DECORATED MEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24971, 14 August 1944, Page 2

DECORATED MEN

WINNER OF THE D.S.O. EMPIRE MEDAL AWARDS" (P.A.) WELLINGTON, S«ndaj Outstanding service as squadron commander won for acting-Wing-Comman-der John Swire Dinsdale. D.F.C., of Te I\uiti, tho award of the D.5.0., which' was announced last month and particulars of which haVS now been received by the Air Department, Wellington. The citation says: "Acting-Wing-Commander Dinsdale has completed his third tour of operational duty since his award of the D.F.C. Most of his missions have been attacks on shipping. These attacks invariably have been completed with exceptional courage in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and lighter opposition. Through his experience and example the squadron's morale and efficiency reached a high standard. "Wing-Commander Dinsdale has been commanding a New Zealand Beau fighter torpedo-bomber squadron, which has operated mainly off the coast of Holland." Outstanding Pilot In recognition of his work in destroying two enemy aircraft in nine days, making his total three destroyed and others damaged, noting-Flight-Lieuten-ant L. J. Montgomerie, of Sentry Hill, Ta.ra.naki, was awarded the D.F.C. last month. The citation, which has now been received, states: "Throughout two tours of operational duty, Flight-Lieu-tenant Montgomerie proved himself an outstanding pilot and a fine leader. During, his first tour he participated in operations over Europe and later in the North African campaign.

"In April, 1944, while engaged on a bomber escort, a number of enemy aircraft attempted to attack. Flight-Lieu-tenant Montgomerie immediately engaged one of the enemy fighters, which lie destroyed before resuming his escort duties. Nine days later, when lie was flying in a formation of eight aircraft, 15 enemy fighters were engaged and he destroyed one. Altogether he has destroyed at least three enomy aircraft and damaged others." Whangarei Flight-Sergeant

Flight-Sergeant Raymond Anthony Lindsav, of Whangarei, who has been serving in the R.N.Z.A.F. since December, 1939, has been awarded the, British Empire Medal. Born in England in 1921. he was educated at the Whangarei High School. In the course of his overseas service in the European theatre as an observer he was injured in a flying accident last year. Toward the end of the year he was involved in another crash and suffered a fractured left arm and ankle and burns. He is a son of Mrs B. M. Lindsay, of Whangarei. Pilot-Officer E. S. Doherty, of Gishorne, who was awarded the D.F.M. last month, has been credited with the destruction of four enemy aircraft. The citation states; "Apart from destroying four enemy aircraft, he lias taken part in numerous missions against enemy transport, during which much damage has been done. He has proved himself an excellent leader and has shown outstanding zeal and ability in engaging the enemy." Because of his outstanding capabilities as a navigator, Warrant-Officer Herbert Stanley McCullum, of Opunake, was awarded the D.F.C. last month. The citation states: "During a very successful tour of operations WarrantOfficer McCullum has shown himself to he an exceptionally capable navigator and map reader on night operations. His armed reconnaissance by njght of roads in Tunisia has been particularly successful. The achievement of his crew has been in no small measure attributed to Warrant-Officer McCullum's efficiency as a bomb-aimer."

PRISONERS OF WAR GERMAN CAMP REPORTSCONDITIONS SATISFACTORY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sunday The Prisoners of War Inquiry Office has received information concerning Belaya Camp, which is one of six sections of Stalag Luft. 3. The capp is not overcrowded, although there is a shortage of common rooms. Prisoners sleep in two-tiered bunks and have two blankets each. Heating by coal stoves is sufficient, washing facilities are satisfactory, but there are no showers. Cooking facilities also fire satisfactory. Recreational and educational facilities are being organised. A British medical officer is in charge of a small infirmary. A report has come to hand from the British camp representative nt Stalag VJLII. dated May 9. The library now contains 5000 volumes, and bookbinding apparatus had arrived. Attendance at classes was very satisfactory, although with warmer weather outdoor snort was n great counter-attraction. Following a request, the authorities had allocated certain portions of the camp to be used as gardens. Kiwis took first place in requests for plots. By the end af April there were 300 plots, each six feet by twelve, and locallv-purchased vegetable seeds were planted, as well as seed from Geneva.

Camp 8.A.8. 20 was visited in April bv an International Red Cross representative. Food supplies were good, and there was a reserve to cover five months. The clothing position was satisfactory and conditions good. Medical supplies were sufficient. Hygiene conditions were good. The work was heavy and discipline strict. There was a library, religious services were held, and games were played.

THICK FOG IN CITY DELAYS TO SHIPPING For nearly five hours on Saturday morning the Wnitemata Harbour and its approaches were enveloped in the thickest fog of the year. Shipping in the port was delayed until the fog !if(od shortly before 11 o'clock. The fog settled about six o'clock and two hours later no channel buoys or beacons were visible from the Mount Victoria, signal station. Guided hv fog signals, the ferry steamers maintained their services without mishap. There were some delays. Warm sunshine penetrated the fog before midday, but the afternoon became overcast. STRUCK BY TIMBER Suffering from a fractured leg and injuries t-o the back, Mj A. G. RylamL a motor trader, aged 45, married, of 15 Entrican Avenue, Remuera, was admitted to the Auckland Hospital yesterday. Mr Ryland was injured when a stack of timber on a section at Benson Road. Remuera, collapsed and fell on him. BOY HURT AT FOOTBALL (0.C.) WITANCiARET, Sunday While playing Rugby for the Whangarci High School in a match against the Dargaville High School, Eric Dunn, aged 15, fractured his rigj.it thigh in a collision with an opponent. Ho was taken to the Whangarei Hospital.