N.Z. AIRMEN WIN AWARDS

Southland Times, Issue 24829, 22 August 1942, Page 4

N.Z. AIRMEN WIN AWARDS

Stories Of Courage And Skill

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 21. The citations to air awards announced recently are as follows: — Wing-Commander M. V. Blake, D. 5.0., D.F.C. (Christchurch), during the past ten months has completed numerous sorties, including several attacks on enemy shipping. He has given valuable service and displayed leadership of the highest order. He has destroyed at least nine enemy aircraft. Flight-Lieutenant V. Allport, D.F.C. (Nelson), joined his squadron in August 1941 and took part in several shipping sweeps over the North Sea before proceeding overseas. In November last year he was pilot of an aircraft attacking a large supply vessel with a destroyer escort. In heavy rain and poor visibility he made the attack, leaving the ship on fire. Pilot Officer J. E. Casey, D.F.C. (Auckland), who was killed in an air-

craft accident, participated in a number of sorties over heavily defended targets. In April of this year he performed excellent work during an attack on Essen. He had shown exceptional keenness to undertake any task and was most conscientious. Pilot Officer A. W. G. Cochrane, D.F.C. (Rawene), was employed as captain of an aircraft and completed attacks with skill, courage, determination and fearlessness in the face of danger. He inspired a high standard of morale among his crew. He has attacked many important targets, including Brest, Cologne, Bremen and Hamburg. Flying Officer G. M. Davies, D.F.C. (Dunedin), participated in numerous operational missions, including attacks on such heavily defended targets as Wilhelmshaven, Brest, Hamburg, Kiel and Essen. His navigation was invariably of the highest order and his determination to ensure accurate bombing was most notable. He set a courageous example. Flying Officer D. S. Gibb, D.F.C. (Motunau), participated in numerous attacks on industrial targets, shipping and dockyard, installations. He is sn / excellent captain, thorough and determined. By his own example he instilled his aircraft crew with a fine fighting spirit, which was largely responsible for the successes obtained. He has displayed great courage and devotion to duty. SKILL AND DETERMINATION Squadron Leader R. J. Newton, D.F.C. (Christchurch), carried out many sorties as captain of an aircraft. He has displayed great skill and determination and several times has flown his aircraft safely back, though it was severely damaged. He is an excellent bomber pilot and an outstanding captain and has set a splendid example. Flight-Lieutenant R. L. Spurdie, D.F.C. (Wanganui), is a determined pilot. He has destroyed five, probably four more, and damaged several more enemy aircraft. By his devotion to duty he has set a praiseworthy example. Squadron Leader K. F. Thiele, D.F.C. (Christchurch), has shown great skid and has pressed home attacks regardless of the opposition. He is a fine leader and a courageous flight commander and has set a most praiseworthy example. He has attacked Berlin, Wilhelmshaven, Brest, Essen, Cologne, Emden and other targets Pilot Officer P. S. Duff, D.F.C. (Hamilton), has completed many softies, involving attacks on a wide range of enemy targets, as navigator, bomb aimer and later as captain of aircraft. He has taken part in sorties, including heavy raids on Cologne and Essen. His courage and zeal are of the highest order. Sergeant K. O. Law, D.F.M. (Cambridge), possesses commendable courage and a fine record, of achievement won by exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger. In April 1942 when in combat with enemy aircraft over the North Sea. his aircraft was seriously damaged and set on fire. He flew back to his base and made a perfect landing in the dark with the wheels retracted.