AWARDS FOR BRAVERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25187, 30 March 1943, Page 2

AWARDS FOR BRAVERY

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TWO AIRMEN HONOURED (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Mar. 29. Two members of the R.N.Z.A.F. serving overseas. Flight Lieutenant William Semmens Austin, of Wellington, and Acting Flight Lieutenant John Alfred Hegman. of Auckland, have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Official advice of these decorations has been received by the Air Department. The following are the citations:— “ Flight Lieutenant Austin since November, 1940, has completed a large number of operational missions, including 28 sorties against targets in German-occupied Europe. At the end of his first tour of duty he was due for a period of rest, but volunteered to remain in the squadron as navigation officer. Later, he accompanied a detachment overseas, where he took part in operational duties. Since then he has operated continuously in India and the Middle East areas. The high navigational standard of his squadron is entirely due to his efforts. His leadership has set a high standard of efficiency.” , „ “Acting Flight Lieutenant Hegman, in the role of aircraft captain, has taken part in a very large number of sorties. Throughout his career he has displayed the greatest determination, perseverance, and courage.” Flight Lieutenant Austin was born at Greymouth in 1915. and was educated at the Wellington Boys’ College and at Victoria University College. He volunteered for the R.N.Z.A.F. at the outbreak of the war and went overseas in June, 1940. His mother is Mrs C. K. Austin, of Wellington. Acting Flight Lieutenant Hegman was born in Auckland in 1916. and was educated at the Auckland Grammar School. At the outbreak of the war he was a volunteer member of the army, and later transferred to the air force, commencing his training early in 1941. His sister is Mrs O. Foster, of Waimauku.