153 N.Z. War Birds Win Awards

Northern Advocate, 14 November 1941, Page 6

153 N.Z. War Birds Win Awards

I Special to “Northern Advocate"! AUCKLAND, This Day. With the total awards to New Zealand airmen serving overseas with the Royal Air Force at 153 since the outbreak of war, the Minister for Defence (Mr. Jones) stated today that the century mark had been reached in the number of Distinguished Flying Crosses won. Mr. Jones recalled that in June last he referred to New Zealand's proud record of 100 decorations won by outairmen, and the fact that in the short space of approximately four months a further 53 awards have been merited showed in itself the extent to which New Zealanders were taking part in the ever-expanding activities of the Royal Air Force. It was now well known that New Zealanders had served with distinction in every phase of the war, and it was with a feeling of pride that the Government learned of the appointment recently of a New Zealander as leader of the British airmen who are now fighting side by side with our Russian allies. An analysis of the awards won is as follows: Victoria Cross 1, D.S.O. 4, D.F.C. (with bar) 6, D.F.C. 100, D.F.M. 21, George Medal 3, Air Force Cross 16, Air Force Medal 1, Croix de Guerre 1.