NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN HONOURED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 34, 10 February 1941, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN HONOURED

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSSES CHRISTCHURCH AND TE AKOHA. [ Per Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, Feb. 8. According to advice received by Air Headquarters, Flying-Officer M. H. Macfarlane, Christchurch, and Flight-Lieutenant G. R. Magill, Ruakaka, Te Aroha, have each been awarded a D.F.C. Flying-Officer Macfarlane was born in Christchurch 24 years ago and educated at Christ’s College. He was selected for a short service commission in the R.A.F. in 1939. He is married. Flight-Lieutenant Magill was born in Cambridge 26 years ago. He was educated at the Te Aroha District High School and represented the school at Rugby and cricket. He travelled to England in 1936 and was successful in an application for a short service commission with the R.A.F. He has served with the R.A.F. since July, 1936. His next-of-kin is his father, Mr. R. W. Magill. A British official wireless message dated Thursday last, said: Among the latest list of D.F.C.’s is an award to a New' Zealander, acting-Flying Officer M. H. Macfarlane, of Christchurch. Though the wireless set In Flying Officer Macfarlane’s machine failed to function soon after he took off on a raid on Hanover, he continued on his way, successfully bombed the target, and returned safely to his base, though visibility was poor and the cloud base w'as at less than 500 feet. On a previous mission he carried out a forced landing in the dark with only one engine, causing little damage to the aircraft and none to the crew. At all times he displayed the utmost coolness, courage and devotion to duty.