FINE EXAMPLE SET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 23 June 1943, Page 5

FINE EXAMPLE SET

N.Z. AIRMEN OVERSEAS CITATIONS TO AWARDS SIX D.F.CYs AND TWO D.F.M.’e Wellington, Juno 22. Citations in connection with air awards announced by the Air Department yesterday state: “Flight-Lieut. H. N. .Sweetman, D.F.C., has an excellent operation record and his conduct has set a fine example. His many sorties have included attacks on shipping and ground targets and be has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft. His fine leadership has helped greatly in the efficiency of his squadron. He was born in October, 1921, at Auckland and educated at Matamata District High School. He began training as a pilot in 1940, was commissioned the next year and promoted to Flying Officer in June last year.

“Flight-Lieut. D. J. V. Henry, D.F.C.,” says the citation, “has shown outstanding keenness and initiative in organising operations, causing much destruction among enemy ground forces and airfields. He has a tally of one enemy aircraft destroyed, one probably destroyed and several damaged, and has also obtained valuable information about enemy troop movements. He has invariably displayed great gallantry and determination. He was born in Invercargill, 1916, and educated at Southland Technical College and Evening School. He trained as a pilot early in 1940, was promoted to Flying Officer in 1941 and to Flight-Lieut. a year later.

“Aoting-Flight-Lieut. C. J. H. Le Couteur, D.F.C.,” states the citation, “has shown great ability as a pilot and his enthusiasm and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to his squadron. In February this year he was captain of an aircraft out after enemy submarines. One was sighted but it submerged before being attacked. Later it was sighted again and was attacked very effectively. Flight-Lieut. Le Couteur was born in Dunedin in 1913, educated at St. Clair School and Johannesburg Technical College. He enlisted as a pilot in the R.N.Z.A.F. early In 1940 and was promoted to Flying Officer in May, 1942.

“Flying Officer A. Craig, D.F.C., has served as wireless operator and navigator on operational sorties and coastal patrols. The high standard of his navigation has played a large part in the excellent results obtained. He has always shown courage and great devotion to duty. He was born at DartforcL England, in 1917, and had been in New Zealand only a short time when he joined the R.N.Z.A.F. He was commissioned in 1941 and promoted to Flying Officer last year. “Pilot Officer P. J. O. Buck. D.F.C., has displayed great courage, skill and I devotion to duty in a most difficult situation. He was pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg and while over the target his plane was attacked and damaged by enemy aircraft, the rear gunner being mortally wounded. Buck evaded attackers and returned to his base. On the return flight cne engine failed, causing the aircraft to lose height. All moveable equipment was thrown out and height was maintained, and on arrival at his base. Buck made a perfect crash landing. He wai born in Wellington and educated in Christchurch and Auckland. He joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1941. He was slightly i injured in a forced landing last year : and was commissioned in February this year.

“Sergeant H. J. Dalzell, D.F.M., waif pilot of an aircraft taking part in an attack on Rostock in April, 1943. On the homeward flight his plane collided with another overtaking it from the rear. The fin and rudder were damaged but Dalzell skilfully and confidently regained control and kept his course. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to straighten the fin, but Dalzell flew back to his base. He has completed many sorties and shown great skill, courage and determination. He was bom in Christchurch in 1918 and educated at Napier and Rotorua High Schools. He entered the R.N.Z.A.F. ip 1941 and trained as a pilot in New Zee land and Canada.”

SERVICE IN SOLOMONS

Biographical details have been mad# available by the Air Department, Wellington, regarding Pilot Officer Marceau and Flight Sergeant Doak who received their decorations for service in the Solomons.

Pilot Officer C. S. Marceau, who receives the D.F.C., took an early interest in aviation and was mobilised as an equipment assistant in October, 1039. Later in the same month, he applied for a transfer to the R.N.Z.A.F. aircrew and commenced a pilot’s course in 1941, qualifying as a sergeant pilot. He went overseas in that rank and was commissioned as a pilot officer in February last. He was born at Opotiki in 1916 and was educated at Otahuhu District School and Auckland Grammar School. His mother it Mrs V. E. Marceau, Auckland.

Flight Sergeant R. T. D. Doak, who w r as awarded the D.F.M., was born in Sydenham, Christchurch, i.i 1920, and received a secondary education at Christchurch Technical College. He applied for Air Force servioe a few days after the outbreak of war and commenced training as an air gunner about a year later. Doak completed his training in Canada. His mother is Mrs P. X Leening, Whjtecliffs.—P.A.