PROUD RECORD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 November 1941, Page 6

PROUD RECORD

AWARDS TO NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN PRESENT TOTAL OF 153. MORE THAN HUNDRED D.F.C.s WON. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November 13. The century mark has been reached in Distinguished Flying Crosses, and total awards to New Zealand airmen overseas since the beginning of the war now number 153, said the Defence Minister, Mr Jones, today. He recalled that in June last he referred to New Zealand’s proud record of one hundred decorations having been won by our airmen. “The fact that in the short space of approximately four months a further fifty awards have been merited shows the extent to which New Zealanders are taking part in the'ever-expanding activities of the Royal Air Force,” said the Minister. “It is now well known that New Zealanders have served with distinction in every phase of the war, and it is with a feeling of pride that the Government learned of the appointment recently of a New Zealander as the leader of British airmen now fighting side by side with our Russian allies.” The analysis of the awards is as follows: Victoria Cross, 1; D. 5.0., 4; D.F.C., with bar, 6; D.F.C., 100; D.F.M., 21; George Medal, 3; Air Force Cross, 16; Air Force Medal, 1; Croix de Guerre, 1; total, 153.