R.A.F. AWARDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 21 January 1942, Page 5

R.A.F. AWARDS

MEMBERS IN LIBYAN BATTLE HEAVY TWO MONTHS’ FIGHTING Rugby, Jan. 19. The first list ol R.A.F. awards exclusively reserved for members of the airforces which have been operating in the Libyan battle is published this morning. It contains the names of four members of the R.A.F.. four members of the S.A.A.F. and two members of the R.A.A.F. Squadron Leader Stephens, R.A.F., who is awarded the D. 5.0., was leading an att'ack on enemy mechanised transport in the Acroma area. Following the attack Squadron Leader Stephens observed the fighter escort in combat with a force of enemy fighters but while attempting to participate in the engagement his aircraft was severely damaged. His starboard petrol tank, with the oil tank, burst into flames. The same burst of fire wounded Squadron Leader Stephens in both feet and blew out the starboard side of the aircraft’s cockpit. He then the aircraft, but half-way out j out the cockpit he observed an enemy | aircraft flying past him. He imi mediately regained his seat and shot ! down the enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Stephens finally left his crippled aircraft by parachute and landed safely on the ground, where he landed within 300 yards of the enemy’s lines. He succeeded in regaining our own territory within threequarters of an hour. Flight Lieutenant W. S. Arthur. R.A.A.F., destroyed four enemy aircraft in a single operation over the El Gobi area in November. Tlie majority of the airmen decorated have destroyed seven or eight aircraft in the past two months’ lighting.—B.o. W.