AIRMEN GAIN HONOURS

Southland Times, Issue 24057, 22 February 1940, Page 7

AIRMEN GAIN HONOURS

High Awards Made In Britain (British Official Wireless) (Received February 21, 7.30 p.m.) RUGBY, February 20. The Air Ministry announces awards of three Distinguished Service Orders, 16 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Distinguished Flying Medals to members of the Royal Air Force and one Distinguished Flying Medal to a corporal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force; also 45 officers and 35 other ranks receive mentions in despatches. The awards have been granted, in respect of various types of operations, in some cases for conspicuously good work on a number of occasions. Among the operations for which the awards have been granted are reconnaissance flights over various parts of Germany, including Berlin; the raids on Borkum, Brunsbutte, Heligoland, Wilhelmshaven and the Schilling Roads; the destruction of enemy aircraft in various engagements; offensive and reconnaissance patrols over the North Sea and elsewhere; attacks on submarines and various acts of individual bravery during actions. NEW ZEALAND PILOT DECORATED CANTERBURY MAN WINS D.F.C. LONDON, February 20. Tile Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Squadron Leader Andrew McKee, who was born in Oxford (Canterbury), New Zealand. PUPIL AT CHRISTCHURCH BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, February 21. Squadron Leader McKee is the only son of Mr and Mrs S. H. McKee, of Oxford. Born at Oxford 39 years ago Squadron Leader McKee was educated at*the Christchurch Boys High School. He took up farming for a time and when 25 years old underwent a training course at Wigram for a few months. He then left to join the R.A.F. and after a term there was transferred to Egypt. From there he went to India, later returning to England. Squadron Leader McKee was in charge of a bombing squadron ana nis family last heard from him three weeks ago when he reported all was • well “With some exciting moments. Squadron Leader McKee is married and has one daughter. GREAT WAR PILOT GAINS MORE HONOUR (Received February 21, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 21. Wing Commander William Ernest Staton, the first Great War pilot winning an award in the present conflict, gained the D.S.O. He brought down 28 aeroplanes, nine in five days, as a Royal Flying Corps lieutenant in 1918 ■when he was aged 17 and won the Military Cross and the D.F.C. with bar.

He now commands the North England Bombing Squadron, with which he has raided and made reconnaissance flights over the North Sea. Wing Commander Staton was included in the honours list issued today by the Air Ministry.