DOMINION FLYERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20619, 21 November 1941, Page 6

DOMINION FLYERS

FOUR DECORATED COURAGE IN BOMBING (Reed. Nov. 21, noon.) LONDON, Nov. 20. Pilot-Officer Timothy John Wilder Williams and Pilot-Officer Eric Clarence Cox, of the R.N.Z.A.F., have been awarded the D.F.C. The citations state:— “Since June, Pilot-Officer Williams has participated in 28 operation?.', sorties. He is a fearless pilot and always displays the utmost determination to reach and bomb his objective. One night in September he failed to receive the general recall signal and was one of the few who succeeded in reaching Berlin where he penetrated into the centre of the city and released bombs over the target area and flew back safely, “Pilot-Officer Cox’s outstanding ability was so marked that, after two operational missions as second pilot, he was promoted to captain of an aircraft. He has displayed splendid leadership and at all times pressed home attacks with the utmost vigor in face of enemy opposition and bac weather. Many times the intensity of the enemy barrage forced him away from the target, but he always returned again and again- to attack until he finally succeeded. PilotOfficer Cox throughout has shown real tactical ability in the final stage of his attacks that is only equalled by the thoroughness of his pre-flight preparation.

Sergeant Kynaston John Stanford and Sergeant'Francis Charles Sergent art awarded the D.F.M. The citations state: “Sergeant Stanford in July was captain of a plane participating in a daylight attack against the Gneisenau at Brest. Throughout the attack, in face of intense and accurate anti-air-craft fire, he flew in close formation with his leader, presenting such a determined front that the enemy fighters did not dare to attack. Sergeant Stanford has always carried out operations in the most courageous and resolute manner, pressing home attacks from low altitudes, despite the enemy opposition. His keenness and cheerfulness have set an excellent example, “One night in July Sergeant Sergent was the rear gunner of a plane participating in a successful attack against Duisberg. The plane, on the homeward journey, was over Cenlo when it was attacked from astern by a Messcrschmitt 110. With great coolness, in face of the enemy’s intense cannon and machine-gun fire, Sergeant Sergent withheld Iris fire until the enemy was within close range when he delivered a long and accurate burst, causing the enemy plane to dive towards the ground, crash and burst into flames. Sergeant Serg-ent’s cheerfulness and courage under the most trying conditions is an inspiration to all.”