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New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25210, 24 May 1945, Page 4

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DOMINION_AIB CBEWS BOMBER CHIEF'S PRAISE (Official News Service) LONDON, May 2q Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris Commander-in-Chief of the Bomber Command, referred to the courageous work of New Zealand bomber crews in a message to the air officer commanding the Royal New Zealand Air Force ' in London. He stated:— "Please convey to all New Zealand personnel who have served or are serving in the Bomber Command my g reat appreciation of their loyal co-operation and gallant and determined contribution to. the defeat of Germany and the freedom of -mankind. To all New Zealand air crew and to all ground stag personnel their British cousins gj Ve heartfelt thanks. We in the Bomber Command are proud indeed of the great record of service of New Zealand crews who were second to none in courage and I efficiency."

Adding a share to the large volume of air traffic between the Continent and England, the Lancaster bombers of the 7oth (New Zealand) Squadron are carrying many hundreds of prisoners of war from despatch centres in Germany to the busiest "bus stop" j n Britain, Westcott Aylesbury. Called off dropping food supplies to the Dutch in Northern Holland, the squadron has this week assisted with the conveyance of prisoners from all parts of the Con. tinent and nearly all the aircraft utit ised are flying up to three trips daily* Yesterday was one of distinction, when the air crews landed in England-New Zealand prisoners. Thus has the N ew Zealand Bomber Squadron provided a climax to an eventful career by returning safely to its own countrymen.