NEW ZEALAND V.C.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26113, 28 March 1946, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND V.C.

SQUADRON-LEADER TRENT INVESTITURE AT PALACE (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Mar. 26. At the investiture at Buckingham Palace this morning the King asked Squadron Leader Trent several questions about the flight in which the New Zealander won the Victoria Cross. His Majesty congratulated Squadron Leader Trent on his award, and inquired particularly how many members of the crew were taken prisoner after they were shot down. Squadron Leader Trent was the only recipient of the Victoria Cross to be decorated at this investiture. He headed a long line of distinguished sailors, soldiers, airmen and civilians who were receiving decorations. Six places behind Squadron Leader Trent was another New Zealander, Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, whom the King invested with the K.B.E. Wing Commander R. D. Yule, of Invercargill, received the D.S.O. After the investiture Squadron Leader Trent, his wife ‘and friends, also Wing Commander F. Gill. D. 5.0., the acting air officer commanding or R.N.Z.A.F. headquarters, and Wing Commander K. Crichton were entertained by Mr R. M. Sunley, Acting High Commissioner, and Mrs Sunley at luncheon at the Savoy Hotel. Squadron Leader Trent is now taking a conversion course in the R.A.F. Transport Command at Wymerswold, Nottingham, and will later sit for his B licence.