ONE HUNDRED AWARDS

Evening Star, Issue 23908, 11 June 1941, Page 6

ONE HUNDRED AWARDS

GALLANT DOMINION AIRMEN PROUD RECORD IN R.A.F. WELLINGTON, June 11. With the news that four more Distinguished Flying Crosses have been awarded to New Zealanders serving with the R.A.F., a grand total of 100 awards has been reached by New Zealand airmen since the outbreak of the war, the Hon. E. Jones announced today. “ Many of the awards have been won by New Zealanders who left the Dominion to take up short-service commissions with the R.A.F. before the war, and it is a tribute to the standard of the men selected that such a high proportion should merit distinction,” said the Minister. “ They came from farms, offices, factories, and workshops, but, imbued with the spirit of service, they proved ideal types for training. A large number now bold responsible positions in the R.A.F. The introduction of the Empire air training scheme also enabled more New Zealanders to fit themselves in readiness to take their places alongside their brothers further afield. . . “ New Zealand airmen have participated m some of the most-daring and effective raids over Germany and Italy, and the awards, have been won for bravery and devotion to duty in battle over England, Germany, Norway, Italy, the Middle East, and occupied France. Wherever the R.A.F. is to be found you will find sons of New Zealand worthily upholding the traditions of the Dominion.” Mr Jones added that an analysis of the awards showed that 75 Distinguished Flying Crosses have been won, three bars to the D.F.C., seven Distinguished Flying Medals, 10 Air Force Crosses, one Distinguished Service Order, three George Medals, and one Croix de Guerre.