AUCKLAND PILOT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24000, 25 June 1941, Page 9

AUCKLAND PILOT

WINNER OF D.F.C.

RETURN FROM BRITAIN BOMBER SQUADRON SERVICE First New Zealand winner of the Distinguished Flying Cross to return to the Dominion after seeing action in the present war, Squadron-Leader A. A. N. Hreckon, eldest .son of Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Hreckon, of Northcote, has arrived to take up duties with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Squadron-Leader Hreckon, formerly a member of the photographic stall' of the Ni:w Zkai.ami Hkhald, was decorated after making the longest reconnaissance flight of the war, from Scotland to Narvik and back, and carrying out .*52 raids over enemy territory as a member of No. 75 (New Zealand) Bomber Squadron. He left New Zealand six years ago.

The excellent reputation of the New Zealand bomber squadron and the enthusiasm of both air-crews and ground staff, were mentioned by SquadronLeader Hreckon. Ho said the squadron had the name of being one of the best in its group, and its members were so keen that when they were posted to other duties for a spell from raiding, they regularly pestered the authorities to be allowed to return to flying against the enemy. Military Objectives Only

Repofts of the care taken by the Royal Air Force to confine its bombing to specific military objectives were confirmed by Squadron-Leader Breckon. He said that if a pilot reached his target to find it completely obscured by cloud, he would not drop his bombs at random, but would continue to an alternative target.

"Even under hectic conditions, bad weather, 'flak' or both, British bomber pilots will often make a dummy run if they are not sure of their target, then turn and go in again when absolutely certain," he said. "Pilots' reports are most carefully checked and there is no haphazard dropping of bombs." One of the pilots originally chosen to tly V icker.s Wellington heavy bombers to New Zealand just belore the war, Squadron-Leader Breckon flew his machine instead to various parts of Europe. He was engaged in leallet raids for some time and later bombed objectives in occupied France, Belgium, Holland and Germany itself. A Lucky Escape "I was lucky," he said, when asked if his machine had been attacked on raids. He added that an anti-aircraft shell, bursting in front of his machine on one occasion, smashed the windscreen a few inches from his face, and on other flights his craft had been liberally peppered, but he had always managed to get home.

Squadron-Leader Breckon said that New Zealanders generally had a good reputation in the Royal Air Force and were serving in many squadrons apart from those bearing the name New Zealand. It was hoped ultimately to make the two New Zealand squadrons complete Dominion units, including ground stalf. Squadron-Leader Breckon, who is accompanied by Mrs. Breckon, will leave for Wellington to-night.