Remarkable Record of New Zealand Airmen

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 49, 27 February 1943, Page 5

Remarkable Record of New Zealand Airmen

WELLINGTON, Feb. 26. ■ Tho Prime Minister, Hon. P. Fraser, has announced that awards for gallantry and heroism in the air made to members of the New Zealand air ocr sonnel overseas, this month had risen to a total of more than 350. Mr. Fraser indicated that the awards were won by New Zealanders serving in the R.A.F. as well as members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. “Let it be remembered,” he said, “that this total of gallantry awards has been achieved in less than three and a half years of war and thus makes the average ten decorations monthly. Besides btftng a telling indication of the fine fighting mettle of our fliers, the total has proved beyond a shadow of doubt that our airmen have taken a large part in tho air war for freedom. “Thu awards have been won by 318 individuals,” said Mr. Frasor, who added: “The awards embraco all those available to airmen of the Empire and also include honours from certain of our Allies. Among the former is one V.C., 13 D.S.O.’s, one Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, one M.C., 20 D.F.C. ’s with bar, 207 D.F.C.’s, one D.F.M. with bar, 74 D.F.M. ’s, three George Medals, one A.F.C. with bar, 27 A.F.C.’s and four Air Force Medals. Many other airmen received British Empire awards anu scores have been mentioned in despatches.” The Prime Minister said foreign decorations awarded include one Croix de Guerre, one Order of Leuin, 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.