SKILFUL AIRMANSHIP

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 119, 19 April 1945, Page 8

SKILFUL AIRMANSHIP

WINS THE D.F.C. For "courage and resolution of the highest order" when fire broke out in an engine during a raid on Duisberg and one propeller got out of control, the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flving-Officer Douglas lloyd Britton. He is a son of Mr and Mrs W. C. Britton, 47 Carlton Avenue, Wanganui. Mrs Britton is "well-known in W.C.T.U. circles. Flying-Officer Britton, who is 23 years of age, was educated at the Gonvil'le Public School and the Wanganui Technical College. After a period of Army service, he transferred to the R.N.Z.A.F., later being comniissioned and going direct to England in charge of a unit two years agb. Since then he has been attached to a New Zealand bomber squadron and lias engaged in many operational flights. The citation from the Air Ministry which acompanied the award states that "As pilot and captain of an aircraft, Flying-Officer Britton was detailed to attack Duisberg in December, 1944. En route, anti-aircraft fire caused scve'i'c damage to hie-aircraft. Smoke and flames filled the pilot's cabin and the port engine ' was badly damaged. The fire died out and the pilot regained control of his aircraft. In spite of the damage sustained, Flying-Officer Britton continued to the target and pressed home hie attack. "Shortly after leaving the target, the port cuter propeller commenced to overspeed and could not be rectified. The engine caught fire, but this soon subsided. The propeller continued to overepecd, and with the rudder trimmer control cable severed the aircraft became exceedingly difficult to control. Flying-Officer Britton by skilful airmanship flew the badly damaged aircraft to base jyhcre he made a successful landing. "This officer has displayed courage and resolution of the highest order."