FAMOUS SQUADRON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 23 June 1943, Page 3

FAMOUS SQUADRON

N.Z. PILOT IS LEADER MANY FIGHTER ESCAPADES London, June 21. County of Nottingham Auxiliary Squadron—one of the famous auxiliary squadrons which fought in the battle of France—is now led by Squadron Leader J. Kilian (Christchurch) a former member of the New Zealand Spitfire Squadron. His station commander is Wing Commander Arthur Donaldson, D. 5.0., D.F.C., and bar, one i of the famous Donaldson brothers. Kilian’s squadron was one of three j escorting the New Zealand Ventura squadron. The Venturas had one squadron with them as a close escort while Kilian’s and another squadron acted as top cover. When about 12 miles off the Dutch coast at 15,000 feet Kilian saw about 100 Fwl9o’s coming down through the clouds. Some Fw’s stayed as top cover for the squadrons, while others went on after the Venturas. Every time Kilian tried to catch up to the Venturas, two squadrons of Fw’s over him swept down as if to attack his squadron, which had to prepare to defend itself, but at the last moment the Fw's would not clinch the fight. Kilian said: "I think they were partly trying to get u.s to exhaust out petrol in addition to diverting our attention. I have never seen so many Fw.’s as I did that day. They gave us little opportunity to fire our cannons at them and they fired very little at us, but we had to be watching them all the time as we were out-numbered by at least two to one.” Pilot Officer J. Doyle (Featherston) who is in Kilian’s squadron, was also in the fight. They both saw a Ventura piloted by A. V. Duffill, D.F.C., since promoted squadron leader, flying back to England. 33S NAZIS TO CREDIT The County of Nottingham Squadron has a total of 334 destroyed. Its third New Zealander is Flight Sergeant W. J. Warwick iHawarden). He and Doyle were with a squadron in Northern Ireland for a while carryin gout patrols over shipping. The squadron also carries out sweeps. It has been to Cherbourg so many times that they regard it almost as a “mail run.” Recently Kilian led the squadron in an attack on shipping off the Channel Islands. Twelve Spitfires went in line abreast raking ships and dropping bombs. It was a very successful attack. two ships being sunk and one : probably sunk. Dovle was also in this attack. On the same station in other squadrons are Flight Lieut. P. W. D. Stewart 'Wanganui). Pilot Officer G. R. Dickson (Invercargill). The doctor is Flying Officer O. S. Maunsell. who was born in Masterton and has been in England for many years. Pilots say at present they have seen more anti-air-craft fire than German fighters. Kilian has now destroyed two and a half Germans and carried out 140 sweeps. The station’s wing commander for flying is the outstanding English pilot Wing Commander E. H. Thomas. D. 5.0.. D.F.C.. and bar— P.A. 'Special Correspondent.