AIR AWARDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 73, 22 September 1942, Page 4

AIR AWARDS

MORE NEW ZEAL.ANDERS

The following awards to New Zealand air personnel were announced last night:— Distinguished Service s Order: Acting Group Captain Eric William Whitley, D.F.C., R.A.F. Distinguished Flying Cross: Acting Squadron Leader Keith Ashley Lawrence, R.A.F.; Mr. R. H. Lawrence, 113 Lewis Street. Invercargill (father). Flight Lieutenant Gilbert McLean Hayton, R.A.F.; Mr. E. C. Hayton, 3 Fillis Street, New Plymouth (father). Distinguished Flying Medal: Warrant Officer William Henry Gray, R.N.Z.A.F.; Captain W. A. Gray, '30 Puru Crescent, Lyall Bay, Wellington (father).

"Warrant Officer Gray is an exceptionally fine aircraft captain, and always achieves good results irrespective of the nature of his engagement. In all his sorties he has demonstrated unswerving determination," states the citation for this airman's Distinguished Flying Medal. Born in Wellington in June, 1916, he was educated at the Lyall Bay School and Rongotai Boys'

College where he was captain of the first eleven and the first fifteen. Beginning his training in the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1940, he was, before his enlistment, in the employ of the State Forest Service at Rotorua.

Acting Group Captain Whitley. who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in July, 1940, was, at the time of his latest award, commanding a squadron during fighting in the Western Desert. This squadron was :;uccessful in inflicting heavy damage on the Axis forces. Group Captain Whitley planned all the sorties, and, states the citation, ".displayed fine leadership and great courage, which contributed materially to the outstanding results achieved "by his squadron." Mo details of Acting Group Captain . Whitlcy's next-of-k'in are held at Air Headquarters.

Acting Squadron Leader Lawrence has destroyed four enemy aircraft, probably destroyed two others, and damaged another seven. "His example is always best when the odds are the greatest." states the citation. "In addition, he shows great keenness in his work and has given ample proof of possessing outstanding courage." Born in Waitara, Taranaki, in November, 1919, he was educated at the Waihopai School. Invercargill. and the Southland Boys' High School. On leaving school he entered the service of the National Bank of New Zealand. Ltd.

•'Flight Lieutenant Hayton is an outstanding and fearless lighter pilot." states the citation accompanying his award. Flight Lieutenant Hayton, who was born in Hawera in May, 1917. was educated at the Central School. New Plymouth, the New Plymouth Boys' High School, the Wellington Technical College, and Victoria University College. Wellington, and sained his B.Com. in .'938. For a short period he was a relieving master at the Wel■<*toii Technical College,