N.Z. REINFORCEMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1942, Page 5

N.Z. REINFORCEMENTS

DRAFT ARRIVES IN BRITAIN LONDON, March 14. Further drafts of New Zealanders for the Royal Air Force and the : Royal Navy, including Fleet Air < Arm personnel, have just arrived in < Britain. The High Commissioner • (Mr. Jordan), who was represent- . ing New Zealand on the Pacific War 1 Council, was unable to meet them, ; but he was officially represented by < Mr. S .R. Skinner, chief clerk at ; New Zealand House, who heartily i welcomed the newcomers. D.S.O. FOR N.Z. AIRMAN. (Rec. 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 16. The D.S.O. has oeen awarded to a New Zealander, Acting Squadron Leader Noel Joseph Mowat, R.A.F. The citation says: Mowat, since the outbreak, has completed 150 defensive patrols and 30 fighter operations over enemy territory, of which eight were during the evacuation from Dunkirk. Hethen damaged two Messerschmitt 109 s. In June, 1940, he led a section of three planes against an aerodrome at Rquenbois, and damaged at least 20 planes. More recently, he led successful attacks on power stations, aerodromes barge concentrations, and distilleries in eneiny-occupied territory, and put several anti-aircraft posts out of action. He also participated in attacks against enemy shipping in which five vessels were damaged. During the operations against German battleships and escorts on February 12, Mowat, despite fierce opposition, was personally responsible for the destruction of a vessel in convoy. He has consistently displayed leadership of the highest order, and his determination and complete, disregard of personal danger, is an inspiration to his squadron. MR JORDAN IN SCOTLAND. (Recd. 9.45 a.m.)”LONDON, March 16 Mr Jordan, in Scotland visited ships commanded by New Zealand officers, also Fleet Air Arm and R A.F. stations, where New Zealanders are in training. LieutenantCommanders J. G. Hilliard, N. L. Mackie, Peter Phipps, H. A. Dunnet and Lieutenant A. A. Bell, all R.N.Z.N.V.R., reported very favouiably on the New Zealand ratings under their command, and the efficiency they attained in the Royal Navy. Mr Jordan inspected the messes and sleeping quarters, and congratulated the officers on the excellent arrangements for comfort oi the personnel. Mr Jordan at an stations met numerous New Zealand Fleet Air Arm officers, other New Zealand airmen, and members oi the ■ ground staff. He addressed them, and observed their intensive training. Mr Jordan during his tour visited ’ two mills manufacturing linen from ■ New Zealand flax. The director of the . mills said he was extremely satisfied with the flax’s quality, and was hopei ful it would be possible to receive i many more shipments. S. R. Skinnei , 1 of the naval liaison, and Squadron ; Leader Gamble, air liaison, accompanied Mr Jordan on the toui.