FIGHTER PILOTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 134, 3 December 1941, Page 10

FIGHTER PILOTS

SEVERAL NEW ZEALANDERS

SWEEPS OVER FRANCE

(0.C.)

LONDON, October 14.

Photographs have appeared in New Zealand newspapers of fighter pilots stated to be in "the first New Zealand Squadron." This squadron, however, commanded by Squadron Leader W. G. Clouston, D.F.C. (Wellington), who shot down 12 German aircraft in the Battle of Britain, although it comprised a number of New Zealanders, was not the v official New Zealand Fighter Squadron, which is commanded by Squadron Leader M. W. B. Knight, D.F.C. (Dannevirke).' . >

Squadron Leader Clouston led his squadron in 4l daylight sweeps over France during which three German aircraft were shot down and a number damaged. Two of the three were shot down by an English flight commander and the third fell to the guns of Pilot Officer H. A. Dobbyn (Auckland). Flight Lieutenants R. Bush' and Q. J. Sharpe (Dunedin), Pilot Officers G. M. Marshall (Ma'rton) and B. A. McAlisteV (Invercargill) were all credited with probables. - .

Squadron Leader Clouston is now in Singapore. Many ,'of the New Zealanders have been transferred to other squadrons.

In addition to those mentioned the following pilots also flew with the squadron:—-Flight Lieutenant V. B. de la Perelle (Invercargill). Pilot Officers Campbell White (Wanganui), W. T. Everist and R. H. R. White (Christchurch), D. C. Hutcheson (Wellington), and Sergeant D. G. Auriscl. (Christchurch).