AIRMEN DECORATED

Evening Star, Issue 25113, 1 March 1944, Page 4

AIRMEN DECORATED

DUNEDIN AND MLCLUTHA MEN SHARE iN HONOURS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 1. The award of the Distinguished Flyin"- Cross to three members of the R.N.Z.A.F. and of the Distinguished Flying Medal to another was announced to-day. The recipients of the D.F.C. are:— Squadron-leader William PapUlion Kemp; father, Mr A. J. W. Kemp. Opotiki. Flight-lieutenant Ira Allison Sutherland ; sister, Miss U. Sutherland. Pilot-officer McCorkingdale;' 4 father, Mr D. McCorkingdale; Balclutha. The recipient of,the D.P.M. is-;— i 'Flight-Sergeant' "Arnold J Divers; mother, Mrs J. S. Divers, Dunedin. McCorkingdale is described .in the citation to his award as an officer who has completed many successful operations against the enemy, and one who has always displayed high skill, fortitude, and devotion to duty. Enlisting as an air gunner in 1941, McCorkingdale has been serving overseas si.nco early in 1942. .He was Born at Evan's Flat in 1921, and was educated at thi> Lawrence District High School. The citation to the award to Divers states that he has been' responsible for 11 successful rescues of British and American air crews. lii November Inst, soon after his release from hospital, he rescued ■ five airmen from a dinghy .during adverse weather condition, which made a tajje-off impossible. Taxi-ing also became impossible after a time, and after spending 10 hours afloat the crew of the aircraft and tho rescued personnel were taken On board an American ship. Divers has invariably shown coolness and courage of the highest order. The, citation' adds: Bowi in Dunedin in 1921, Divers was educated at the • Otago Boysj High School. .He has been serving in the Roval New Zealand Air Force since 1940.