AIR AWARDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25365, 25 October 1943, Page 2

AIR AWARDS

TWENTY-TWO' DECORATIONS OUTRAM WINNER OF D.S.O. D.F.C. TO DUNEDIN OFFICER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 24. Twenty-two awards to members of the R.N.Z.A.F. serving overseas are announced in official advice received from London by the Air Department. Wellington. Three of the men have received their second decorations. The actions mentioned in the awards cover operations in the European, Middle East/ and Burmese theatres of war. The recipients are:— OTAGO Distinguished Service Order Kofood, Acting Squadron Leader William Robert (D.F.C.); father, Mr W. J. Kofoed, Outram. Distinguislhed Flying Cross Butler. Acting Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Harry; father, Mr J. G. Butler Dunedin. The citations state: “Squadron Leader Kofoed. on his second tour of duty after completing a tour of operations against objectives in Europe and the Middle East, has attacked such targets as Palermo and Catania and flown over the battle areas in the Tunisian campaign. On a sortie over Palermo a photograph flash exploded in the fuselage of his aircraft, which was badly damaged. By superb handling, 'however, Squadron Leader Kofoed flew the aircraft safely to his base—an eight-hour flight. His determination in identifying and attacking selected targets, even in poor visibility and in the face of intense opposition, has been inspiring to the crews of his squadron.” “ Flight Lieutenant Butler on his first operational tour has displayed exceptional ability as a cool and determined pilot and captain of aircraft. His efficiency has been reflected in the admirable co-operation among his crew and in the photographs he has obtained. Although handicapped by engine trouble on several flights, he has always displayed good judgment and skill.” OTHER DISTRICTS Distinguished Service Order McKay, Acting Wing Commander John James (D.F.C.); father, Major J. G. McKay, Nelson. Distinguished Flying Cros» .Toll, Acting Squadron Leader Jack (D.F.M.); father. Mr J. S. Joll, New Plymouth. Quinlan, Acting Squadron Leader Brian Roy; father, Mr E. R. Quinlan, Rotorua. Jenner, Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Sydney; father, Mr F. W. B. Jenner, Morrinsville. Peryer, Acting Flight Lieutenant Stanley Maurice George; father, Mr S. M. Peryer, Christchurch.

Rrookbanks, Acting Flight Lieutenant Raymond Herbert; father, F. C. Brookbanks, Auckland. . McGrath, Acting Flight Lieutenant Athol Larry; wife, Mrs A. L. McGrath, Christchurch.

Brown, Acting Flight Lieutenant William Thomson; wife, Mrs C. Browh, Timaru. Macfarlane, Flying Officer Alexander Arthur; wife, Mrs A. A. Macfarlane, Rotherham.

Drew, Flying Officer Alfred Sydney; father, Mr A. S. Drew, Auckland. Sheild, Flying Officer Harold John; father, Mr W. F. Sheild. Patea.

Williams. Pilot Officer Hilton Clifford; father, Mr F. T. Williams, Woodville, Campbell, Pilot Officer Kenneth James, mother. Mrs I. J. Aitken, Wellington. Whitelaw, Pilot Officer Alan; father, Mr H. J. Whitelaw, Wellington. Carter, Pilot Officer Maurice Allington; father, Mr R L. L. Carter, Hastings. Reynolds, Pilot Officer Raymond Clifford; father, Mr C. Reynolds, Wellington. Barnham, Acting Warrant Officer James Edward; father Mr H. J. Barnham, New Plymouth. Distinguished Flying Medal O'Reilly, Pilot Officer (formerly Flight Sergeant) Edward Desmond; wife, Mrs N. O’Reilly, Auckland. Menzies, Flight Sergeant Patrick; uncle, Mr E. Laredo, Hastings. Devine, Pilot Officer (formerly Sergeant) Peter; Step-sister, Mrs L. Moran Ward, Marlborough.

Flight Lieutenant Butler, who is aged 26 years, was educated at the Otago Boys’ High School, and after matriculating was employed for a time in the office of Messrs E. J. Smith and Lousley, solicitors, and later in that of Messrs John McGregor and Co. He was a keen yachtsman before the war, and was also interested in flying. He joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in November, 1939. He gained his commission in New Zealand, and then proceeded to England to join an operational unit.