DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25090, 4 December 1942, Page 2

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

AWARDS TO AUCKLAND FLYERS (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Dec. 3. New Zealand officers who carried out successful flying duties in the Middle East and at Malta. Flying Officer Ernest Albert Holdaway, formerly of Whangarei. and Pilot Officer John Donald Rae. of Auckland, have each been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citations state;—

Flying Officer Holdaway. as an aircraft captain, proved outstanding in the role, always completing his mission with coolness and determination. On occasions he successfully carried out operations with his aircraft in an unserviceable state following damage by enemy fire. He set a splendid example to all associated with him, both by his exceeding determination and his devotion to duty. Flying Officer Holdaway was promoted to his present rank in August of this year. He was born at Carterton in 1918. and educated at the Whangarei High School. He commenced training in the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1940. He completed his training in Canada, and graduated with the highest honours in his course, being awarded a silver plaque as a mark of his success. His father is Mr H. Holdaway. of Whangarei, Pilot Officer Rae. says the citation, has at all times led his section with courage and unremitting determination. He has destroyed at least six hostile aircraft and damaged others. Two days after he arrived for flying duties at Malta he was shot down and wounded. He returned to duty, however. before his wound had healed, and his conduct was an inspiration to all his colleagues. He applied for service in the R.N.Z.A.F. six days after the outbreak of war. Pilot Officer Rae was born at Auckland ;n 1919, and was educated at the Auckland Grammar School. He commenced his training as a pilot in 1940, and completed it in New Zealand at the beginning of last year. His mother is Mr* H. R. Rae. Auckland.