Americans’ Warm Praise For N.Z. Fighters

Northern Advocate, 28 June 1943, Page 5

Americans’ Warm Praise For N.Z. Fighters

(F.A.) WELLINGTON, Saturday Complimentary reference to the work of New Zealand' fighter squadrons operating from Guadalcanal where they have shot down 14 enemy aircraft for the loss of one of their c'wn, was made by Vice-Ad. Aubrey Fitch, United States commander of naval aircraft in the South Pacific, was quoted by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) today. Vice-Admiral Fitch has sent the following message to the Chief of the Air Staff (Air-Commodore Goddard); “New Zealand Air Force fighters have performed magnificently in’recent mass engagements in the Solomons, proving again that man for man, they are as dangerous to the enemy in the air as the Axis has found them to be on the ground. Their performance inspires fear among the Japanese, and admiration from their American allies. We are proud to have them as comrades-in-arms. The Air Officer Commanding No. 1 (Islands) Group, R.N.Z.A.F. (AirCommodore S. Wallingford) has been requested to express personally to Vice-Admiral Fitch appreciation of his generous praise, and assurance that the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks forward to continued and increasing participation in the Battle of the Islands with their American comrades, whose constant help and encouragement have been of the greatest value to our squadrons, and whose brilliant success in action have inspired admiration and emulation of our men.”