COURAGE AND' SKILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24716, 19 September 1941, Page 6

COURAGE AND' SKILL

NEW ZEALAND AIRMAN DETAILS OF D.S.O. AWARD (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 18. Air Headquarters, Wellington, has received the following particulars concerning the award of the Distinguished Service Order to Flying Officer David Leatham Prichard. R.A.F. The official citation slates:—

“One night in June, 1941. this officer carried out an attack against Cologne. While some distance from his target, and when on the edge of a dense belt of searchlights through which he had just flown. Flying Officer Prichard's aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter which opened fire from a very close range. A cannon shell damaged his engine, almost severing one of the airscrew blades, while the rear gun turret was put out of action. Although forced to fly at a reduced speed, with subsequent loss of height, and all powers of defence gone, Flying Officer Prichard continued his mission, overcoming almost insuperable difficulties before finally dropping his bombs in the target area. In spite of a harassing return journey, he skilfully flew back to the base, where he successfully crjash-landed his aircraft without injury to his crew. “ On a previous occasion Flying Officer Prichard displayed gre>at flying skill, which enabled his crew to shoot down an enemy fighter which attacked his aircraft when returning from a successful attack on Brest. Throughout the numerous operational flights in which he has participated this officer has displayed high courage, skill, and devotion to duty.”