NOTED OFFICERS, WELL-KNOWN IN N.Z., KNIGHTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23154, 17 January 1950, Page 6

NOTED OFFICERS, WELL-KNOWN IN N.Z., KNIGHTED

AUCKLAND, Jan II Two distinguished officers of the British forces, both of whom have served in New Zealand, nave beers appointed Knights Commander of the Bath in the New Year Honours. They are Vice-Admiral W. E. Parry. C. 8., R.N. and Air Marshal Sir 11. W. L. Saunders. K.8.E., C. 8.- M.C.. D.F.C., M.M.. R.A.F. Sir William Parry, who Is Chief of the Naval Staff and Flag Officer commanding the Roval Indian Navy, came to New Zealand a few months befori

(he outbreak of war in 1939. He served as captain of 11.M.5. Achilles, whicli he commanded with great distinction at the Battle of the River Plate. After the successful action lie brought the Achilles back to New Zealand for her triumDhai welcome. Some months later. Sir William became Chief of the New Zealand Naval Staff. He was, at the time of this appointment, already commodore commanding the New Zealand squadron. He returned to Britain in 1942, and' after holding various wartime appointments. he became director of naval intelligence in 1946.

Sir Hugh Saunders succeeded Group Cantain the Hon. R. A. Cochrane as Chief of the New Zealand Air Staff in 1939 Sir Hugh, who has since leaving New Zealand held in succession a

number of major posts in the Royal AitForce. was appointed in 1948 to be Member of the Air Council for Personnel. A South African with a brilliant record in two wars. Sir Hugh won the Military Medal as a soldier before he began flying. As a fighter pilot he was awarded the Militarv Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar, and was appointed to a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force in August, 1919.

Sir Hugh has served in many parts of the world, including Egypt. Irak, New Zealand and Europe. During the Second World War, his appointment in New Zealand, originally for two years, was extended, and he was largely resnonsib’e for the rapid expansion of the infant Roval New Zealand Air Force into a major fighting organisation. Sir Hugh was closely associated with the organisation of the Empire air training scheme. After leaving-New Zealand he commanded No. 11 Fighter Group. Roval Air Force, which was entrusted with a big share of Britain's air defence. and later he served as commander of the Royal Air Force in Burma and Air Officer Commandingin Chief. Bomber Command. A third officer honoured is RearAdmiral C. A. L. Mansergh, D.S.C., R.N. who has been appointed a Commander of the Bath. He commanded cruisers of the Royal New Zealand Navy- during the Second World War.