AIR AWARDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23863, 14 January 1941, Page 6

AIR AWARDS

TWO FLYING CEOSSES MEDAL FOR AUCKLANDER "GALLANTRY AND DEVOTION" [by tfxkgbaph-tress association] WELLINGTON, Monday The Distinguished Flying Medal lias boon awarded In Sergeant Peter Victoi McLaren, Poval New Zealand Air Force, Auckland, and the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to acting - Flight - Lieutenant Leonard Ernie Clark and Flying-Officer Jerrold Menzies, both of Christehurch, according to official advice received by Air Headquarters, Wellington Sergeant McLaren lias completed !-•> hours' operational Hying as an air gunner. During an air operation his aircraft; was attacked by,ran enemy fighter, but although harassed by its fire he succeeded in shooting it down. This i s stated to be but one instance of this airman's gallantry and devotion to duty, which has been a source of inspiration to other members of his squadron. Sergeant McLaren is the son of Mrs. Kathleen McLaren, Point Chevalier, Auckland, and is 2J years of age.

Flight-Lieutenant Clark is the son of the late Mr. Leonard E. Clark, of Thorrington Road, Christchurch, and is 80 years of age. He was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School and Oxford. lie was associated with flying tor some years before the war, flying from England to New Zealand in November, ]!).'{(). At the outbreak of war he was in England, and on November 31, 1939, received a commission in the Royal Air Force. Flying-Officer Menzies is the son of the late Mr. Charles Menzies, of Christchurch. Before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force he was in the employ of the New Zealand Railways.