V.C. FOR AIRMAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24024, 23 July 1941, Page 8

V.C. FOR AIRMAN

HAZARDOUS OPERATION ATTACK ON BREMEN LONDON, July 22 A hazardous operation in daylight "planned personally and with full knowledge of the risks entailed" gained the Victoria Cross for an Australian airman who had already won the B.F.C. Fie is acting-Wing Commander H. I, Edwards, who, sinco serving as a cadet in the Hoy a I Australian Air Force in 19135, has undertaken flying in several Royal Air Force squadrons with distinction. The operation which gained WingCommander Edwards the V.C. is officially described as follows: —"On July 4 he led an important attack on the port of Bremen, one of the most heavily defended towns in Germany. This attack had to be made in daylight and there were no clouds to afford concealment. During the approach to the German coast several enemy ships were sighted and he knew that his aircraft would re reported and tho defences would bo in readiness. "Undaunted by this misfortune, lie brought tho formation more than 50 miles overland to the target, flying at a height of little more than 50ft,, passing under high tension cables, carrying away telegraph wires, arid finally passing through a formidable balloon barrage. "On reaching Bremen he was met with a hail of fire, all his aircraft being hit and four being destroyed. Nevertheless, ho made a most successful attack, and then, with tho greatest skill and coolness, withdrew the surviving aircraft without further loss. It is noted that Wing-Commander Edwards, although handicapped by physical disability resulting from a flying accident, has repeatedly displayed gallantry of a high order in pressing home bombing attacks from a very low height against strongly-defended objectives.'' Wing-Comrnapder Fdwards gained the D.F.C. for an operation last month, during which he attacked a ship in a convoy off the Dutch coast, releasing his bombs from mast height.

LOAN FROM AMERICA LONDON, July 22 The United States is to lend Britain 425,000,000 dollars. The Tate will be 2 per cent and the loan will mature in 15 years. Britain has furnished security and the House of Commons is to be asked to approve of the loan as a k matter of urgency.