AWARD OF D.F.C.

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24050, 22 August 1941, Page 6

AWARD OF D.F.C.

"PERSISTENT SKILL" AUCKLAND BOMBER CAPTAIN PILOT-OFFICER R. J. BOLLARD [BY TELEGKAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Thursday Official advice lias been received at Air Headquarters, Wellington, that the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Pilot-Officer Richard James Bollard, Hoyal New Zealand Air Force. The official citation accompanying the award states: "This officer has carried out raids on Cologne, Kiel, Bremen, Brest, Merignac .'ind Berlin. Each flight carried out bv Pilot-Officer Bollard is characterised by its meticulous thoroughness in preparation and consequent success. He has always succeeded in attacking a target of major importance. He has at all times shown persistent skill and determination."

Pilot-Officer Bollard is a son of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. V. Bollard, of 189 Blockhouse Bay Road, Avondale, and a grandson of Mr. .John Bollard, a former member of Parliament for Avondale. Born in Auckland and educated at the Avondale school and Mount Albert Grammar School, Pilot-Officer Bollard enlisted for the Royal New Zealand Air Force shortly alter the outbreak of war, and entered Levin to begin training in February of last year. He later wont to Woodbourne, where he was granted a commission. Pilot-Officer Bollard left New Zealand last September and, after further training in Britain, was posted for operations to a bomber squadron. He was captain of a Wellington bomber and carried out a large number ot raids over enemy territory until iairly recently, following normal procedure, he was transferred to instructional duties.