WAR DECORATIONS

Grey River Argus, 28 July 1941, Page 3

WAR DECORATIONS

FOR NEW ZEALANDERS (Rec. 9.10) LONDON, July 26. The citation in connection with the award of the D.F.C. to ActingSquadron Leader I. G. Richmond, . R.A.F., p£ Nelson, New Zealand, states: Richmond for the past year has commanded a flight with conispicuous keenness and leadership. During the night of May 7 he dived through a heavy accurate flak, and directlv hit the Gneisenau at Brest. He has always provided an example of efficiency, courage and devotion to duty. CAIRO, July 25. An echo of the important part played in the Cyrenaica campaign by a detachment of the New Zealand Divisional Signals was Jhe ceremony yesterday, in which General Freyberg presented decorations won by the members of this unit and conv gratulated others, who had been mentioned m desoatcnes. I The follo.vmg v.ere decorates: — Major G. L. Agar, 0.8. E.; Captain, A. 'E. Smith. M.'B.E; Signalman D. C. Monday, M.M. i Mentioned in despatches: Cadet J. W. Bateman, Sergeant V. S. Tankard, Corporal J. J. Knowles. Lance Cornorals E. J. Wilton, R. M. Green, A. R. A. Butterworth, Signalmen F. G. Attrill, L. H. Hunter, A. R. Ferguson, A. Q. Uanko. Butterworth and Ferguson were announced as being absent as prisoners of war. The detachment which formed the nucleus of a corps of signals in the Western Desert won an outstanding reputation on the communications work from the time Italy entered the war until the enemy were driven back to Tripolitania. The whole unit was reviewed by General Freyberg, an impressive ceremonial par-ade-being watched by many military and civilian visitors. The inarch

past in slow time was a striking feature of the ceremony. Recipients of honours and awards were then called out before the Commander, who presented medal ribbands, and spoke and shook hands with each in turn. The party finally turned about to face the unit, which presented arms in a general salute. High officers of the N.Z.E.F. and Middle East were present at the parade.