SIX MORE AIR FORCE AWARDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 180, 2 August 1940, Page 6

SIX MORE AIR FORCE AWARDS

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN OUTLINE OF CAREERS [ Per Press Association. J WELLINGTON, Aug. 1. Gazetting of six more awards to New Zealanders serving in the R.A.F. brings the total of such awards since the outbreak to 25. Following are additional particulars concerning the latest recipients of the D.F.C. and D.F.M., released by the Director of Publicity, Mr. J. T. Paul:— Squadron Leader E. W. Whitley, D.F.C.: Left New Zealand for Britain in 1930, where he joined the R.A.F. in December ot that year. After an excellent record of service he was promoted to squadron leader. He is 31 and is married with two children.

Pilot Officer lan Ernest Persons, D.F.C.: Born in Christchurch 27 years ago, he was educated at Christchurch Boys’ High School, gaining matriculation and a Canterbury University College bursary. He entered Canterbury University College to study law and commerce and took a prominent part in cricket and football activities. He joined the Canterbury Aero Club, gaining an A licence in 1932. For two years he was an officer in the Public Trust, later resigning to apply for a commssion in the R.A.F. He left for Britain in 1933. While serving in the R.A.F. he took a conspicuous part in Service football activities, representing the R.A.F. during the 1938-39 season and last year representing England in an international match against Scotland on March 18. Pilot Officer Neil Hyland Svenson, D.F.C.: Born in Pukekohe, he is aged 25. He was educated at Pukekohe Technical High School, where he matriculated. After leaving school he became keenly interested in the volunteer territorial military forces and served with the Auckland Regiment in the rank of second-lieutenant. He was selected for a short service commission with the R.AF. >n 1937 and left for Britain in August of that year. Pilot Officer William Trigance, D.F.C.: Born in Temuka, he will celebrate his twenty-sixth birthday shortly. He was educated at the Temuka District High School, where he matriculated. For three years he was employed by the South Canterbury Electric Power Board, leaving to accept a short service commission with the R.A.F. in 1927. Sergeant Asher Reece. D.F.Mk Born in Christchurch, he is aged 25. He was educated at the Christchurch Boys’ High School and Christchurch Technical College. After leaving school he joined his father as a landscape architect. He was accepted into the R.A.F. in 1938 and left for Britain in April of that year. Sergeant Edwin Peter Williams, DF.M: He celebrates his twentyfourth birthday next month and was born in Rotorua and educated at St. Stephen's Boys’ School, near Auckland, where he matriculated. He was prominent at school in the cadet corps, attaining the rank of company ser-geant-major. He is a well-known amateur radio enthusiast. He was employed for a period by Pan-American Airways in Auckland, leaving in 1938 to join the R.N.Z.A.f’. as a wireless operator. He left to join the R.A.F. for training in January 1939. In the same group was Corporal C. B. G. Knight) Nelson, who was awarded the D.F°M. last February for conspicuous