ARMY AND AIR HONOURS

Evening Star, Issue 25169, 8 May 1944, Page 2

ARMY AND AIR HONOURS

AWARDS TO N.Z. PERSONNEL

FLYING OFFICER WEE'S GALLANT SERVICE (P.A.) May 8. The King has approved of the following awards to Secogji N.Z.6.F. personnel in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field: — BAR TO D.S.O. Stott, Captain Donald John; mother, Mrs A. Stott, Birkenhead. D.C.M. Morton, Second-lieutenant Robert McDonald ; mother, Mrs Hilda Morton, Dargaville. MILITARY MEDAL. Eedpalh, Sergeant John Alexander, D.C.M.; father, Mr J. A. Redpath, Christchurch. Captain Stott, 28 years old, left New Zealand with the first echelon, in October, 1941. He was presumed prisoner of war, having been missing for some months, but in December of the same year was reported safe at the Second N.Z.E.P. base camp. He was awarded the D.S.O. in August last. Before the war he was • a rotary machinist with the New Zealand ' Herald.' Before the war, a clerk employed by the Post and Telegraph Department at Whakapora, Lieutenant Morton left New Zealand with the first echelon, and was taken prisoner m July, 1941, but in December was safe with the Second N.Z.E.F. He was reported wqunded in October, 1942. He is 25 years of age. Sergeant Redpath, who before the war was company manager at Wellington for Westland Developments Ltd., left New Zealand in August, 1940. He had been posted as missing twice, but in both cases was later reported safe at the Second N.Z.E.P. base camp. In March, 1942, he WaS awarded the D.C.M. SUCCESSFUL BOMBING.

Successful bombing attacks on targets in Gorman-occupied Europe won for l-'lyiug-officer John Miiward Mee, formerly of Dunedin, the award of D.F.C. Mee. who is a son of Mr J. Mee, of Lauder, Central Otago, was recently reported missing on air operations. "He has taken part in many attacks on major targets in enemy territory, invariably exhibiting the utmost determination," states the citation. "In December, 1943, he was detailed to attack Berlin, and prior to releasing his bombs, he was attacked by an enemy lighter. Severe damage, which rendered the turrets, compass, and intercommunication system unserviceable, was inflicted on his aircraft, but this did not deter him from pressing home the' attack and bombing the target. After leaving the target area another fighter attack developed, but, aided by the skilful directions given by the gunners, Mee was able to avoid further damage, and flew home to make a successful landing at base His courage and devotion to duty Biave been 'outstanding at all times."

Born in Dunedil), Flying-officer Mee was a student at the Mining School, Otago University, When he joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1940. He gained his " blue " for Rugby, and was also interested in. cricket, tennis, and boxing. '