N.Z. AIR AWARD'S

Grey River Argus, 27 February 1943, Page 4

N.Z. AIR AWARD'S

Mr Fraser’s Survey MORE THAN 350 SO FAR. WELLINGTON Feb. 26. The Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, announced that awards for gallantry and heroism in the air made to members of the New Zealand air personnel overseas this month had risen to' a total-of more than 350. Mr. Fraser indicated that awards were won bv New Zealanders serving in the R.A.F. as well members of the Royal Nev/ Zealand Air Force. * “Let it be remembered that this total of gallantry awards has been achieved in less than three and a half veai’s of war. and thus makes an average of ten decorations monthly,” he said, adding that besides being a telling indication of th e fine fighting mettle of our fliers the total p'roved beyond shadow of doubt that our airmen were taking a large part in the air war for freedom. “Awards totalling 358 have been won by 318 individuals,” said Mr. Fraser, adding:-“The awards embrace all those available to airmen of the Empire, and also include honours from certain members of our Allies. Among the former is one V.C., thirteen D.S.O.’s; One Conspicuous Gallantry Medal; one* M.C; twenty D.F.C.’s with Bar; 207. D.F.C.’s; one D.F.M- with Bar; seventy lour D.F.M.’s; three George Medals; one A.F.C. with Bar; twenty seven A.F.C.’s: four Air Force Medals. Many other airmen received British Empire Awards and scores have been mentioned in despatches.” The Prime Minister' said that foreign decorations awarded included one Croix. de Guerre; one Order of Lenin; two Orders of the Crown of Yugoslavia; one White Eagle of Yugoslavia (first class); and* one Czech Medal'for Bravery. The record showed that the. decorated members of the New Zealand air personnel came from every conceivable walk of life.