wanganui. He enlisted In tim R.N.Z.A.F. tn October, 1910, trained in New Zealand the following year and left for oversells. He was commissioned in August last year. His next-of-kin is Ids father. Mr. It. Gibson, 11 Halswell Street, Wanganui.