N.Z. AIR AWARDS

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1943, Page 4

N.Z. AIR AWARDS

P.A. WELLINGTON, May 14. Two awards to New Zealand airmen announced to-day are the Distinguished Service Order to Flight Lieutenant Keith Frederick Thiele D.F.C., of Christchurch, and the bar to the D.F.C., to Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Hugh MacFarlane, R.A.F., of Leithfield, Canterbury. The citation accompanying the award to Thiele states he has always shown conspicuous keenness and resolution during operations. Most of his attacks have been against distant well defended targets. During one of these, his rear gunner lost consciousness through lack of oxygen, but although two members of the crew were attending him, Thiele continued the mission, then returning at low level for the recovery of the gunner. On another flight the port engine caught fire, but was out out and the flight continued. By his outstanding courage, confidence and devotion to duty. Thiele has won the admiration of all. Thiele was born at Christchurch in 1921. Educated at Waltham and Christchurch Bovs’ High School he was a reporter of the Christchurch “Star” before enlisting in 1940. He was awarded the D.F.C. in August last year. His father is F. C. Thiele of Sydenham. MacFarlane was born at Christchurch in 1916, educated at Christ’s College and Lincoln College and enlisted in the R.A.F. in 1939. He was awarded the D.F.C. in February, 1941. He is married. His father is A. H. MacFarlane, Leithfield.