WAR IN THE AIR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24415, 28 September 1940, Page 9

WAR IN THE AIR

NEW ZEALANDERS’ PART MANY DECORATIONS WON CASUALTIES NUMBER 150 The gallant sacrifices which Dominion airmen are making in the cause of the Empire and its Allies are revealed in casualty lists compiled since the beginning of the war. Similarly, a growing list of decorations awarded to New Zealand pilots and air crews (states the Evening Post) reflects the courage and determination with which they are carrying out their tasks. In just over a year of fighting, more than 150 Dominion airmen, mostly pilots, have been reported killed, missing. or missing and believed killed. While a few lost their lives in aircraft accidents, the majority failed to return from operations against the enemy. At least 10 New Zealanders are reported to be prisoners of war or internees in neutral countries, and it is likely that some among those missing may be held in German prisons. About 20 officers and men have been seriously injured. Dominion airmen have won a full share of the awards granted for bravery and courage during operations. The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to 29 officers, including one with bar. One officer has received the Distinguished Service Order and another the Croix de Guerre. Pilots other than commissioned officers have won three Distinguished Flying Medals, and three Air Force Crosses have been awarded. Several of the airmen decorated have since been killed. According to a recent announcement by the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) there are approximately 1000 New Zealand members of the Royal Air Force, of whom about 600 have proceeded to the United Kingdom since the war began. Their versatility is indicated bv the fact that they are being used to fly all types of aircraft, and are serving not only in England, but also in the Middle East and the Far East. Others are training for the Fleet Air Arm. LIVES IN A CASTLE FIRST "CASUALTY” OF WAR Pilot-officer L. H. Edwards, formerly of Patea, who was the first official “ casualty ” of the war, and who has been a prisoner in Germany since the first Royal Air Force raid on Kiel, has written to a friend, Mr G. W. Thompson, of Hokitika. Pilot-officer Edwards, who is interned in a castle, says on a postcard that he is learning to play a saxophone and speak French. “Avant trois mois de ca je serai complement fou,” was the remark of a French fellow-prisoner, stated Pilotofficer Edwards, concerning his saxophone. In plain English it means, “After three months of that I shall be completely mad.” “Life in the castle.” he adds on his card to Mr Thompson, who played Rugby with him in Wellington, “is much the same, except that, now summer is here, we get plenty of outdoor exercise and sunbathing. I• am still pounding away at French and have added music to mv varied accomplishments. I think that I play a mean saxophone, but the remark of the Frenchman seems to sum up my ability in that direction, “ There are no more Air Force officers here, but another naval officer off the Glowworm arrived two days ago and we were able to get news of England.” He, mentioned that at that time he was rather out of touch with happenings in New Zealand. “ One of the bovs may even drop in on me,” he added. “Not that I would wish this incarceration racket on anybody.” In conclusion he mentioned that he would like to hear of the doings of his friends.