TALLY REACHES 50

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21820, 25 November 1940, Page 4

TALLY REACHES 50

Decorations Won By Dominion Pilots WELLINGTON, November 24. The Hon. F. Jones announced tonight that he had received official advice of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Acting-Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Watt Coleman, son of Mrs H. N. Coleman, Havelock North. It is understood that he took a prominent part in the recent big raid on Munich. Mr Jones said this award brought the total number of Air Force decorations awarded to New Zealanders since the outbreak of war to 50, made up of 39 Distinguished Flying Crosses, including two with bar, four Distinguished Flying Medals, six Air Force Crosses and one Croix de Guerre. Mr Jones said the Dominion could be justly proud of the work being performed by New Zealanders serving with the Royal Air Force. “We can say definitely that the honours board reads 50 not out,” said Mr Jones, “for the men we are training here give every indication that they will fully live up to the outstanding record established by those who have preceded them overseas and who are continuing to score success after success. The blows the Royal Air Force is inflicting on the enemy are very considerable in both weight and importance. New Zealand can reasonably be proud that our boys are able to play such a part in the Empire’s fight for freedom.