AWARDS FOR N.Z. MEN

Grey River Argus, 22 January 1942, Page 7

AWARDS FOR N.Z. MEN

t CAIRO, January 19. Six decorations for gallantry in the field were presented to-day by General Freyberg, to patients in the New Zealand General Hospitals. Four were immediate awards in the Libyan campaign, two being won by men in the special desert group. The decorations were as . follows: —• Military Cross:’ Lieutenant A. C. Yeoman, 'Taneatua. D.C.M.: Corporal R. J. Moore, Taihape. Military Medal: Sergt. I. H. _McInnes, Whangarei. Gunner A. Wixon, Colac Bay Southland. Private A. V. Lee, Wellington. Bombardier T. M. Hutchinson, Napier.

A group of senior officers, sisters, and patients watched Gener.al Freyberg pin the ribbons on Hutchinson and Moore, as they sat in wheelchairs on the sunny balcony at the First General Hospital. The others received their decorations in a ward of the Third General Hospital. Only one man was able to stand to receive his award —Mclnnes. The courage and cheerfulness of all was an inspiration to those who watched them chatting freely with General Freyberg and his staff. One man, who will never have the full use of his legs again, smiled broadly as he was congratulated by the official party. Each man was thanked for the Division by General Freyberg, who stopped for several minutes at each bedside, inquiring about the men’s recovery and part in the campaign. Unlike the Libyan awards, no citations were read concerning the decorations of Moore and Mclnnes, because of the secrecy of their work. General Freyberg explained that the heroic deeds were not mentioned, but said: “When the history of this group is written, their work will rank as high as that of any regiment. They are hand-picked men, whose operations are outside the limelight.” WELLINGTON. January 19. According to official advice received by Air Headquarters, Wellington, a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded Pilot Officer Timothy John Wilder Wiliams, of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. His mother is Mrs. M. M. Williams, of Atua, Hastings. Pilot Officer Williams was born in Napier in 1915 and educated at Christ’s College. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in November, 1941. . . The citation accompanying his latest award states: “In November, 1941 this officer was captain ot an aircraft detailed to carry out an important operational mission. During the flight his aircraft was attacked by some eight enemy fighters and sustained severe damage. The front turret was put out of action, the wireless transmitter hit by an explosive bullet, and other damage inflicted. In spite of this, Pilot Officer Williams, by his skill and initiative, succeeded in damaging one enemy aircraft and completed his allotted task. This officer has shown exceptional coolness in the face of danger.” The Prime Minister has received information from th e High Commissioner in London that in addition to the award of the D. 5.0., Major C. H. Sawyers was also mentioned in despatches.