N.Z. PILOTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 27, 31 July 1941, Page 11

N.Z. PILOTS

COURAGE IN THE AIR

SEVERAL AWARDS MADE

THE CITATIONS

The circumstances which led to five New Zealand airmen.being decorated for courage in the air are detailed in an official statement issued by Air Headquarters, Wellington. Four were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and one the Distinguished Flying Medal. Flying Officer Ronald Edward Lewis, next-of-kin (mother) Mrs. L. W. Lewis, 56 The Terrace, Wellington. One night in March, 1941, this officer, was the rear gunner of an aircraft which carried out an attack against the Focke-Wulf works at Bremen. During the return journey, a Messerschmitt 110 was encountered flying in an easterly direction. The enemy immediately turned to attack, but Flying Officer Lewis shot it down while it was still turning at a range of 250 yards. Flying Officer Lewis had previously been employed in the Coastal Command, where he had completed 45 sorties on submarine patrols and convoy escort. He has displayed great courage and devotion to duty. Pilot Officer Douglas Robert Bagnall, next-of-kin (mother) Mrs. I. A. Bagnall, Orchard Street, Wellington. This officer has completed many operational missions during the last seven months. During this period, ohe has attacked numerous important targets in Germany, including four raids on Berlin, and also ports in the enemy occupied zones in France. He has displayed great determination and, in spite of many trying experiences, has always displayed keenness in pressing home his attacks. Pilot Officer James Victor Verran, next-of-kin (mother) Mrs. J. Verran, Manunui. This officer has completed numerous operational sorties. He has attacked many important targets in Germany, including three raids on Berlin and three on Mannheim. He has also attacked objectives in France and Italy. He ..-is an extremely reliable captain of aircraft, and his care and thoroughness in preparation for nights I has- contributed materially to the success of these operations. Pilot Officer Verran has set a splendid example. INSPIRATION TO CREW. Pilot Officer Hay den Hugh James Miller, next-of-kin (father) Mr. H. A. Miller, Morrinsville. This officer has completed numerous operational missions. Throughout these flights he has displayed great determination and a complete disregard -of enemy opposiItion. He has attacked many objectives in enemy and enemy-occupied territory with marked success. On one occasion, he completed an operation over Turin in almost impossible weather conditions. His courage and skill have inspired confidence in every crew of which he has acted as captain.

Sergeant Frank Simpworth Kirke (enlisted in Wellington). This airman has completed many operations against the enemy as an air observer. His navigation has been of the very highest prder, and he has always shown the greatest keenness in .. his work. He has displayed outstanding ability, determination, and devotion to duty throughout. •