VETERAN PILOT
DISTINCTION OF WELLINGTON - AIRMAN
(Official War Correspondent N.Z.E.F.)
ADRIATIC COAST, Sept. li>.
.... The distinction of being the oldest pilot of his squadron, and one of the oldest of the whole Desert Air Force, belongs to a New Zealander, Flying Officer R. H. Newton, of Wellington, who is now flying Mustangs in support of the Eighth Army in its drive up the Adriatic coast.
Flying Officer Newton, who left New Zealand in August, 1941, as a sergeant, went to England for further' training, and when that was completed was posted direct to the Shark squadron of the Desert Air Force, with which he has done the whole of his operational flying. He has now been with the squadron more than two years. A great deal of his flying has been done in close smpport of troops of the Eighth Army, which demands special ability in dive-bombing and strafing if it is to be effective. He took part in the invasion of southern France, when his squadron had the task of escorting gliders to protect them from ground fire.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19440919.2.48.2
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 69, 19 September 1944, Page 5
Word Count
179VETERAN PILOT Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 69, 19 September 1944, Page 5
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