BAIN OF DEATH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 168, 15 June 1940, Page 7

BAIN OF DEATH

ASSAULTS BY R.A.F. EXTENSIVE OPERATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) Received June 15, 10.55 a.m. RUGBY, June 14. An Air Ministry communique states: “Throughout yesterday formations of our medium bombers continued their operations in support ot the Allied troops by bombing the bridgeheads on the Seine. Troop concentrations and columns of armoured fighting vehicles in the fighting zones east of Rouen were also attacked. Five of our aircraft are missing. “During the night large numbers of our heavy bombers attacked military objectives on the enemy’s lines of communication over an area extending from Rouen eastwards to the Maginot Line. Bridges, railways, road junctions, goods yards, and oil stores were hit. Enemy convoys were also bombed, ammunition dumps exploded, and forests occupied by the enemy set on fire. One of our aircraft failed to return.” Anti-aircraft guns went into action on the coast of Northern France today. Shell bursts were seen from the English coast. Italian ’planes raided South-Eastern France last night and were driven off by anti-aircraft fire. Several people were injured. GALLANT AIRMEN. For undertaking a mission involving an exceedingly hazardous flight Fjy-ing-Officer H. B. Collins has been awarded the D.F.C., states the British Official Wireless. Flying-Officer Collins, who was born at Kidderpore, India, flew a large, comparatively slow, aeroplane to deliver much-need-, ed ammunition to the Army ill France. Although faced by. hostile action, both on the outward and inward flights, lie successfully carried out his mission with great bravery. . . With a total of ten enemy aircraft to his credit, and probably a further six, Flying-Officer I. B. N. llussell, of Melbourne, has received the D.F.C. Another Dominion airman appearing in the most recent hit of decorations is Pilot-Officer W. L. McKnight, born at Edmonton, (Alberta), who receives the D.F.C. for exceptional skill and courage consistently shown. An example is his destruction of an enemy aircraft after a long chase over hostile territory. Flying-Officer R. N. Selley, of Durban, also receives the D.F.C. He was captain of one of a flight of three aircraft engaged in protecting shipping evacuating the B.E.F. A formation of some 40 Junkers Si s "as encountered, and immediately attacked. Flying-Officer Selley shot down two with his front guns and by skilful manoeuvring enabled the rear gunner to shoot down a third aliu damage two others.